2024 Leading Jockey of the Meet Arturo Alvarez celebrates after a win at Louisiana Downs.

© Ann Switalski Photography

BOSSIER CITY, LA– APRIL 1, 2024–Louisiana Downs wrapped its 2024 Quarter Horse meet on Saturday, March 30. The 41-day season, which commenced on January 9, concluded with the presentation of the end of meet honors for leading jockey, trainer and owner.

It was a highly successful season for jockey Arturo Alvarez, 23, who clinched the title with 31 wins from 157 starts in 2024. He was third in last year’s standings, but clearly has emerged as one of the top Quarter Horse jockeys in the region.

This was his first title at Louisiana Downs, but the native of Jalisco, Mexico was honored as top rider at Evangeline Downs in 2022 and earned his first leading Delta Downs title last July. Alvarez will ride next at Delta Downs, with opening day set for April 26.

Finishing just three wins behind Alvarez was Arnulfo “Pony” Gutierrez, who finished with 28 wins and top purses of $392,370. Gutierrez rose to prominence last year in Louisiana, not only winning the LQHBA Louisiana Million aboard Special Wild Train B last December, but topping the jockey colony for his first title. He reunited with the sensational filly on closing weekend at Louisiana Downs for another victory in the $101,418 Mardi Gras Oaks.

Rolando Cabrera, who finished third last year, had a solid meet winning 25 races followed by 2022 Louisiana Downs leading rider Ubaldo Luna with 21 wins.

A very tight battle for leading trainer went down to the wire with Gilberto Rosales claiming the title with 13 wins from 107 starts. Rosales conditions Lett It Happen, who won both the Lip Chip LLC and Mr Jess Perry Stakes(G3) this meet. It marked the first title for Rosales, who has 40 horses in training. His farm is located in Balch Springs, Texas and he will also point towards the 2024 Delta Downs Quarter Horse meet.

Matt Crawford and Jen Sokol present Giblerto Rosales the leading trainer buckle for the 2024 Louisiana Downs Quarter Horse season. © Ann Switalski Photography

Guillermo Martinez finished a close second with 12 victories, including the biggest stakes win of his career, saddling Hes Bold As Corona, who broke his maiden at 901 odds in the $458,734 Mardi Gras Futurity(RG2). Martinez was the leading trainer last year at Delta Downs.

Juan Diaz, Jr, the leading Quarter Horse trainer in Texas, won 11 races. The resident of Floresville, Texas, shipped in a solid group of two-year-olds and won the $397,702 Louisiana Downs Futurity(G3) with Dk Marney Jess. The Diaz qualifiers swept the superfecta in the final and he was able to depart Bossier City as leading money-winning conditioner with $389,210. Gilberto Gonzalez won 11 of his 44 starts to tie Diaz for third.

The final week of the meet was pivotal for the leading owner title as well with Guerras Racing Stable taking the top ranking with 10 wins from 45 starts. Their meet standout was Mp Adored, who won her trial for the Mardi Gras Oaks and finished second in the May 29 final. The daughter of Mr Piloto is trained by Gilberto Gonzalez.

Matt Crawford and Jen Sokol present Guerras Racing Stable the leading owner buckle after taking the top ranking with 10 wins. © Ann Switalski Photography

Jose Ortiz finished second with 8 wins, followed by C B Racing Stables, whose horses made seven trips to the winner’s circle. Manuel Alvarez finished fourth in the owner standings with six wins.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

About Louisiana Downs
Located near Shreveport in Bossier City, Louisiana, Louisiana Downs opened in 1974 and is owned by Rubico Acquisition Corporation. With annual Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing seasons, the track is committed to presenting the highest quality racing programs paired with its 150,000 square foot entertainment complex offering casino gambling, dining and plasma screen televisions for sports and simulcast racing.