Konnan Cartel, ridden by Eddi Martinez, wins the Nag Nest Stakes at Delta Downs on Saturday.

© Hodges Photography

By Leann Noguera, StallioneSearch

VINTON, LA–JULY 12, 2025–Konnan Cartel delivered another high-level performance in stakes competition, capturing the $50,000 Nag Nest Stakes on Friday evening at Delta Downs. The race, run over 220 yards, featured a field of top-class accredited Louisiana-breds aged three and up.

With an early duel out of the gates, Konnan Cartel edged clear, taking the lead at the stretch under jockey Eddi Martinez, to prove best at the wire. He stopped the clock in 11.868 seconds, earning a 99 speed index and the effort returned $9.00 to win, $5.00 to place, and $3.20 to show.

The winning connections of Konnan Cartel accept the Nag Nest Stakes trophy at Delta Downs on Saturday. © Hodges Photography

Trained by Francisco Bernal, Konnan Cartel brought home the $30,000 winner’s share of the purse for owner Dania Castellanos. A veteran of 27 starts, he now boasts a race record of 12 wins and 4 seconds from 27 starts, with total earnings of $447,105.

Bernal won the 2025 Delta Downs’ leading trainer of the meet. His assistant trainer, Louis Martinez, said, “It’s a lot of work, we have a full team that works hard, starting at 4 a.m. in the morning. We are thankful to everyone on our team. We have 44 horses in our barn and plan to stay here at Delta Downs for the Fairgrounds meet.”

Friday's victory adds to an already decorated résumé, making Konnan Cartel a five-time stakes winner. Previous victories include the Eastex Stakes (G2), Dash For Cash Derby (G2), Delta Downs Louisiana Bred Derby (G3), and the Vinton Stakes.

The 5-year-old son of Five Bar Cartel was bred in Louisiana by Luis Armando Castellanos out of Jet Black Chiraq, by Jet Black Patriot.

Finishing second by a half-length was Ttt La Kas, a 4-year-old filly by Ivan James out of Ttt Kas, by Kas I Said So. She was bred in Louisiana by Rickey Thompson and races for owner Jonathan Meraz.

Trainer Jose Carrizales legged up jockey Ricardo Hernandez Jr., who guided the filly from mid-pack to a strong closing effort in 11.932 seconds, good for a 96 speed index. Ttt La Kas earned $10,000 for the runner-up finish and pushed her career earnings to $95,260 from 23 starts, including 6 wins and 3 third-place finishes.

Third went to Jess Joseph M, a 3-year-old sorrel gelding by Jess Different. Owned by Ricardo Mendoza and trained by S. Flores, Jess Joseph M was ridden by Rene Hernandez. His record now stands at 2 wins, 2 seconds, and 1 third from 11 starts with earnings of $47,502.

Jess Joseph M was bred in Louisiana by Russell and Joseph Mowad out of Syrianas Song, by Dashin Bye. He sold for $4,700 at the 2023 LQHBA Yearling Sale.

Finishing fourth was Tf Jess A Eagle, followed by The Blood Rose in fifth, Grand Hercules in sixth, and Eagle Speed in seventh; San Lorenzo Firulais, San Lorenzo Tempted, and Venus Tlc were scratched.

The Nag Nest Stakes is held in memory of prominent Louisiana owner and breeder Darrell Williams, a longtime supporter of the state’s Quarter Horse industry.

Additional reporting by Martha Claussen.

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