Page 166 - November_2023

AQHA Challenge Championships
Cox Ranch Distance Challenge Championship-G1
THE GRAND LEGEND
by Michael Compton
The Grand Legend joined the ranks of Grade 1 stakes winners with a dominant victory in the $104,500 Cox Ranch Distance Challenge Championship-G1 at Lone Star Park on Oct. 21. The win also provided owner James Whitener with his first Grade 1 win as an owner in 23 years of owning horses.
Ridden by jockey Noe Villatoro, The Grand Legend tracked the early pace from second in the early going of the 870-yard marathon. Vying three wide, The Grand Legend grabbed command in the stretch and edged clear in the lane. Sent to the post as the 8-5 second choice in the wagering, The Grand Legend drew out from his rivals in the late stages to score by a widening 5-lengths
at the finish.
In winning the initial Grade 1 race of his career and his second straight graded stakes race, The Grand Legend stopped the timer in :45.121, earning a speed index of 103 for trainer Adan Guzman.
Lone Star Park
$104,500 • 870 yards :45.121 • SI 103
THE GRAND LEGEND, ‘16-g.
Bred by: Mercy Hinklins Horse Farm LLC
Raced to 7 $216,878 32-10(3)-5(3)-4(2)
FDD GOING GRAND
SI 112
Bred by: Mercy Hinklin Raced to 4 • $197,510 17-6(3)-8(5)-1
114 f., 7 SW • $2,065,689
FDD DYNASTY SI 102
Bred by: Vessels SF/Fakri FM L Partner
Raced to 3 • $1,173,001 11-8(3)-1(1)-2(2)
1,385 f., 97 SW • $33,580,178
CASH CARTEL SI 90 Bred by: Bob Weik Raced to 3 • $11,541 9-2-2-1
17 f., 3 SW • $1,001,052
LEGENDARY SEIS
SI 88
Bred by: Mercy Hinklin Raced to 3 • $23,692 6-1-0-1
12 f., 1 SW • $455,895
TRES SEIS SI 97
Bred by: Mrs. Gwendolyn Eaves Raced to 3 • $856,901 12-6(1)-3(3)-3(1)
1,820 f., 68 SW • $28,954,646
VALENTINE ALLIANCE
Bred by: Bill Weger & Robin Akers Unraced
10 f., 0 SW • $160,480
Susan Bachelor, Speedhorse
164 SPEEDHORSE November 2023
The Grand Legend wins the $104,500 Cox Ranch Distance Challenge Championship-G1 by 5 lengths.