Under jockey Donell Blake, Explosive Legend was an easy winner in the $30,000 Lip Chip LLC Stakes at Louisiana Downs Thursday afternoon.

© Ann Switalski Photography

BOSSIER CITY, LA–MARCH 27, 2025–Grade 3 finalist Explosive Legend got his first career stakes victory and second consecutive win at 870 yards when he defeated Freakin Patriot Dash by 1-1/2 lengths in the $30,000 Lip Chip LLC Stakes at Louisiana Downs Thursday afternoon.

Owner-trainer David Bustamante tapped jockey Donell Blake to ride the 4-year-old son of Mr Pilito.  Bred by Mercy Hinlins Horse Farm LLC, from the Tres Seis mare Legendary Seis, Explosive Legend rolled over the distance in 47.556 seconds into a 9 mph headwind.

The 4-year-old gelding picked up his fourth win in 12 starts and added $18,000 to his bankroll, bringing his lifetime mark to $72,658. Last season, he was a finalist in the Delta Downs Louisiana Bred Derby(RG3).

The winning connections of Explosive Legend accept the Lip Chip Stakes LLC trophy on Thursday at Louisiana Downs.
© Ann Switalski Photography

Runner-up Freakin Patriot Dash earned $6,000 under jockey Julio Ramirez, Jr. John Norwood, Jr. trains the Game Patriot 10-year-old for owner Marco Antonio Huitron. Robert Touchet bred the brown gelding from the Streak N Dash mare Freakin Dash. A stakes winner, he has earned $290,044.

Power Of The Smile, a son of Grade 1 sire Power Jam (TB), finished half-a-length back under jockey Ublado Luna to earn $3,300. Kenneth Weeks conditions the Louisiana homebred for owner-breeder Jumonville Farms. Out of the Mr Jess Perry mare Beyond The Smiles, Power Of The Smile has earned $51,445 in 13 starts.

Ms Deluxe, Dash Happens, Blew Duck, and Cat O Mine Tails completed the field.

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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.