Dream of a Lifetime for LQHBA Board Member Jerry “Buddy” Deville, Jr.

There is no question that Labor Day 2026 will be forever solidified as a lifetime dream come true for Louisiana horseman and LQHBA Board of Director Jerry “Buddy” Deville, Jr.

He and co-owner Jaime Cardenas, surrounded by family and friends witnessed the victory by Cowboys Flying in the most prestigious championship in Quarter Horse racing, the $3 million All American Futurity(G1). The son of Flying Cowboy 123 out of the Carters Cartel mare Cartels Lady covered the “classic” distance of 440 yards in :20.632 seconds, marking the sixth in a row for the incredibly talented juvenile, bred by Tommy Hays, DVM.

The joyous winner’s circle presentation replete with photos with Cowboys Flying and magnificent All American Futurity trophy followed. On Tuesday morning, the traditional day after photo shoot took place and Deville reveled in each moment.

Back home in Denham, Louisiana, Deville gave an update on the 2026 All American Futurity champion who was sent back to Elgin, Texas for a post-race inspection by Hays. The esteemed equine surgeon gave Deville a good review on Cowboys Flying, who will likely be pointed to the Texas Classic Futurity(G1) at Lone Star Park.

“I’m back to work and still blessed by this experience,” said Deville, who owns J & J Vinyl Siding.

It’s difficult to sum up the experience of preparing for the All American Futurity, from 22 trials held on August 7 to the draw, media attention and then finally watching your juvenile leave the saddling paddock and enter the starting gate.

“Jaime and I knew we had a great horse, but to be honest, I held my breath for a month,” explained Deville. “As a businessman, I have always believed that nothing is impossible and winning the All American certainly proved that.”

The fruitful partnership between Deville and Cardenas began nine years ago when they ran as Down Jess South Racing. They teamed with breeder Tate Farms and trainer Ned Goutierrez with Tf Shez Jess Dashin. The exceptional Louisiana-bred filly won three of her eight starts, setting a new track record in the 2019 Lassie Futurity(RG1) at Delta Downs. Their current stable, Double J Racing, has surpassed $2.2 million in earnings as Cowboys Flying also won the $683,700 TQHA Sale Futurity(RG1) at Retama Park on July 25.

Deville, who serves LQHBA as a Board of Director representing South East Louisiana, is looking forward to the upcoming Evangeline Downs live racing season, which gets underway on Friday, October 2. He and Cardenas have four juveniles nominated to the LQHBA Louisiana Million Futurity with the final slated for December 19.

Deville also looks forward to running 3-year-old Louisiana-bred Luziana Man at Evangeline Downs. The son of Dominyun, bred by Jerry West,finished third in the 2025 LQHBA Louisiana Million. Owned in partnership with Rosalio Espinosa, Luziana Man recently topped the half-million dollar earnings mark.

“He was in over his head in New Mexico (seventh in the $250,000 All American Gold Cup( G1) at the Downs of Albuquerque),” explained Deville. “He is sound and has been great for us.”

Winning the richest race in Quarter Horse racing will not change Deville as an owner, businessman or person but he has a newfound appreciation of his home state.

“Louisiana is a great state,” acknowledged Deville. “I knew we had support but had no idea how many people back home were pulling for us! I am still responding to the messages from friends and fellow horsemen and women in Louisiana and will never be able to explain how much that means!”

Misty Coats, LQHBA executive director, shared her admiration for Deville’s accomplishment.

“It was a thrill to watch the incredible victory of Cowboys Flying and the pride of Buddy and the entire team,” said Coats “We are appreciative of his dedication to Quarter Horse racing in Louisiana and wish him all the best as his notable year continues!”

CLICK HERE to read the full recap on the All American Futurity.

CLICK HERE for the All American Futurity webcast coverage and an exclusive interview with Deville and Cardenas.

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* Martha Claussen has been involved inracing since 1997, when she served as publicity director at Sam Houston Race Park for ten years. She continues to be active in writing, fan education and Quarter Horse racing publicity in Louisiana, Texas, Indiana and other regions in North America.