Page 164 - Speedhorse February

NEWS BRIEFS
PAINT RACING NEWS
Bringing you the latest news relating to Paint running horses • Photos courtesy of APHA
Get Ready for the Ultimate LIVE Action!
Paint racing is returning to Remington Park in Oklahoma City on March 6, kicking
off another thrilling season of races every Thursday through Sunday until June 1. Don’t miss your chance to witness the excitement
– with free admission and parking, it’s the perfect opportunity to be part of the action! Check out the full live racing schedule
at www.remingtonpark.com/calendar- posttimes/. Get ready for an unforgettable racing experience!
The 2025 Oklahoma Paint & Appaloosa Futurity-G1 Is Almost Here!
The highly anticipated Oklahoma Paint
& Appaloosa Futurity-G1, featuring an estimated $200,000 purse, is just around
the corner. The event will take place at Remington Park in Oklahoma City alongside the $30,000 Oklahoma Paint & Appaloosa Juvenile, which will feature horses placing 11th through 20th in the futurity trials. Come out to support Paint racing and cheer on the competitors as they race for a chance to take home substantial earnings. Don’t miss the action!
WF Jess Candy & Vesper Martini Crowned APHA’s 2024 World Champion Running Horses
The American Paint Horse Association (APHA) has named its 2024 World Champion Running Horses, with honors going to WF Jess Candy and Vesper Martini.
World Champion Running Horse:
WF Jess Candy
WF Jess Candy, a 2022 sorrel overo gelding, secured his first world title in 2024. Trained by Dee Keener, the rising star racked up three wins from 10 starts, including victories in two Grade 1 stakes— the $40,000 Oklahoma Paint & Appaloosa Juvenile Stakes and the $230,475 Speedhorse Graham Paint & Appaloosa Futurity. With $119,274 in earnings, the gelding is owned by Painted Faith Racing and was bred by Steve and Dee Keener.
World Champion Solid Paint-Bred Running Horse: Vesper Martini
Vesper Martini, a standout 2-year-old, claimed the title of World Champion Solid Paint-Bred Running Horse. In 2024, she earned six wins, including stakes victories in the Grade 1 Pot O’ Gold Futurity and the Texas Hero Juvenile, earning $107,017. The bay solid mare is owned by 918 Bloodstock and was bred by Garvan Kelly and Lloyd Yother.
2024 APHA RUNNING CHAMPIONS
Additional honors include:
Leading Breeder: Garvan Kelly & Lloyd Yother ($197,335) Leading Owner: 918 Bloodstock ($234,768)
Leading Trainer: Matt Whitekiller ($625,617)
Leading Jockey: Roman Cruz ($232,525)
Champion 2-Year-Old Colt: Handsomer, owned by Bertha Nunez
Champion 2-Year-Old Solid Paint-Bred Colt: Jessys Hero, owned by Waylan Melton Champion 2-Year-Old Filly: Wire Transfer, owned by Robin Haggard
Champion 2-Year-Old Solid Paint-Bred Filly & Champion 2-Year-Old:
Vesper Martini owned by 918 Bloodstock
Champion 2-Year-Old Gelding & Champion 2-Year-Old: WF Jess Candy, owned by Painted Faith Racing
Champion 2-Year-Old Solid Paint-Bred Gelding:
OSC Is On Fire, owned by Rogelio Sandoval
Champion 3-Year-Old Colt: None Eligible
Champion 3-Year-Old Solid Paint-Bred Colt: Lin, owned by Jie Lin
Champion 3-Year-Old Filly: Tess The Wire, owned by Bryan Hawk
Champion 3-Year-Old Solid Paint-Bred Filly: Wired Red Head, owned by Taylor Van Bebber, John Herrick & Connie Young
Champion 3-Year-Old Gelding & Champion 3-Year-Old: Storms
Livewire, owned by Edith Gutierrez
Champion 3-Year-Old Solid Paint-Bred Gelding & Champion 3-Year-Old:
Wire Tap, owned by Dan & Kaye Jones
Champion Aged Stallion: None Eligible
Champion Aged Solid Paint-Bred Stallion: Strawflyin Eagle, owned by Jose Romero Champion Aged Mare: Turnpikes Judy, owned by Shari Burger and Vickie Mcbee Champion Aged Solid Paint-Bred Mare: KGS Wish, owned by Betty Charbonneau Champion Aged Gelding & Champion Aged Horse:
Over The Shock, owned by Robin Haggard
Champion Aged Solid Paint-Bred Gelding & Champion Aged Horse:
Livewires Turnpike, owned by Bryan Hawk
Broodmare of the Year: SW Eye Candy owned by Steve Wright and Dee Keener Distance Champion: KGS Wish, owned by Betty Charbonneau
Claiming Champion: Pevs Wire To Wire, owned by Jackie Pevehouse
Learn more about APHA racing opportunities at apha.com/racing. Images courtesy Dustin Orona Photography
162 SPEEDHORSE February 2025