(April 29, 2005) - After a one year hiatus, American Quarter Horses returned to Retama Park on Friday, April 29, and ten owners are now looking for a big payoff in two weeks. Eleven qualifying heats for the $80,000 MBNA Ford Juvenile Challenge were held opening night of the 2005 live racing season, with 4,155 fans cheering as ten two-year-olds qualified for the finals, which will be held on May 14.

The qualifiers for the $80,000 MBNA Ford Juvenile Challenge were:

Speed On Prince
El Zapatista
Jess Let Loose
Ace Crystal Charm
Classified Bull
True Sixes
Our Lady La Jolla
Im a Easy Secret
Hes Gotta Go
Featuring a Rockette

Ace Crystal Charm may have been the most impressive winner. The sorrel filly was the only qualifier to run against a headwind. Shortly after the first race, the wind turned around and came out of the west to help the next nine qualifiers.

After a Friday night opening on April 29, the track’s regular schedule of live racing for the American Quarter Horse meet is Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings until closing night, June 19. Post times and other information can be obtained at www.retamapark.com or by calling (210) 651-7000.

Live simulcasting from the nation’s top Thoroughbred racetracks is available every day and night except Christmas at Retama Park. Gates open daily for simulcasting at 10:30 a.m.