Lett It Happen Scores First Career Stakes Victory In $30,000 Mr Jess Perry at Louisiana Downs

Lett It Happen, under jockey Arnulfo Gutierrez, winning the $30,000 Mr Jess Perry Stakes(RG3) at Louisiana Downs Wednesday.

© Ann Switalski Photography

BOSSIER CITY, LA–FEBRUARY 28, 2024–Lett It Happen, a 5-year-old son of multiple stakes sire Jet Black Patriot, got his first career stakes win today when he defeated Turn The Eagle Lose as the post-time favorite in the restricted Grade 3 $30,000 Mr Jess Perry Stakes at Louisiana Downs.

Lett It Happen was strong late under jockey Arnulfo Gutierrez to win the race by three-quarters while completing the 350 yards in :17.810 seconds, a 96 speed index with a 10 mph tailwind.

Trainer Gilberto Rosales saddled Lett It Happen to his fifth career win 30 starts for owner Eutimio Torres.

"It was a tough race, but we knew that he had a chance and it was nice to see him win his first stakes," said Rosales. "He ran a game second in the Louisiana Champions stake at Evangeline; his best distance is 400 yards, but he showed some turbo today!"

Jennifer Sokol presents the winning connections of Lett It Happen accept the Mr Jess Perry Stakes trophy at Louisiana Downs Wednesday. © Ann Switalski Photography

Lett It Happen was making his first start since that second-place effort in the Louisiana Champions Day Classic (RG2) on December 16, 2023.

Lester Colomb Jr. bred the bay horse in Louisiana from the First Down Dash mare Dont Lett Her Down. The $18,000 Mr Jess Perry winner's purse boosted Lett It Happen's earning total to $122,737.

Depending how the horse comes out of the race, Rosales added that Lett It Happen could be pointed to the $30,000 Lip Chip on March 16 at Louisiana Downs.

Out kicked late under jockey David Alvarez, runner-up Turn The Eagle Lose earned$6,000 for second. Trainer Leonel Hernandez saddled the 4-year-old One Dashing Eagle gelding for owner-breeder Narciso Flores. Bred from the Streakin La Jolla mare A Real Tornado, the chestnut gelding has banked $98,501 in 15 career starts.

One Sweet Rogue finished a neck back to pick up $3,300 for third. Trainer Robert Meche named jockey Everardo Rodriguez to ride the Louisiana homebred for owner-breeder Jennifer Walker. The 5-year-old Heza Fast Rogue mare, out of Sweet Pea Barbara by My Friend Max, has earned $67,828.

San Lorenzeaux and Rdd Empire Building 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.