Challenge Accepted had been retired and spent three years in a paddock at Mangoplah before returning to Corowa trainer Geoff Duryea earlier in the year.

Duryea thought the son of Sebring looked well enough and suggested he may bring the galloper back into work.

What started as a throw at the stumps gradually got more serious and is now at the point where he will have his first start since April 2017 at Wodonga on Friday.

The eight-year-old will contest the $35,000 Benchmark 64 Handicap (1100m).

"It was pie in the sky stuff," Duryea said.

"I said to the boys it's been a long time, it's been two and a half years. They said dad, it's been three and a half."

Challenge Accepted was a much-hyped galloper even before his debut after winning a trial at Berrigan by 10 lengths.

He won in dominant fashion on debut at Albury in September 2015 as a $1.50 favourite, before returning from a spell and running second at Moonee Valley and fourth at Sandown.

Challenge Accepted tackled the 2016 SDRA Country Championships Qualifier (1400m) at his fourth start, as a three-year-old, and ran fourth behind Steaknbearnaise.

He went onto run second in an Albury Guineas and returned for another crack at the Championships Qualifier a year later, only to run a luckless third behind Lautoro as the $3.50 favourite.

Injury ended his career shortly after with two wins and five minor placings from 12 starts.

Jordan Mallyon, who trialled Challenge Accepted at Corowa earlier in the month, has the ride for the comeback. The chestnut will carry 62 kilograms and has drawn barrier six.

"He trialled nice at Corowa the other day," Duryea said.

"He's been out for a long, long time but natural ability will carry him a long way."

Challenge Accepted's return will be part of a strong Southern District representation at Wodonga.

SDRA Horse of the Year Spunlago will have a third crack at winning the Cup, while fellow Albury gallopers Sky Call, Bezos, Footmark and Ourdreamsarefree will also compete.

John Kissick will ride Spanish Steps for Dan McCarthy in the Cup, while Jordan Mallyon (Sky Call) and Bradley Vale (Ourdreamsarefree) also have rides in the feature.

Straover, Yousay Bolt, Delivered, Not Too Sure and Fashion Tip will contest the Benchmark 70 Handicap (1300m).

Wagga apprentice jockeys Josh Richards and Hannah Williams also have rides on the day.

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