Jess a Saint wins first stakes in LQHBA Breeders' Futurity

Jess a Saint came rolling on the outside for a half-length win over Jet Black Rogue in the $1 million Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders Association Breeders’ Futurity on Saturday night at Evangeline Downs. It was another neck back in third to First Corona Down.

The LQHBA Breeders’ Futurity was the richest of the year at Evangeline in Opelousas, La.

Jess a Saint ($19.20) picked up steam midstretch and went on to cover 400 yards on a track rated fast in 19.84 seconds. Raul Ramirez Jr. was aboard for owner Julio Rios. Jess a Saint earned $445,000 for the win, which was his first in a stakes race. He is a son of Jess Louisiana Blue and the Vindication mare Laughing Saint.

“He’s out of a Thoroughbred mare,” said winning trainer Miguel Rodriguez. “I told his owner if he’s going to run, he’s going to run late.”

Jess a Saint was bred by J.E. and Bunny Jumonville.

The LQHBA was restricted to 2-year-olds bred in Louisiana. It shared a card with the $267,171 LQHBA Breeders’ Derby won by Heza Louisiana Dash.

Heza Louisiana Dash ($7.60) covered 400 yards in 19.89. Gilbert Ortiz, who on Friday night became the seventh rider to reach 3,000 Quarter Horse wins, was aboard for trainer Kenneth Roberts.

Heza Louisiana Dash races for T M Ranch. He is a son of Heza Fast Dash.