Five Bar Jess Cartel Going Away Winner of $104,332 Mardi Gras Derby

Five Bar Jess Cartel, under jockey Ubaldo Luna, easily winning the $104,332 Mardi Gras Derby on Saturday at Louisiana Downs.

© Ann Switalski Photography

BOSSIER CITY, LA–APRIL 1, 2023–Five Bar Jess Cartel raced to his second career stakes win on Saturday when he defeated Pk Pure Rogue by one-length in the $104,332 Mardi Gras Derby at Louisiana Downs.

Ridden by jockey Ublado Luna, Five Bar Jess Cartel raced over the 400 yards in :19.540 seconds, earning 107 speed index with a 10 mph tailwind. It was the fifth career win in 11 starts for the son of champion Five Bar Cartel.

Trainer Joel Huitron saddled the Louisiana-bred colt for owner Fausto Mendoza. Gerard Hebert bred the 3-year-old from the Tempting Dash mare Jess Tempting To Fly. The Mardi Gras Derby was the third consecutive win for Five Bar Jess Cartel. He also won the LQHBA Louisiana Million Juvenile in his last start at 2 and has earned $113,479.

Trainer Huitron spoke about the way Five Bar Jess Cartel has progressed from last year.

"He gave us some trouble as a 2-year-old," said Huitron. "We knew he was fast, but he could be difficult in the starting gate. Schooling him in the gates has made a big difference and we were really happy with his win today."

The winning connections of Five Bar Jess Cartel accept the Mardi Gras Derby stakes trophy at Louisiana Downs.
© Ann Switalski Photography

Runner-up Pk Pure Rogue earned $17,737 for his effort. Trainer Bradley Bolen named Arnulfo Gutierrez to ride the Heza Fast Rogue colt for owner Jose Rodriguez. Phatt Kay Ranch bred the multiple stakes-placed earner of $52,707,

Jetty and Donald Lemaire's Lrh Grant James finished three-quarters back to pick up $10,433 for third. Trainer Dwayne Breaux named jockey Juan Garcia, Jr. to ride the One Sweet Jess colt out of Lrh Heartofanoak by Oak Tree Special. Lrh Grant James has earned $31,913.

Jessabluesman, Toast To Blue, Hes A Fast Blood, Jj Freight Star, Apollitical Sir, Genuine Betrayal and Cole Train 2 completed the field.

Additional reporting by Martha Claussen.

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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.