The Michelob Ultra Challenger Stakes is a Grade 3 American Thoroughbred horse race for four-year-olds and older, run over 1 1/16 miles on dirt at Tampa Bay Downs in Oldsmar, Florida. It is part of the early spring stakes program and attracts experienced turf horses stepping up in graded stakes company.
The 2026 Michelob Ultra Challenger Stakes is scheduled for March 7 at Tampa Bay Downs, with an approximate purse of $125,000.
In the 2025 Michelob Ultra Challenger Stakes, Skippylongstocking won the race for the third consecutive year at Tampa Bay Downs, giving trainer Saffie A. Joseph, Jr. and jockey Tyler Gaffalione another graded stakes victory. Past winners include accomplished older turf horses that often return to graded stakes competition throughout the season.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Skippylongstocking | Tyler Gaffalione | Saffie A. Joseph, Jr. | 1:41.20 |
| 2024 | Skippylongstocking | Tyler Gaffalione | Saffie A. Joseph, Jr. | 1:43.12 |
| 2023 | Skippylongstocking | Irad Ortiz, Jr. | Saffie A. Joseph, Jr. | 1:42.52 |
| 2022 | Scalding | Javier Castellano | Claude R. McGaughey III | 1:43.53 |
| 2021 | Last Judgment | Daniel Centeno | Michael J. Maker | 1:41.98 |
| 2020 | Trophy Chaser | Paco Lopez | Juan Carlos Avila | 1:42.28 |
