First payments due May 15 for 2026 LQHBA Derby and Oaks at Evangeline Downs. There is no penalty for horses not previously paid into the 2025 LQHBA Louisiana Million.

By Leann Noguera, StallioneSearch

ALEXANDRIA, LA–MARCH 31, 2026– First nomination payments for the 2026 LQHBA Derby and LQHBA Oaks are due in the LQHBA office on or before May 15, 2026.

Both races will be run at Evangeline Downs in Opelousas, Louisiana, for accredited Louisiana-bred 3-year-olds foaled in 2023 at 400 yards. Each carries an estimated $125,000 purse with $50,000 added. Trials and finals dates are to be announced.

There is no penalty for horses not previously paid into the 2025 LQHBA Louisiana Million.

The nomination fee for both the Derby (colts and geldings) and Oaks (fillies) is $300 due May 15. The remaining payment schedule is $300 due June 15, $500 due July 15, and $600 due September 15, followed by $850 due the day before entry to trials. Total sustaining payments are $2,550.

Supplemental options include $5,000 due July 1 plus $600 payments to date ($5,600 total), or $10,000 at time of entry, which includes all fees.

All payments are non-refundable. Returned checks constitute non-payment and may cancel eligibility. Payments should be sent by trackable mail

All Final payments and Time of Entry Supplemental nominations must be on account with the Horsemen’s Bookkeeper prior to NOON the day before entry to trials. Cash or Cashier’s Check only.

Nomination forms are available on the LQHBA website or click here to go directly to the LQHBA Derby or LQHBA Oaks nomination forms.

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