FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 19, 1999 Contact: Kate Snider

AMRA - 004 Phone: (916) 263-3047

Herald, California - Champagne Charlie resident of the small town of Herald, California, was named world champion three year old racing mule for 1998. "Run Charlie Run" was the battle cry heard throughout the summer. In a contest that began in May in Winnemucca, Nevada and continued throughout the summer fairs, Champagne Charlie and the "White Flash," Miss Nite Lite battled for the title of world champion. In a heart stopping photo finish at the last summer fair in Fresno, Charlie was victorious; clinched the title; and added to his fan club.

• Champagne Charlie is probably the only mule in the world with a fan club and newsletter.
• His fan club has T-shirts with Run Charlie Run printed on the front.
• Over Charlie's stall is a sign that reads Run Charlie Run along with his logo depicting a mule with a bottle of champagne.

Get the picture?

He was the underdog all summer but the fans never wavered. His rider received one set of instructions from trainer, John Clements, "Hurry!" In one race the total handle was $163,000. In an eight mule field, 42% of this was wagered on Charlie. Not bad on a mule that, at that time, had never won a race.

While many horse racing fields have shrunk over the years, mules are flourishing. The fans love them; the purses are getting bigger (one race at Fresno boasts a $15,000 purse); and, as we all know, mules are tough.

So, if you're breeding for the perfect mule, why not consider a racing mule? We need a bigger herd to draw from. People in California are looking for racing prospects. If you have any questions, please contact Kate Snider (916) 263-1529.