Multiple Grade 1 winner in the Downs at Albuquerque saddling paddock Saturday prior to the Bank of America Challenge Championship(G1).

© Greg Thompson / StallioneSearch

ODESSA, TX—OCTOBER 26, 2021—-One of the top older-horses in the nation is reported to be on the road to full-recovery after a paddock accident that took place prior to the running of the 2021 $250,000 Bank of America Challenge Championship(G1) at The Downs at Albuquerque this past weekend.

While the field for the tenth-race gathered in the paddock to be saddled for the finale of the championship night in Albuquerque, Sergio Holguin owned Valiant Tiberias was slated as one of the betting favorites going into the 440-yard event.

The five-year old son of champion sire Valiant Hero was coming off of a spectacular win last time out in the Downs at Albuquerque Fall Championship (G1), where he defeated the reigning Bank Of America Challenge Championship(G1) winner and AQHA's Champion Aged Horse of 2020, Danjer.

Known to be slightly-unruly at times in the paddock, Valiant Tiberias suffered an accident in the paddock Saturday night. After being attended by the track veterinarian, Valiant Tiberias was able to walk under his own power back to the test barn and was scratched due to the incident.

"We were able to haul him home to Odessa, Texas since the paddock accident," said owner Sergio Holguin. "It was very unfortunate that it happened, but we are so grateful he was able to make it back to the barn on his own. We are hoping for him to make a full-recovery, and he appears to be doing well as he has been cleaning up his grain each night. As of right now, we don't have any thought of when his return might be to the races."

Valiant Tiberias has won four-of-six races in 2021, including victories in the two Grade 1 races in the Sooner Stakes(RG1) and the Downs At Albuquerque Fall Championship(G1).

Bred by Reliance Ranches LLC, the five-year old gelding has career earnings of $852,832 from 12 wins, including four Grade 1 victories.