The 2026 Karen Utecht Memorial Stakes on October 17 was a ‘hot’ horserace in every sense of the word, with a tight three-horse finish at the wire that left the hopeful crowd clasping their claim tickets. After a scrutinizing review by Lone Star Park track officials, both Ima Chili and La Cholula made their way to the winner’s circle as co-champions in a dead-heat finish.
The dual winners clocked 17.711 over a fast 350-yard track, splitting the lion’s share of the $41,250 purse. Ima Chili stumbled at the start, but recovered to launch a late rally. The 2022 bay solid gelding by Chilitos and out of Ima Not Hillary (QH) was trained by Zachery Rios and ridden by Roman Huerta. Ima Chili is owned by Darrell Hooper of Carrolton, Texas, and was bred by Sarah Huskey.
Ridden by J.R. Ramirez Jr., La Cholula is a 2022 sorrel solid mare by Chilitos and out of Trampstamp (QH). She is owned and bred by Isabel Huitron of Austin, Texas, and trained by Shae Cox.
Last year’s defending champion, the 2022 bay tobiano mare Rosario Tijeras, finished third with jockey Claudio Aguilar, just a head behind the winners. Sarah Huskey of Poolville, Texas, bred and owns the mare, who is by Boknaai (QH) and out of Tres Miracles. Esteban Rubio trained Rosario Tijeras.
All three top runners earned a 90 speed index. The remaining field was composed of Jackson Davis 747, Mrs PYC Painted Nova, Just An Eagle, Cholulaa, VP Dash For Texas, Moonpike and VP Gravel Pit Dancer.
The Karen Utecht Memorial Stakes is named in honor of APHA’s late director of racing, who was a longtime driving force for Paint racing. Current APHA Director of Racing Carly Peercy and other APHA staff were on hand to present the memorial trophy to the winners’ connections.
Learn more about Paint racing at apha.com/racing.
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About APHA
The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association, registering more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded in 1962. APHA promotes, preserves and provides meaningful experiences with Paint Horses.