Tm Dee First Bar Takes The $25,000 Winners Circle Church Stakes At Louisiana Downs

Tm Dee First Bar(#5) holds off Dianetoseparatefromu (#9) in the $25,000 Winners Circle Church Stakes Friday afternoon at Louisiana Downs.

© Ann Switalski Photography

BOSSIER CITY, LA–MARCH 31, 2023–The 2023 Quarter Horse season at Louisiana Downs wraps on Saturday, April 1. Friday’s feature honored a very important member of the Louisiana Downs racing community.

The inaugural $25,000 Winner’s Circle Church Stakes attracted a field of eight and it’s safe to say that each of the connections have been assisted in some capacity by the Winner’s Circle Church. 

For the past 20 years, this non-profit organization has supported the Louisiana Downs racing community and backstretch workers in many ways. Chaplain Jimmy Sistrunk is its guiding force, offering weekly church services, counseling, clothing, resources on healthcare for horsemen and their families.

"We were just known as the Chaplaincy, but one morning the Winner’s Circle Church name just came to me," recalled Sistrunk. "So many men and women work hard each day, caring for horses and playing important roles at Louisiana Downs. We see that our outreach and programs make a difference for those facing challenges."

There appeared to be no challenge for today’s winner Tm Dee First Bar who broke with authority under leading rider Ubaldo Luna in the 350-yard stakes.

He was able to sustain his lead over a fast closing Dianetoseparatefromu, by a head in a final time of :17.801 seconds, a 94 speed index over the fast main track.

The winning connections of Tm Dee First Bar accept the Winners Circle Church Stakes trophy at Louisiana Downs.
© Ann Switalski Photography

The 5-year-old son of Five Bar Cartel was claimed for $20,000 by owner Jose H. Rodriguez and trainer Fernando Valdez and won a 250-yard optional claimer on February 23.

“We liked him and were excited about the claim,” said Valdez. “He’s as sound as he can be. Luna wasn’t sure he could get 350 yards, but he showed us today that he could. He’ll go to Delta next.”

Sent off at odds of 11-1, Tm Dee First Bar rewarded his followers with a win payout of $25. This marked his sixth career win from 26 starts and the $15,000 winner’s share vaulted his earnings to $80,030. Two The Max Investments LLC bred the gelding from the Deefirst mare Call Her Dee.

Runner-up Dianetoseparatefromu was ridden by Eleazar Hernandez for trainer Leonel Hernandez. Angel Juarez Corona owns the graded stakes-placed son of Inseperable from the Corona Cartel mare Coronas Concierge. The $5,000 second-place payday increased. 4-year-olds earnings total to $91,344.

Rm Super Angel, a multiple stakes-placed son of Super Sonic Patriot, finished 1-1/4 lengths back to pick up $2,750 for third. Trainer Mario Trujillo, Jr. named jockey Mario Trujillo to ride the 4-year-old filly for owner-breeder Elsa Mendoza. Out of the Walk Thru Fire mare Fashion Report, Rm Super Angel has earned $57,640.

Jm Friday, Denalia Sweet Jess, Onemorewildtrain, Jj Heza Fast Dash Jr, Emorylee and Inseperablebaby completed the field.

Louisiana Downs Quarter Horse Meet Wraps on Saturday, April 1

The 2023 Louisiana Downs live racing season will conclude Saturday with four stakes on the card, highlighted by the $104,708 Mardi Gras Oaks and $104,332 Mardi Gras Derby. In addition, the Bossier City racetrack will honor the leading owner, trainer and jockey of the meet. 
 

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About Louisiana Downs
Located near Shreveport in Bossier City, Louisiana, Louisiana Downs opened in 1974 and is owned by Rubico Acquisition Corporation. With annual Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing seasons, the track is committed to presenting the highest quality racing programs paired with its 150,000 square foot entertainment complex offering casino gambling, dining and plasma screen televisions for sports and simulcast racing.