Rodney Verret

Inducted into the LQHBA Hall of Fame in 2026

The winner's circle for the LQHBA Louisiana Million Futurity(G1) at Evangeline Downs is always packed to its fullest, with connections and well-wishers, and for good reason. The championship offers the richest purse for Louisiana-bred 2-year-olds and is a dream of a lifetime for breeders, owners, trainers, and jockeys.

On December 16, 2023, Special Wild Train B, a striking filly by Freighttrain B, could barely fit in the enclosure due to the popularity of her owner, the charming Rodney Verret.

Bred in Louisiana by Riley Blanchet, the bay filly out of the Tres Seis mare A Special Beauty was a $22,000 LQHBA Yearling Sale graduate purchased by Verret. LQHBA champion trainer Kenneth Roberts, Sr., felt she was peaking at the right time as she closed for the victory in the 400-yard final.

"Her problem all year was breaking from the gate," stated Roberts.

"When she left like she did, I knew it was all over. It was an emotional celebration in the winner’s circle for me, his family, and so many people in Louisiana who knew and respected Rodney. He put his trust and belief in me, and Special Wild Train B came through!”

Verret took the microphone and delivered eloquent remarks.

"I believed in this filly and knew she was going to come out running," Verret said. "Kenny Roberts is like a brother to me, and being surrounded by so many great people, like J.E. and Bunny Jumonville, means the world. me. I have been in several million-dollar futurities but never won one."

J. E. Jumonville remembers that evening and is proud to have seen his good friend finally win a coveted seven-figure championship.

“Rodney and I went back a long way in racing,” said Jumonville. “I met him through Sam Rankin, and as I got to know him, I saw that he always bought quality horses. I respected and admired him very much.”
Verret passed away less than one year from that crowning moment with an extensive list of lifetime accomplishments in addition to his victory in the LQHBA Louisiana Million Futurity.

He was a graduate of St. Martinville High School, Class of 1956, and a Track and Field State Champion in the 220-yard dash and runner-up in the 100-yard dash, helping the team to win the State Championship that year. He ran track in his freshman year at LSU before transferring to USL, where he earned his degree in Petroleum Engineering. He worked for National Oilwell Varco prior to opening Par Industries in the Port of Iberia and Superior Derrick Services.

Verret bought his first horse with Sam Rankin, who would turn out to be a business partner and lifelong friend.  His passion for horses continued, and in the late 70s, Rodney, Rankin, and Jerry Jones bought Evangeline Downs Race Track. After selling Evangeline Downs, Verret opened Cajun Downs at the now famous Robicheaux Ranch before selling it to his good friends, Jude and Regina Robicheaux.

 He also served as LQHBA President in the 90's, playing a critical role in getting purses increased via slot machine revenue. In the early 2000s, OBI became Superior Derrick Services, then Champions Resources. Verret remained there until his retirement in 2023. He often cooked lunch for the work crew and friends.

Verret was 87 at the time of his passing on September 26, 2024, at his home in Opelousas, with funeral services held on October 1, 2024. He is survived by his wife, Susan LeBlanc Verret, of Opelousas; daughters, Peggy and Paula; sons, Frank and Rodney; 15 grandchildren, as well as numerous great-grandchildren.

With his achievements in business and racing, it is a certainty that this year’s LQHBA Awards Banquet and Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be well attended and the tributes to a great Louisiana horseman will be highly entertaining.