Trainer Jose Carrizales does his famous "back flip" at Evangeline Downs after winning a Starter Allowance with Famous Flyin Cowgirl on October 16.

© Hodges Photography

By Martha Claussen

OPELOUSAS, LA–OCTOBER 21, 2025–Quarter Horse trainer Jose Carrizales has come a long way in the past seven years.

The 29-year-old horseman was born in Kaufman, Texas, and travels back and forth from there to run horses at each of the Louisiana tracks.

"When I first began training in 2018, I wasn’t sure how long it would take to win big races and have some stakes-level horses in my barn," said Carrizales. "I just felt that if I worked hard, everything would take care of itself."

His hard work has steadily paid off with three leading trainer titles, several stable stars, and plenty of young prospects on the way. Carrizales puts in long hours at the barn and race nights, but makes time for his family. He and his girlfriend, Alyse Hudson, are proud parents of Camila, who is approaching her third birthday

Famous Flying Cowgirl, under jockey Randy Edison, Jr., won an Allowance for 3-year-olds and up at Evangeline Downs on October 16. © Hodges Photography

Carrizales is grateful for the support of his owners, including Juan J. Bazaldua and Jesus E. Del Bosque of J and J Stables, LLC, Alberto Salinas, and Edgar Rosales.

His most prolific runner, Ss Classyjess, retired at the end of 2022 with a record of 25 wins from 50 starts and earnings of $545.684. Owned by Edgar Rosales, the daughter of Rock Solid Jess will always have a special place in Carrizales’ heart.

"She was amazing and a blessing to train," stated Carrizales. "I know her babies will be incredible, and I am hoping to train one next year."

Yolanda Fierros, Kori Hebert, jockey Ricardo Hernandez, Jr, Trainer Jose Carrizales with daughter Camila, and Alyse Hudson, accept the Louisiana Starter Stakes trophy at Delta Downs on July 12. © Hodges Photography/Paula C. Tindall

Veteran rider Ricardo Hernandez, Jr. piloted the first winner for Carrizales in 2018 at Evangeline Downs. La Cletita, a 4-year-old filly, lit up the toteboard at odds of 78-1 in a $7,500 claimer. Recently, Carrizales has given mounts to up-and-coming jockey Randy Edison, Jr. The 18-year-old son of Randy Edison has won two races this meet at Evangeline for Carrizales.

"He helped me break babies earlier this year," said Carrizales. "He has a good seat on the horse and coming from a racing family it’s no surprise that riding is his calling."

The two have formed quite a connection on and off the racetrack!

"I recruited Randy for a pick-up game of basketball, but he was terrible," shared Carrizales. "He scored a basket for the other team!"

Blood Kiss, ridden by Ricardo Hernandez, Jr., wins the Louisiana Starter Stakes at Delta Downs July 12.
© Hodges Photography

"He’s lying," countered Edison! "I am used to him acting like a big sister, so it’s all good!"

In addition to kidding around, Carrizales has established himself as a bit of a daredevil when it comes to post-race celebrations. Fellow horsemen and racing fans enjoy his famous back flips following a victory.

"That began when I was a kid, goofing around on the farm in Kaufman," he explained. "The ground was really soft, and even though I never took gymnastics classes, I felt I could do a back flip."

Following Famous Flyin Cowgirl's victory on October 16 at Evangeline Downs, Carrizales heard several people calling on him to perform what has become his signature move. He stepped up on the rail and executed it fearlessly.

"I’m not sure if they all want to see me stick the landing or bust my butt," laughed Carrizales. "I haven’t fallen yet!"

The Evangeline Downs meet got underway on October 4. Carrizales is tied for fourth in the trainer standings and, with two months to go, feels good about the season and prospects for 2026.

"This meet is going well," stated Carrizales. "I always look forward to breaking babies and then trying for a fourth training title next year in Shreveport."

His stable is growing, his family life with Alyse and Cammy is sweet, and he doesn’t complain about waking up each morning at 4:30 a.m. to care for and train Quarter Horses.

As far as "sticking the landing" in future celebrations, don’t bet against Jose Carrizales!

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Martha Claussen has been involved in the Quarter Horse industry since 1997. She continues to be active in writing, fan education, and Quarter Horse racing publicity in Texas, Louisiana, Indiana, and other regions in North America.

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