Hes Innocent Stays Perfect By Winning The $371,415 Firecracker Futurity At Delta Downs

VINTON, LA—AUGUST 15, 2020—Delta Downs hosted the two richest open-bred stakes races of its 2020 American Quarter Horse season on Saturday night, the $371,415 Firecracker Futurity (G2) and the $200,510 Firecracker Derby (G3).

The Firecracker Futurity turned into a two-horse race between the fastest qualifiers for the 350-yard showdown, Whatahistoric Moment and Hes Innocent.

Soon after the start the pair dueled with Hes Innocent breaking from post position two and Whatahistoric Moment setting sail from post six. At the finish line Hes Innocent, who was ridden by Jorge Linares, got the decision by just a neck over Whatahistoric Moment while Fm Zatanas D Third wound up third, another length behind the top pair.

Hes Innocent, who is owned by Priscilla Rodriguez and trained by Martin Trejo, covered the distance of the Firecracker Futurity in a time of :17.375, which equaled a speed index of 96.

The win by Hes Innocent kept his career record perfect at three wins in as many starts. His Firecracker Futurity scored netted him a winner’s paycheck of $185,708 and his overall bankroll now stands at $196,208.

Bred in Oklahoma by Debbie Strebig, Hes Innocent is a 2-year-old brown colt by Hes Relentless, out of the Volcom mare End of Innocence. Priscilla Rodriguez paid $22,000 for the colt in the 2019 Heritage Place Fall Mixed Sale in Oklahoma City.

Runner-up Whatahistoric Moment put in a solid rally under jockey Everardo Rodriguez to just miss. It was the first loss in four starts for the stakes winning son of multiple stakes sire FDD Gong Grand.

Lanny Keith conditions the Texas-homebred for owner-breeder Mercy Hinklins Horse Farm LLC. Winner of the Old South Futurity on July 4th, Whatahistoric Moment used the $63,141 second-place purse to increase his bankroll to 4146,552.

The royally-bred Fm Zatanas D Third earned $37,142 for third. The $160,000 Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale graduate races for owner Annette Faul and is trained by Robert Meche.

McColee Land and Livestock LLC bred the Tempting Dash colt in Utah from the Mr Jess Perry mare Dashingfordestiny. Antonio Alberto had the riding call.

Sent to the gate at odds of 9-5, Hes Innocent paid $5.60 to win, $2.40 to place and $2.20 to show. Whatahistoric Moment was worth $2.60 to place and $2.20 to show. Fm Zatanas D Third returned $4.60 to show.

Jess A Candy Rogue, Mr Jj Pvc Eagle, Luv, Thisladysrelentless, Dd Runaway and Misswilliemare completed the field.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Delta Downs will now prepare for its final week of American Quarter Horse racing Thursday through Saturday, August 20 – 22. The closing night card is billed as Louisiana Showcase Night and it features eight stakes for Louisiana-bred horses. The featured race is the $1,025,782 Lee Berwick Futurity (RG1), which will make history as the richest horse race ever contested in the state of Louisiana regardless of breed. Post time each night during closing week is at 6:15 pm CT.

For more information about the season visit the track’s website at www.deltadownsracing.com.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Delta Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD), features exciting casino action, live horse racing and fun dining experiences. Delta Downs is located in Vinton, Louisiana, on Delta Downs Drive. From Lake Charles, take Exit 7 and from Texas, take Exit 4.