Racing


Kj Desparado Becomes Third All American Winner To Take Texas Classic Futurity
Kj Desparado, under jockey Adrian Ramos, races to his second Grade 1 win this season in Saturday's Texas Classic Futurity at Lone Star Park.

© Dustin Orona Photography
Kj Desparado Becomes Third All American Winner To Take Texas Classic Futurity

GRAND PRAIRIE, TX—NOVEMBER 27, 2021—It was all Kj Desparado Saturday night when the All American Futurity(G1) winner raced to a 1-¼ length win in the $1,114,815 Texas Classic Futurity(G1) at Lone Star Park.

The last time an All American Futurity winner won the Texas Classic Futurity(G1) was 21 years ago when Eyesa Special scored in the 2000 edition of the richest Quarter Horse race in Texas. All American Futurity winner Winalota Cash won the third running in 1995.

Under regular rider Adrian Ramos Kj Desparado raced over the 400 yard sloppy (sealed) course in :19.397 seconds, equaling a 104 speed index with a 5 mph tailwind. It was the sixth win in 10 starts this season for the son of America's leading sire Apollitical Jess.

It was also the fourth consecutive win for Kj Desparado, on a streak that started with the trials for the All American Futurity August 20th. The Texas Classic Futurity winners' purse valued at $496,093 swelled the gelding earnings mark to $2,104,961, putting him 9th on the all-time leading money earners list.

TQHA Executive Director Rob Wrestler presents the Texas Classic Futurity stakes trophy to the winning connections of Kj Desparado. © Dustin Orona Photography
Trainer Wesley Giles conditions the Arizona-bred for owners John and Kathy Lee and Ruben Mares. L&L Land & Cattle bred the Kj Desparado from the Tres Seis mare Tres Veses.

"This horse is just an exceptional horse, he has a lot of stamina," Giles said following the win. "I knew in the middle of the summer this horse was different than any horse I've had in a long time. People said I was crazy to run him here but he wants to train and he was ready to run."

Giles indicated the horse will be pointed for the derby season at Ruidoso next summer. "He's going to get a good vacation after this race," he said.

Remington Park Oklahoma-Bred Futurity(RG1) winner San Lorenzo Tay dueled early under jockey Agustin Silva to finish a game second for owner Rogelio Marquez, Jr. It was the first loss in five career starts for the son of multiple stakes sire Ivory James.

Santo Carrizales, Jr. conditions the Oklahoma-bred out of the First Down Dash mare Shes Dashin First. Bred by Bobby D. Cox, San Lorenzo Tay earned $245,260 to increase his seasonal earnings to $643,742.

Jess The Leader ran the biggest race in his career to finish a neck back in third for owner-breeder Pete Scarmardo. John Stinebaugh trains the son of multiple stakes sire Jess Louisiana Blue from the Corona Cartel mare Cartel Leader.

Making only his sixth start, Jess The Leader was third in the TQHA Sale Futurity(RG2) in July. Ridden by jockey Francisco Calderon, Jess The Leader earned $122,630 for the effort. He has banked $192,710 this year.

Heritage Place Futurity(G1) winner Jet Black Grace was fourth, followed by Ajs Tres Of Paint, Edward Ashley, Special Apollitical, Rainbow To Roses, Doiteze and Mr Apollo Jess.

Additional reporting by Martha Claussen.

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About Lone Star Park
Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie; A major league sports entertainment attraction that features two exciting racing seasons annually. Over 700,000 guests visit our beautiful facility each year, which features a seven-level glass-enclosed Grandstand, highlighted by our 1,200-seat Silks Dining Room and our 48 luxurious Penthouse Suites, all overlooking the newest race track in Texas. Situated next to our Grandstand is the 36,000 square foot world-class Las Vegas-style Racebook and simulcast facility, Bar & Book, which features wagering on horse racing from around the world 7-days a week year-round.

Lone Star Park is located on Beltline Road, just ½ mile north of I-30 in Grand Prairie, Texas. Visit LoneStarPark.com for more information.