Lrh Heart Of Glass Gets Third Stakes Victory In $30,000 Billy Montgomery at Louisiana Downs Thursday

Lrh Heart Of Glass, under jockey Arturo Alvarez, winning the $30,000 Billy Montgomery on Thursday at Louisiana Downs.

© Ann Switalski Photography

BOSSIER CITY, LA–FEBRUARY 8, 2024–Lrh Heart Of Glass bounced off a trouble start in the Louisiana Champions Day Classic(RG2) last December to win the $30,000 Billy Montgomery Stakes in her 2024 season debut at Thursday at Louisiana Downs.

Lrh Heart Of Glass broke in and bumped at the start before jockey Arturo Alvarez got the filly in a steady drive to win the 330 yard race by half-a-length over One Sweet Rouge.

Owned by Carlos Campos, the sorrel mare completed the distance in :17.111 seconds ,equaling a 90 speed index into a 12 mph headwind. She survived a jockey's objection in the race after the stewards ruled there was no interference after reviewing the video.

Trainer Francisco Campos Sr. saddled Lrh Heart Of Glass to her 11th career win in 27 starts.  This was the third career stakes victory for restricted Grade 2 winner.  Today's $18,000 purse boosted her earnings total to $235,032.

"She's a very fast mare," said trainer Campos. " (Jockey) Arturo Alvarez was upset at the objection; he did not feel that she had done anything wrong! We felt that this was one of her best races!"

Jetty and Donald Lemaire bred the daughter of Five Bar Cartel from the Oak Tree Special mare Lrh Heartofanoak. Last season she won the Mid-City Stakes(RG2) and the Flashy Hemp Stakes at Delta Downs.

"We were very proud of her," said Donald Lemaire. "We sold her dam, but are excited to own her two half-siblings Lrh Just Shake it Up and LRh Grant James, named after our grandson. Both are in training and we hope they continue on the same path as Lrh Heart of Glass."

Campos added "She will stay at Louisiana Downs and be pointed to the stakes on March 28 (Winner's Circle Church).

Runner-up One Sweet Rogue earned $6,000 for her second-place effort. Trainer Robert Meche sent out the 5-year-old daughter of Heza Fast Rogue for owner-breeder Jennifer Walker. Jockey Everardo Rodriguez rode the $64,528 earner out of Sweet Pea Barbara by My Friend Max.

Five Bar Joy, a 6-year-old daughter of multiple stakes sire Five Bar Cartel, finished half-a-length back to pick up $3,300 for third. Ray Myo saddled the sorrel mare for owner Amanda St Amant. Bred by Carl Ferguson, from the Strawfly Special mare Prairie Strawfly, Five Bar Joy has banked $79,548 from 30 career starts. Jockey Ubaldo Luna had the riding call.

Completing the field were Miss Apolitical, Patty Wagon Train, Jla Indy Rogue, One Fast B, Pilots Lil Belaire, Featured Prospect and Lonestar Runner.

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.