Respected QH Breeder JoBaya Foreman, with her husband Billy, has two chances to celebrate a victory in the LQHBA Louisiana Million Futurity(RG1) on Saturday, December 21 at Evangeline Downs.

© Courtesy Facebook

By Martha Claussen

OPELOUSAS, LA –DECEMBER 14, 2024–Most Quarter Horse breeders look forward to winning one major futurity in their lifetime. They will gratefully refer to their champion as a "once in a lifetime" horse".

On Saturday, December 21, at Evangeline Downs, Louisiana, horsewoman JoBaya Foreman very well might add to her accomplishment with not one but two qualifiers for the 2024 LQHBA Louisiana Million Futurity(RG1).

Her first winner came in 2003, with the incomparable Vals Fortune, who she bred with her father, Joseph Irvine. Owned by Teddy Abrams, Jr. and trained by Heath Taylor, Vals Fortune amassed $ 1.1 million in earnings, sweeping 20 of 23 starts in his career.

Apolitical Chick (#6), under jockey Arnulfo Gutierrez, posted the second fastest time in the Louisiana Million Futurity trials on November 29. © Hodges Photography

Eight years later, Ol Time Preacher Man rewarded Foreman, owner Steve Holland of T M Ranch, and conditioner Kenneth Roberts, Sr.

Foreman has qualified two homebreds for this year’s edition of the LQHBA Louisiana Million Futurity(RG1),  Apolitical Chick and Beleavin.  Apolitical Chick set the second-fastest qualifying time of 20.011 seconds in 400-yard trials contested on November 29.

The filly by champion sire Apollitical Blood out of the Separatist mare Consuela Delight, also owned by Foreman.

Apolitical Chick (left) and Beleavin as weanlings.
© JoBaya Foreman

Her second finalist, Beleavin qualified in :20.093 seconds. The son of Coronas Leaving You out of  Eight Below 123 by Mr Eye Opener, was purchased at the LQHBA Yearling Sale by owner GIA Equine Center, LLC.

"We are thrilled to have two in the final with Apolitical Chick as the first finalist I have ever owned," she explained. "It is almost beyond belief!"

The journey from foaling a Quarter Horse to hoisting a trophy for a seven-figure futurity is different for every horse and their connections. The pride in breeding the winner of the richest championship in Louisiana is almost impossible to explain!

Foreman and Billy, her husband of 52 years have foaled an exceptional number of Quarter Horses on their farm in DeRidder, Louisiana. Each are different and bring both joy and challenges. JoBaya is not at a loss for words when describing Vals Fortune was "mean from the day he was born" and that Ol Time Preacher Man was a true "sweetheart"!

Apolitical Chick was a $41,000 repurchase at the 2023 LQHBA Yearling Sale. © Robicheaux Ranch, Inc.

The journey is rarely predictable as a weanling develops and prepares for his or her racing career. That was certainly the case with Apolitical Chick.

Apolitical Chick was consigned by JoBaya and Billy to the 2023 LQHBA Yearling Sale, and as they do with the majority of their yearlings, consult with Dr. Larry Findley, Sr. of Delta Equine. X-rays detected OCD, a stifle condition affecting the medial femoral condyle.

"Doc asked us how we wanted to proceed," JoBaya recalled. "We have been long time clients and did not hesitate in scheduling her surgery. We repurchased her in the sale as we would never sell a horse that was not 100%. Of course, we are so grateful that her surgery was successful."

Apolitical Chick and the other Foreman homebreds were sent to Roberts, who never believes in rushing his young runners. She made her first start at Delta Downs on June 29; did not run in any trials prior to the LQHBA Million but has won three of her four efforts.

Beleavin is a $24,000 LQHBA Yearling Sale graduate.
© Robicheaux Ranch, Inc.

"She may not be the fastest from the gate, but capable of a good run," said Roberts. "Believin qualified for the Lee Berwick(RG1), making a nice run at the end and Right Down Broadway, a half-brother to You Drive I Fly, was slow to develop, but coming into his own."

One of the first congratulatory calls JoBaya received after the LQHBA Yearling trials was from Dr. Findley.

"Jobaya and Billy are so much more than clients," stated Findley. "It is absolutely a gift from God that these people have a deep rooted love of the animal and do an exceptional job caring for their horses. They are like family to us."

Kenny Roberts has won seven editions of the LQHBA Louisiana Million, beginning in 1984 and three since it was elevated to one million dollars in 2016. Roberts  conditioned You Drive I Fly for breeders/owners Richard and Janelle Simon and last year’s champion Special Wild Train B for breeder Riley Blanchet. Arnulfo Gutierrez piloted last year’s winner  and chose Apolitical Chick this year with David Alvarez to ride Beleavin and Juan Garcia, Jr.to ride the third qualifier for Roberts, Right Down Broadway, bred by the Simons for owner Bobby D. Cox.

Last year’s winner’s circle celebration was one of the most joyful ever with owner Rodney Verret thrilled to have final won his first major championship after several attempts.

That moment has never been taken for granted by Roberts, who is quick to defer the attention to the horses and the great Louisiana horsemen and women who have given him so many opportunities.

"I have been blessed to work with people including Jobaya and Billy, Janelle and Richard Simon and many others as well as the late Steve Holland and Rodney Verret," said Roberts. "They share my passion for horses and their commitment to this industry. I am so grateful and humbled by their support."

Bruce Salard, executive director of the LQHBA, also acknowledges the many contributions made by the breeders and owners who have qualified for this year’s championship on Saturday, December 21.

"It was the goal of so many of the men and women in our association to create a seven-figure futurity for Louisiana Quarter Horses," said Salard. "Our board of directors is proud of the ten finalists and looks forward to an incredible final."

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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.