What a year it was for Mr Michel. The two-year-old son of Kiss My Hocks turned in numerous outstanding performances to score the most wins of the meet and earn the title of Leading Quarter Horse of the 2021 racing season at Indiana Grand.

Trained by Claudio Barraza, Mr Michel won five of seven starts and purses of more than $210,000. That tally gives him the record for most purse money earned by a Quarter Horse in one season, topping the previous mark of $190,512 held by Stone Cold Leader.

Mr Michel (photo) polished off his 2021 season by winning four straight races, two of which were stakes wins in the Miss Roxie Little Futurity and the Leader of the Class Futurity. He is owned by Alberto Valadez and was ridden in his last four starts by Erik Esqueda. The two are undefeated together in 2021.

A blanket presentation was held for Mr Michel on the final night of racing at Indiana Grand. Rachel McLaughlin, on-air racing analyst, accepted the blanket on behalf of the connections of Mr Michel (pronounced Michael).

The sorrel gelding, bred by Mark Michel, is out of the mare Lovemelikethat, who was a stakes winner at Indiana Grand during her racing career.