The Bank of America Racing Challenge is a purse and bonus awards program developed by AQHA to increase racing opportunities for older horses. In 1993, the Challenge debuted and marked the first major program in horse racing to begin running races within a year of inception.
After 13 years of operation, the Bank of America Racing Challenge has become the industry's premier program, having distributed over $39 million in purses to owners and bonus awards to nominators and stallion owners. Of this amount, more than 60% has been contributed by corporate sponsors.
The Bank of America Racing Challenge is a $5 million series of 58 races run in 11 regions at racetracks across the United States, Canada, Mexico and South America. The winner of each of these regional events earns a starting position to the Bank of America Challenge Championships to compete in the final of that particular race. The Bank of America Challenge is racing’s original series with a Championship finale. On Challenge Championship night a total of six championship races, six additional undercard races and the AQHYA Claiming Stakes are run.
The Bank of America Racing Challenge is to American Quarter Horse racing what the NCAA “Road to the Final Four” is to basketball. Sixty-five teams square off in four regions in college basketball’s famous tournament, while the Bank of America Challenge involves 564 horses in 11 regions in direct competition. These horses compete in races depending on their age and their ability.
The program assesses no administrative or advertising fees and obtains the majority of its money from corporate partners and host racetracks.
Bank of America is AQHA’s official financial services company and offers designer or racing credit cards. Members also can finance trailers or take advantage of preferred CD rates.
Bank of America Challenge Championship (G1)
For the sport’s finest older horses | Bayer Legend Derby Challenge Championship (G1)
Starts outstanding derby horses |
Ford Juvenile Challenge Championship (G1)
Gives 2-year-olds the chance to impact their division | John Deere Distaff Challenge Championship (G1)
Starts the top fillies and mares |
Red Cell Distance Challenge Championship (G1)
Spotlights 870-yard specialists | Fort Dodge Claiming
Challenge Championship
Provides racing opportunities for claiming horses |
Regional races receive coverage on TVG.
To learn more about American Quarter Horse racing’s most prestigious program call (800) 831-4447 or visit aqharacing.com.