News - Racing March  29, 2024

Heza Louisiana Dash Gets First Stakes Win In LQHBA Breeders' Derby


Heza Louisiana Dash, under jockey Gilbert Ortiz, winning the $267,171 LQHBA Breeders' Derby at Evangeline Downs Saturday night.

© Coady Photography

OPELOUSAS, LA—NOVEMBER 28, 2015—Getting his 3002 career win, jockey Gilbert Ortiz guided Heza Louisiana Dash to a three-quarter length victory over Louisiana Jambalaya in the $267,171 LQHBA Breeders' Derby at Evangeline Downs Saturday night. Icanonlyemagine finished one-length behind in third place.

"He ran a super race in the trials; I didn't have to push him," jockey Ortiz said following the race. "Tonight he left running; something on the outside came running, but he just went on by. Kenny has done a great job with him. He had a layoff after New Orleans and was ready this meet."

Racing for owner T M Ranch and trainer Kenny Roberts, Sr., Heza Louisiana Dash covered the 400 yards under a hand-ride in :19.893 seconds, a 91 speed index into a 5 mph headwind. The $118,891 winner's purse nearly doubled the 3-year-olds total earnings mark to $212,115.

"I want to thank Mr. Steve Holland; he's a real good man and deserves this. I am really proud to train for him," trainer Roberts said in the winner's circle. "This is a very good horse. Last year, we had some bad luck with him. We brought him along slowly this year, but always knew he had a lot of talent."

Jumonville Farms and Burnett Ranch co-bred the son of leading sire Heza Fast Dash from the Mr Jess Perry mare Eyejesslovelouisiana. Heza Louisiana Dash has compiled a (12) 6-2-2 record.

Multiple graded stakes winner Louisiana Jambalaya picked up $58,788 for his second place effort. Trey Ellis conditions the Jet Black Patriot colt for owner Carter's Quarters LLC. Bred by Mars Racing and Robicheux Ranch, Inc., Louisiana Jambalaya has earned nearly $260,000. John Hamilton was aboard the gray 3-year-old out of the Royal Quick Dash mare Iwanna Dash.

The winning connections of Heza Louisiana Dash accept the LQHBA Breeders' Derby stakes trophy.
© Coady Photography
Bobby Cox owns Icanonlyemagine, a Swingin Jess gelding from the Dash For Cash mare Real Or Imagined. Also trained by Kenny Roberts, the sorrel gelding was ridden by Joe Badilla, Jr. The Daniel Trahan Louisiana-bred used the $29,389 third place money to boost his total past $150,000.

Heza Louisiana Dash was the second choice in the wagering at 5-2, paying $7.60 to win, $4.80 to place and $3.40 to show. Louisiana Jambalaya paid $5.20 to place and $4.40 to show. Icanonlyemagine was 14-1 on the tote board and paid $8.00 to show.

Dashacrossyourmind, Jes A Fast Dasher, Louisana Sixshooter, Little Blue Dove, B And G Fast Dash, Game Hi and Shes A Fast Dash completed the field.

Live racing will resume on Wednesday night at Evangeline Downs with a nine-race program. Post time will be 5:35 pm Central Time.

For more information on the American Quarter Horse season at Evangeline Downs, visit the track’s website at evdracing.com.


Courtesy Ses