David Bustamante, honored as LQHBA Trainer of the Year at the association’s April 18 awards banquet.

© Ann Switalski Photography

By Martha Claussen

VINTON, LOUISIANA–APRIL 22, 2026–David Bustamante was honored as Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders Association (LQHBA) Trainer of the Year at the annual Award Banquet on Saturday, April 18. Surrounded by a group of 20 friends, family, and owners for his first major honor, it was a proud moment for the hard-working horseman who has definitely paid his dues in this very challenging industry.

Perhaps it was even more meaningful as he reflected on his path from Texas to Louisiana.

Bustamante was born in Pleasanton, Texas, as a third-generation horseman. His family relocated to Bandera, about 40 minutes south of San Antonio, so that they could run horses when Bandera Downs opened in 1988.

Bustamante served as an assistant to many Texas Horsemen, including Berry Madden, Elroy Potts, and Kenneth Roberts, Sr., before going out on his own from 1992 to 1995 and again in 2019.
David and his wife, Gayla, were married in 1993, and following the birth of their son Casey, they decided to move to Louisiana.

“We had family here, so we chose Vinton so that Casey could go to school and T Bone could train at Delta Downs. David did exceptionally well with his 2-year-olds in 2019, beginning with Boobookitty, a filly by Jumpn Chic who ran seventh in the Lassie Futurity for breeder/owner The Young Brothers. Bustamante qualified for every Louisiana-bred futurity he entered that year.

Through the years, Bustamante had several exceptional horses, most notably Sir Runaway Cash, who earned $331,404 in his 13 starts. Sold at the LQHBA yearling sale for $9,000 and owned by Meal Ticket Racing, the son of Sir Runaway Dash won six races, including the 2019 LQHBA Sale Futurity (RG1).

“The horse had a lot of heart and was all business,” stated Bustamante of his first graded-stakes winner.

His son, Casey, who serves as his top assistant, credited his dad with patience with his 2-year-olds and quipped that maybe his one fault was being too patient!

“Dad and I joked that we would likely never have a Mardi Gras futurity winner,” said Casey.

Explosive Legend, a multiple stakes winner in 2025, was honored as LQHBA Distance Horse of the Year. (Shown winning the Live Oaks Stakes at Delta Downs)
© Hodges Photography/ Paula C. Tindall

The most recent star and LQHBA award winner has been explosive legend, a half-brother to AQHA Champion Distance runner The Grand Legend. With two stakes wins in 2025, he was named LQHBA Distance Horse of the Year.

Being honored by LQHBA on Saturday, April 18, meant a great deal to Bustamonte, who was grieving over the passing last month of his 82-year-old mother, Mary.

Very close to his family, he and Gayla have enjoyed their time with their first grandchild, Abel Ray, the son of Casey and his wife, Regan.

“Regan deserves a lot of credit for marrying into our family; she is very supportive of Casey and all the long hours that go along with the job of assistant trainer,” acknowledged Gayla.

So now we know that T Bone does not stand for a T-bone steak, but Bustamonte is a devoted “meat and potatoes man.” He enjoys Gayla’s cooking, including sausage with red gravy and potatoes, as well as her signature Cowboy Stew. He admits that he has never acquired a taste for Cajun cuisine.

David Bustamante with family and connections after being named LQHBA Trainer of the Year.
© Susan Bachelor/Speedhorse

Each of his family members acknowledges that David Bustamante is a very humble person, a devoted husband and father, and a dedicated caretaker of his Quarter Horses. They knew that he would take his first LQHBA leading Owner title in stride.

“My dad would rather be known as somebody who worked hard and was dedicated to racing, more than an award winner,” stated Casey.

The 2026 Delta Downs begins on Friday, April 24, and Bustamante will saddle five horses on opening weekend. 

“We have 35 stalls at Delta, the most we have ever had, and I hope that we can continue to do well in Louisiana,” added Casey. “Remembering what the award ceremony meant to us will keep us going for a long time!”

Misty Coats, LQHBA executive director, was pleased to honor Bustamante.

“David continues to support Louisiana racing with quality horses and certainly deserved this recognition,” said Coats. “In addition, it has been a pleasure getting to know Casey and seeing his commitment to Louisiana racing.”

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Martha Claussen has been involved in racing 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, Indiana, Texas, and other regions in North America.

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