Like Tequila Does Remains Undefeated for 2024 After Winning The NDQHRA Derby

FARGO, ND–AUGUST 3, 2024­–Last year's NDQHRA Futurity winner, Like Tequila Does, returns for the victory in this year's $22,400 NDQHRA Derby finals on Saturday at North Dakota Horse Park.

Luis Maldonado returned for the mount aboard Like Tequila Does, whom he rode to victory in the trials for the fastest qualifying time. She broke third from the gates but made her way up between foes for the win by a head in :20.253 seconds, clocking a 96-speed index. The post-time favorite's 400-yard victory paid $3.20 to win.

Like Tequila Does' stablemate Grit Eye placed second under the guidance of Rey Hernandez, and Bodacious Trickster, ridden by Kannet Gutierrez, placed third.

Trained by Robert Don Johnson, Like Tequila Does has four wins from five starts. The lightly raced filly won two of her three starts in 2023, including the NDQHRA Futurity, and is now two and 0 in her sophomore year. The $10,080 payday from the derby improved her career earnings to $28,145.

Darrel Smith and Noreen Cavanaugh bred Like Tequila Does in North Dakota out of the Paintyouownwagon mare Little Speed Wagon. Jason Smith owns her.

Grit Eye, who was second fastest in the trials, broke his maiden in his first start this season, but has yet to win again. The son of Hawkeye has $13,520 in the bank from 11 starts.

Johnson also trains Grit Eye for owner Brooke Buchholz. Kari Buchholz bred the gray gelding out of Marmalades Cartel by Carters Cartel.

Third-place finisher Bodacious Trickster has lit the board six of nine starts with two wins and $11,009 in earnings. Blaine Decoteau saddled the son of Bodacious Dash for owner Dennis Shipman. Bobby Simmons bred him out of the Favorite Trick mare, Tricks On The Side.

Lil Rider, Nito Skeeto, Dashing Is A High, Osheas Corona, and Reids Rocket complete the order of finish.

Editor's note: A photo of this race will be posted with this article as soon as it is available from the track photographer.