Three Louisiana Students Were Awarded LQHBA Scholarships On Saturday

Brooke Smith, Will Thibodeaux, Victoria Morris, LQHBA Board Of Directors: Michael Hayes, Richard Ortego, Jr., LQHBA Executive Director Bruce Salard, and LSRC Commissioner Bossier – Mike McHalffey.

© Ann Switalski Photography

BOSSIER CITY, LA–MARCH 28, 2023–The rewards were plentiful for both Louisiana-bred Quarter Horses and Louisiana students on March 25 at Louisiana Downs, The Bossier City racetrack hosted an exciting final of the $365,080 Mardi Gras Futurity (RG2), the first official test for 2-year-olds in the country.

The afternoon also offered the first opportunity of the year for eligible Louisiana students to receive scholarships courtesy of the Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders Association (LQHBA) Scholarship Fund. For the second year in a row, Louisiana Downs generously contributed $3,000 to boost the amount of the three LQHBA Scholarships. Three drawings of $2,000, a total of $6,000 were offered to Louisiana students.

Bruce Salard, LQHBA executive director and LQHBA board members assisted with the drawings enabling the following students to further their education in 2023. Winners of $2,000 scholarships were Brooke Smith; Will Thibodeaux and Victoria Morris.

"We are tremendously grateful to Kevin Preston and his team at Louisiana Downs for their generosity in matching funds for the three scholarships again this year," said Salard."Their willingness to support students who wish to further their education is greatly appreciated and the three winners were thrilled!”

While the primary goal of the LQHBA is to promote breeding and racing in the state, the association remains dedicated to furthering higher education for Louisiana youth. Since its inception in 2001, the LQHBA scholarship program provided close to $800,000 for Louisiana students.

For more information on the LQHBA Scholarship Program and eligibility requirements, visit LQHBA.com or call the LQHBA office in Alexandria at (318) 487-9506.