Jason Olmstead Holds Commanding Lead in 2026 Quarter Horse Trainer Standings

With the 2026 Quarter Horse racing season entering its final two months, Jason L. Olmstead has established a commanding lead in the national trainer standings, topping all conditioners in both earnings and victories through October 27.

Olmstead's runners have earned $4,343,997 from 797 starts, producing 119 wins, 107 seconds, and 111 thirds. His stable has recorded a 14.93% win rate and finished in the money in 42.28% of its starts.

The Minnesota-based conditioner holds a $1,944,340 earnings advantage over second-ranked Wesley T. Giles, putting him in a strong position to finish the season as the nation's leading Quarter Horse trainer by money earned.

Olmstead was the recipient of the 2021 AQHA Blane Schvaneveldt Champion Trainer Award.

Giles occupies the second position with $2,399,657 in earnings from 373 starts. His runners have registered 47 victories, 65 seconds, and 41 thirds, producing a 12.60% win rate and a 41.02% in-the-money percentage.

Giles earned the AQHA Champion Trainer Award in 2023, a season highlighted by the accomplishments of KJ Desparado, one of the sport's most accomplished runners.

Marco Adair Chavez-Gutierrez ranks third with $2,010,740 despite saddling only 76 starters. His stable has recorded 13 victories, 17 seconds, and 10 thirds, posting a 17.11% win rate and a 52.63% in-the-money percentage. His average earnings of approximately $26,457 per start are among the highest in the top 10.

Omar Vargas holds fourth with $1,843,782 in earnings from 129 starts. His runners have won 30 races while finishing second 20 times and third 18 times. Vargas has compiled a strong 23.26% win percentage and a 52.71% in-the-money rate.

Manuel Rodolfo Rodriguez rounds out the top five with $1,793,557 from 174 starts, including 20 victories, 17 seconds, and 22 thirds.

James J. Gonzales III ranks sixth with $1,765,937 in earnings. His 42 victories from 182 starts have produced a 23.08% win rate, while his 52.75% in-the-money rate ranks among the strongest among leading trainers.

John A. Stinebaugh occupies seventh with $1,624,318 from 439 starts, including 58 victories, 65 seconds, and 69 thirds.

Eighth-ranked Raymond G. Valerio's runners have earned $1,592,143 from just 30 starts, including 12 wins, four seconds, and two thirds.

Clinton Crawford ranks ninth with $1,375,010 from 393 starts, including 38 victories, while Marc E. Jungers completes the top 10 with $1,367,040 from 410 starts and 43 wins.

Jungers was the 2024 AQHA Blane Schvaneveldt Champion Trainer. His successful 2024 campaign included outstanding performances by AQHA World Champion Asscher, champion 2-year-old Lethal Cowboy 123, and champion 3-year-old gelding Relentless Eagle.

Olmstead also leads the group in total victories with 119, more than double the 58 recorded by Stinebaugh, who ranks second among the top 10 in wins.

With major late-season stakes still to be contested, including the Texas Classic Futurity (G1), Los Alamitos Two Million Futurity (G1), LQHBA Louisiana Million Futurity(RG1), and Champion of Champions(G1), significant purse opportunities remain before the final 2026 standings are determined.

Keep up with all the Leading Horses, Owners, Breeders, Trainers and All-Time Leading Money Earners on the StallioneSearch Leaderboards daily.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Stay connected with the latest Quarter Horse racing news, stakes results, breeding updates, and industry developments at StallioneSearch.com. Sign up for our FREE email newsletter to receive the latest headlines delivered directly to your inbox.