FOUR HOUSTON BETTING CHAMPIONSHIPS QUALIFIERS ANNOUNCED FOR SAM HOUSTON RACE PARK

Gold Medal Jess leads all sires by money earned at the Jockey Club de Sorocaba in 2025, with progeny earnings of $250,628 from 13 starters. The Mr Jess Perry stallion has already produced three stakes’ winners, led by standout earner Anjo Dourado HFSJ, who has accumulated $208,941 this season.

Ranked second is Granite Lake, whose runners have earned $192,095 from 44 starters, showing both depth and consistency. The First Down Dash stallion has sired 21 individual winners and three stakes’ winners, led by Granite Soul.

Fantastic Corona Jr. holds third with $173,719 in earnings and leads the list with four stakes winners from 25 starters. A son of Corona Cartel, he continues to be a reliable source of high-level performers, headed by La Reyna.

In fourth, Apollitical Jess has made the most of limited starters, earning $119,814 from just six runners. The Mr Jess Perry stallion is represented by stakes winner Miss Apollitical Jess, responsible for the bulk of his earnings.

Corona For Me rounds out the top five with $117,973 from 30 starters, producing 13 winners and one stakes winner. His leading earner, Encantada For Me PK, has been a consistent performer throughout the meet.

Sitting sixth is Louisiana Senator, whose progeny have earned $63,179 from 12 starters. The Jess Louisiana Blue stallion is represented at the top by Hora Da Vitória, accounting for $27,347 in earnings.

Flying Cowboy 123 ranks seventh with $59,337 and has already sired three stakes’ winners from seven starters, highlighting his efficiency. His leading earner is Las Vegas Cowgirl MRL, contributing $35,170.

In eighth, One Famous Eagle has posted $22,361 in earnings from only two starters, with Golden Verde responsible for the entirety of that total. The Mr Jess Perry stallion remains a proven international influence.

Desirio ranks ninth with $17,394 from 15 starters, including one stakes winner. His top earner to date is Northon Fly, who has earned $6,278.

Rounding out the top ten is Good Reason SA, with progeny earnings of $65,400 from 17 starters. His leading runner, Reason Again SA, has contributed $30,150 toward that total.

Two exciting Stakes Races took place today at Los Alamitos! Here’s a sneak peak at the winners. Stay tuned for the full Stakes Results coming soon!

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Bossier City, LA (Saturday, January 10, 2026) – Louisiana Downs will usher in the 2026 Quarter Horse racing season with opening day on Monday, January 12, launching a meet that will feature competitive overnight racing, marquee stakes events, and a full slate of futurity and derby trials leading into championship finals in March 

The Quarter Horse meet will run Mondays and Tuesdays throughout January and February, with first post time set for 1:35 p.m. Fans can look forward to an exciting calendar that builds toward some of Louisiana’s most anticipated Quarter Horse stakes races in March. 

“We’re excited to welcome horsemen and fans back for another strong Quarter Horse meet at Louisiana Downs,” Director of Racing Roxanne Tanner said. “This schedule provides excellent opportunities for developing young horses while showcasing the quality of Quarter Horse racing that Louisiana horsemen and fans have come to expect.”

The race schedule switches to Thursday through Saturday in March when the stakes schedule heats up, beginning with the Maiden Classic Finals on March 21, followed by the Mardi Gras Oaks and Derby Finals on March 27, and culminating with the Louisiana Downs Futurity and Mardi Gras Futurity Finals on March 28 

Trial races for the major stakes will take place in late February and early March. Maiden Classic Trials are scheduled for February 24, while Mardi Gras Derby and Oaks Trials will be held on March 5. Trials for the Louisiana Downs Futurity and Mardi Gras Futurity are set for March 6 and March 7, respectively 

In preparation for the stakes season, schooling races for the Louisiana Downs Open Futurity and Mardi Gras Futurity are scheduled for February 6. 

For more information about the 2026 live racing season, visit www.ladowns.com.