MBNA American Racing Challenge Heats Up

Three Championship Bids At Stake This Weekend

AMARILLO, Texas - Three regional races this weekend will help determine qualifiers in the 2003 MBNA AmericaR Quarter Horse Racing Challenge Championships. The Challenge is American Quarter Horse racing's richest program, awarding nearly $2.5 million in purses in 2002.

On Saturday, April 26, three regional races will be contested in Louisiana, New Mexico and Oregon.

The Bayer Legend East Challenge (G3), hosted by Delta Downs in Louisiana, is a 400-yard race for 3-year-olds. This regional race has a purse of $40,320. The Ford New Mexico Challenge (G3) held at the Downs at Albuquerque is a 400-yard race for fillies and mares 3-years-old and up. The Ford New Mexico Challenge has a $30,870 purse. The Professonal's Choice Northwest Challenge for 3-year-olds
and up is a $7,500 claiming race. The Professional's Choice Northwest Challenge will be hosted by Portland Meadows in Portland, Oregon and has a purse of $18,810.

A total of 71 races take place in 10 regions across the United States, Canada and Mexico throughout the year. American Quarter Horses compete in one of six different types of races, depending on their age and ability.

A season-ending Championship Day takes place with a total of six championship events. The MBNA America Racing Challenge is a $4.8 million purse and bonus awards program, of which more than 60 percent is added money from AQHA Corporate Partners and host racetracks.

The 2003 MBNA America Challenge Championships will be held at Los Alamitos in Southern California on Saturday, November 1.

For more information on a schedule of Challenge races, log on to www.aqharacing.com or contact the Challenge Hotline at 877-AAA-RACE