Jockey Ubaldo Luna Hitting His Best Stride in 2023

Jockey Ubaldo Luna in a morning work at Louisiana Downs.

© Ann Switalski Photography

By Martha Claussen

BOSSIER CITY, LA—MARCH 1, 2023—Jockey Ubaldo Luna has made tremendous progress since coming to Louisiana in 2015.

The native of Vera Cruz, Mexico clinched his first leading rider title last year at Louisiana Downs winning 34 races. He built on that momentum throughout the year with solid results at Delta Downs before completing his year ranked third in the Evangeline Downs jockey standings.

Last season at Evangeline, Luna won his first graded stake aboard Jose Luis Perez Aguirre's homebred Mr Fast Mallard in the $179,806 LQHBA Derby for trainer Kenny Roberts. Luna was also the regular rider on 2022 schooling race standout, Konnan Cartel, who went on to three races last year for the Roberts barn.

I've been riding for Kenny for over a year," said Luna. "He is such a good horseman, and I am grateful for his support."

Tuckers Prize, under jockey Ubaldo Luna, winning the allowance feature on opening day at Louisiana Downs.
© Ann Switalski Photography

"Ubaldo is doing a real good job for us," said Roberts. "He takes a lot of pride in his work and is very dependable. I can tell certain things from watching my horses work, but Ubaldo comes back and tells me what he feels; that is valuable information."

Luna also acknowledges how much riding Tuckers Prize for owner/trainer Preston Jourdan, has also meant to him.

"He was my first big horse," said Luna of the son of Fast Prize Dash. "Kristen and I always tell Preston that when Tuckers Prize retires, we would be happy to take care of him!"

Kristen St Amant is Luna's wife and agent. She also represents riders Rolando Cabrera and the up and coming Arnulfo Gutierrez.  They are proud parents of 4-year-old Landon.

"Luna is here six days a week when the track opens and his dedication in the mornings has gotten the attention of so many trainers," stated St Amant.

He is ready for a big week at Louisiana Downs. On Thursday, he has three mounts in trials for the $339,046 Louisiana Futurity (G3) for Jourdan, Dustin Rhodes and Daniel Luna. On Friday, March 3, he will ride in eight $365,080 Mardi Gras Futurity trials for trainers including Roberts, Rhodes,  Guillermo Martinez, Alex Clark and Joel Huitron. He will complete his busy week with eight more Mardi Gras trials on Saturday, March 4

Preparation for the trials is built on what Luna has learned from working many 2-year-olds prior to their racing debut.

"You have to know the horse," stated Luna. "They are just babies and are learning each time they work or run in a schooling race. You always hope for a good break, but can't predict how each one will do."

Qualifying for one or both of the futurities at Louisiana Downs would be another stepping stone for the 34-year-old jockey.

"It would mean a lot," said Luna. "I have always believed that hard work pays off and will pray for safe trips in the trials. This has been a great meet so far!"

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Martha Claussen has been involved in Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred racing since 1997. She continues to be active in writing, fan education and Quarter Horse racing publicity in Louisiana, Texas, Indiana and other regions in North America.