Quarter Horse records fall on Challenge Championship night

There were two records set in Friday night’s Grade 1, $350,000 Challenge Championship for Quarter Horses at Fair Grounds. The first was by Feature Jess Rockin, who won the 440-yard race in a track-record time of 21.26 seconds. The other came from Stolis Winner, whose third-place finish pushed him past Refrigerator’s all-time earnings mark.

The race was part of the $1.1 million Challenge Championship card of 13 stakes. The main event was the Challenge Championship, and Feature Jess Rockin’s win earned her a berth into next month’s Grade 1, $750,000 Champion of Champions at Los Alamitos.

Stolis Winner, meanwhile, picked up $35,000 for his third-place finish to surpass Refrigerator’s longstanding Quarter Horse earnings record of $2,126,309. Stolis Winner, the world champion in 2008, has now earned an all-time breed best of $2,153,981.

“I think that he’s very deserving,” said Heath Taylor, who trains Stolis Winner for his breeder, Jerry Windham.

Feature Jess Rockin ($22.80) broke her own track record Friday, as she had earned a berth into the Challenge Championship by winning a Sept. 25 qualifying race at Fair Grounds in 21.39. On Friday, she won by a half-length over Rylees Boy. It was another nose back in third to Stolis Winner.

John Hamilton rode Feature Jess Rockin for Reed Land & Cattle Co., and trainer Donnie Strickland.

Spit Curl Diva scores again

Spit Curl Diva held for a nose win in the Grade 1, $125,000 Merial Distaff. It was her eighth win from nine starts in 2010.

“She loves what she’s doing,” said Jody Brown, who trains Spit Curl Diva for Thomas Lepic.

Spit Curl Diva ($3.20) covered the 400 yards for fillies and mares in 19.76 seconds. She was ridden by David Brown.

Earlier this year, Spit Curl Diva earned a berth into next month’s Champion of Champions by winning the Grade 1 Refrigerator Handicap at Lone Star Park.

* In other Grade 1 action, Acorn ($6) was powerful along the outside to win the $200,000 Derby Challenge Championship by a neck over Diamond for Jess. Alfonso Lujan rode the winner for trainer Janet VanBebber.

* De Passem Okey ($9.40) was a three-quarter-length winner of the Grade 1, $125,000 Distance Challenge Championship at 870 yards. G.R. Carter Jr. was aboard for Steve Holt and trainer Rodney Reed.

* A Spring Snow ($3.40) won his seventh straight race when he romped by 2 1/2 lengths in the $75,000 Starter Allowance Challenge Championship.