News - Racing March  29, 2024

Blood Money Narrowly Prevails Over San Lorenzeaux in $1,000,000 LQHBA Louisiana Million Futurity


Jockey Everardo Rodriguez aboard Blood Money (#10) looks to his left as he runs down rival San Lorenzeaux (#1) in the $1 million LQHBA Louisiana Million Futurity(RG1) Saturday night at Evangeline Downs.

© Coady Photography

OPELOUSAS, LA—DECEMBER 18, 2021—Only a head separated Blood Money from San Lorenzeaux at the wire in the $1,000,000 LQHBA Louisiana Million Futurity, the feature race of the Saturday night card at Evangeline.

Blood Money ($3.80) drifted from the outside post but corrected his path and closed to win in an exciting edition of the Futurity. The post-time favorite finished the 400-yard race in :19.499 and earned a 98 speed index.

Everardo Rodriguez had the call on Blood Money for trainer Rosendo Valdez, Jr. and owner Rojas Racing Stables, LLC. He was bred by Spring Hill Farms LLC, out of Zoom to the Money, by Shazoom.

"He didn't break that well, but after 250 yards, he was really running," Rodriguez said. "This horse finishes so well every time. I am so happy to have won this race; it has been a dream of mine since I came to Louisiana!"

Blood Money was the fastest qualifier from 13 trials held on November 26. The Apollitical Blood colt has only suffered one loss in his eight career starts, and with the winner’s share of $445,000, became racing’s newest millionaire with career earnings of $1,123,142.

"He has always been a very strong closer, but I got a little worried when the nine drifted out. I thought we were done, but, he just dodged him and started rolling!, winning trainer Valdez, Jr. said after the race.
Rosendo Valdez, father of the winning Louisiana Million Futurity trainer, was very happy for his son after the race.
© Coady Photography
I knew he could handle the sloppy track because he ran in the mud in his schooling race at Laddie. He didn't seem to mind it and actually set the fastest time. This is an unbelievable horse and incredible for my dad and entire family! "

The multiple graded stakes winner began his career with a five-race win streak that included the Laddie Futurity and Lee Berwick Futurity (RG1). He was second in the LQHBA Sale Futurity (RG2).

"We are so proud of this horse! I've had a second and a third in the Million and never thought I would win this race," breeder David Dunn said following the race. "It would not have been possible without the hard work of my entire team at Spring Hill Farms. They were all here tonight to see Blood Money get it done!"

The winner of the LQHBA Sale Futurity and the only horse to defeat Blood Money, San Lorenzeaux, finished second in the Louisiana Million on Saturday night. San Lorenzeaux and Raul Ramirez, Jr. led early and were caught at the wire by the winner.

San Lorenzeaux is trained by Hector Alcala for owner Rogelio Marquez, Jr. The Carters Cartel gelding was bred by Kenneth Garcia, out of the Mr Jess Perry mare Scoopie Coochie.

LQHBA Executive Director Bruce Salard presents the LQHBA Million Futurity stakes trophy to the winning connections of Blood Money Saturday night at Evangeline Downs. © Coady Photography

"He was way out in front and I was hoping he would hold off Blood Money, who is such a strong closer," said Rogelio Marquez, Jr. "But he has had a great year and we hope to run him in open company in 2022."

San Lorenzeaux has four wins and two seconds in seven starts with $551,813. He won his trial and was the second fastest qualifier to the Louisiana Million. He also finished second in the Lee Berwick Futurity behind Blood Money.

Seventh fastest qualifier Mr Fast Mallard completed the trifecta at a big price in third place. Saturday’s race was the first stakes appearance for the Heza Fast Dash gelding.

Mr Fast Mallard was ridden by Ubaldo Luna for trainer Kenny Roberts, Sr. He was bred by his owner, Jose Luis Perez Aguirre, out of Miss Mallard Struts, by Struttin to Beduino. He is one for six lifetime with $119,080 earned.

Blood Money returned $3.80 to win as the favorite, $2.20 to place and $2.10 to show. Second choice in the wagering, San Lorenzeaux paid $2.20 to place and $2.20 to show. Mr Fast Mallard, a 55-1 longshot, paid a whopping $20.80 to show.

Completing the field were Ultimo Alex, Dianetoseparatefromu, Farm Diamond Boss, Louisiana Tequila, Ur Louisiana, Hello Sweet One and Mr Perfect Tlc.

Additional reporting by Martha Claussen.

Live racing resumes on Monday with a special 4:05pm (CST) first post. The final two weeks of the season will feature a Monday through Thursday racing calendar. The Evangeline Downs Quarter Horse season runs through December 30.


Courtesy Ses