Kj Desparado, ridden by Adrian Ramos, scores a gate-to-wire win in the $412,569 Texas Classic Derby (G1) Saturday night at Lone Star Park.

© Dustin Orona Photography

GRANDE PRAIRIE, TEXAS–NOVEMBER 19, 2022–Co-fastest qualifier in the trials Kj Desparado proves himself after coming back for a flawless gate-to-wire win in the $412,569 Texas Classic Derby (G1) Saturday night at Lone Star Park.

After drawing the five hole, Adrian Ramos aboard Kj Desparado, burst from the gates alert and in the lead. The duo kept tempo, staying ahead of the competition all the way to the wire and crossed it 1 1/2-lengths ahead of Delight Us All. The son of #1 leading sire Apollitical Jess clocked a 102 speed index in :21.244 seconds on the 400-yard course.

With Jimmy Brooks in the irons, Delight us all was willing and ran second best, crossing the finish line 1/2-length ahead of Hes No Ilusion and jockey Claudio Aguilar who made a solid effort for third. Kj Desparado paid $3.00 for the win, Delight Us All was $7.00 for the place and Hes No Ilusion paid $11.60 to show.

The winning connections of Kj Desparado accept the $412,569 Texas Classic Derby (G1) trophy at Lone Star Park on Saturday night. © Dustin Orona Photography

Just coming of his Ruidoso summer campaign this year, Kj Desperado won the Ruidoso Derby (G1) and placed second in the Rainbow Derby (G1). During his freshman year in 2021, the Arizona-bred gelding won the All American Futurity (G1) and Texas Classic Futurity (G1). Adrian Ramos has been his consistent rider throughout the journey.

Adrian Ramos comments, “He’s a once in a lifetime horse. He was perfect last year as a two year old and even stronger this year. I have to admit I was nervous knowing that so few horses have won the Texas Classic Futurity and then the Derby. But the way he ran was just amazing!” 

Only a three other horses have won both the Texas Classic Futurity and the Derby in the last 30 years, including Mr Jess Perry (1994-1995), Pyc Paint Your Wagon (2005-2006) and Flying Cowboy (2018-2019).

Wes Giles saddled KJ Desparado for owners John and Kathy Lee and Ruben Mares. The three-year-old gelding is out of the Tres Seis mare Tres Veses, who is from the female family of AQHA champion Kates Dynasty.

Trained by Cody Noel, runner-up Delight Us All has lit the board 11 of 14 starts with 5 wins and $332,851 in the bank. Breeder McColee Land & Livestock, LLC of Utah sold the son of world champion sire Corona Cartel for $58,000 to his owner Reliance Ranches, LLC in the 2020 Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale.

Delight Us All’s dam is the Dash Ta Fame mare Our Genuine Delight who is a half-sister to two-time AQHA champion A Delightful Dasher and AQHA champion Hes My Dasher.

Third place finisher Hes No Ilusion has three career wins with $121,343 in lifetime earnings. Trainer Lewis Jordan saddled the son of The Louisiana Cartel for owner/breeder Jerry Windham of Texas.

Hes No Ilusion’s dam is Jess An Illusion, who is a multiple stakes winner producing daughter of Mr Jess Perry and AQHA champion/Hall of Fame Horse Indigo Illusion.

The remaining order of finish is San Lorenzo Tay, Lil Longmire, Rock Solid Stones, Kj Wildthang, The Big Favorite, Shesa Relentless Gal and Moonin My Memories.

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