LQHBA Million Futurity Fastest Qualifier Fast Dashin Colt Will Have an Overflow Cheering Section

OPELOUSAS, LA –DECEMBER 10, 2024–There is always trepidation each year for the connections of the juveniles paid into the LQHBA Louisiana Million Futurity(RG1).

Fortunately, on Friday, November 29, at Evangeline, Downs, the rain stayed away, and a fast track led to impressive efforts in 12 trials throughout the evening.

While the bubble time changed several times, there was no doubt that the winner of the seventh trial would head to the December 21st final.

The fastest qualifier, Fast Dashin Colt crossed the wire of his 400-yard trial in 19.943 seconds, an 89-speed index with a 10 mph tailwind under jockey Ricardo Hernandez, Jr.

Winning just the second race of his career was celebrated by his breeder, owner, and trainer and a victory in the final would be the first in a seven-figure futurity!

Breeder Brandon J. Trahan has come close. The third-generation horseman has come close 11 times. He bred Fast Dashin Colt‘s stakes-placed brother, Fast Dashin Perry, who set the 11th fastest time in trials in the 2028 LQHBA Louisiana Million and finished second in the LQHBA Invitational Juvenile.

Fast Talkin Colt, a son of multiple stakes sire Ajs Fast Dash out of the Mr Jess Perry mare, Senorita Perry, was born on February 23, 2022, in Maurice, Louisiana.

"He was a big horse, but pretty smart," stated Trahan. "We all believed he would run well later in the year and handle the distance. Ajs Fast Dash might not have the best overall numbers, but his percentage of breeding stakes caliber horses is among the best."

Named for Trahan’s seven-year-old son Colt, he was sale-prepped on Trahan’s farm and sent to the LQHBA Yearling Sale as Hip #562. The second day was coming to a close; Trahan, who was hoping for $20,000, was prepared to buy him back, but Trujillo, who had purchased two previous colts bred by Trahan, was patient and signed an $18,000 ticket for his client L/C Enterprise, LLC.

The owners are relatively new to Quarter Horse racing. Brothers Luis and Carlos Sanchez own a construction company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Younger brother Carlos is the horse aficionado, but Luis is rapidly joining the bandwagon. Both were thrilled beyond belief when Fast Dashin Colt set the fastest qualifying time for the seven-figure Championship.

"We know the construction business but agreed that our role as owners was to sign the checks and trust an experienced trainer to fulfill the potential of our horse," explained Luis Sanchez.

Fast Dashin Colt broke his maiden at first asking in the Mardi Gras Futurity trials last March. © Ann Switalski Photography

The brothers had faith in horseman Mario Trujillo, who has been training Quarter Horses for forty years. They were pleased with his maiden-breaking effort at first asking last March in a trial to the Mardi Gras Futurity(RG2) at Louisiana Downs.

"All I said to Mario is if he needs anything, don’t call me, just do it," said Sanchez. "I am no expert on nutrition, but I made sure Mario knew that I would pay for the best feed for this horse."

There were no major setbacks following the Mardi Gras trial victory, but no wins in his subsequent starts at Delta Downs, Fair Grounds and an allowance at Evangeline Downs on November 1.

There was little concern by Trujillo, who respected the progeny of AJS Fast Dash as well as the strong influence on his dam side.

Fast Dash Colt's second dam is the Raise A Rascal mare Love A Rascal, dam of Lee Berwick Futurity(RG1) winner Senor Seabolt SI 99 ($418,999), who by Ajs Fast Dash's sire Heza Fast Dash.

"He was bred for this race," said Trujillo. "We knew he would be really tough at 400 yards." This horse doesn't always run his best early in a race but always kicks in after 250 yards. That's when he shows his heart. My owners are very excited to qualify for the final! "

Success for C/L Enterprises, LLC this year has also come with Full Boogie , who won the $133,000 QHRAI Derby at Horseshoe Indianapolis on October 26 and Tempted Me Sass, an Oklahoma-bred son of Tempting Dash, winner of two races from five starts, so far.

The Sanchez brothers and their families will make the trip to Opelousas on Saturday, December 21 and hope their LQHBA Sale Graduate will rise to the occasion. Likewise for Brandon Trahan and his family, as well as rider Ricardo Hernandez. Jr., who piloted Dlj Imma B Famous, who triumphed in the 2019 LQHBA Louisiana Million.

It’s safe to say that tears will flow, and a huge group of family, friends, and well-wishers will join the connections.

"Breeding a horse for the LQHBA Louisiana Million is a huge deal for our family," acknowledged Trahan. "We are excited and definitely hoping for the win!"

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Martha Claussen 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.