$25,000 Awarded to Eligible Students on Saturday, December 20

@ Hodges Photography/ Kimmy Burrow

By Martha Claussen

ALEXANDRIA, LA—DECEMBER 31, 2025—The Louisiana Festival of Racing, highlighted by the LQHBA Louisiana Million Futurity(RG1) took place on Saturday, December 20 at Evangeline Downs in Opelousas, Louisiana.

Christmas came early to each the stakes winners as well as eight Louisiana students who were recipients of Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders Association (LQHBA) Scholarships.

High school graduates and seniors graduating in 2026 seeking to further their education were in attendance for a thrilling night of Quarter Horse races. They eagerly awaited the drawings conducted by Bruce Salard, LQHBA Executive Director, Misty Coats, LQHBA Assistant Director, Kirt Chaisson, LQHBA Board President and several LQHBA board of directors.

The following students were winners of the two $5,000 LQHBA Scholarships:
Jasmine Sakaguchi, Lafayette, LA
Amaiah Watson, Carencro, LA

In addition, these students were winners of the six $2,500 LQHBA Scholarships:
Layla Chandler, Elmer, LA
Mark Collins, Opelousas, LA
Tayler Martin, Glenmora, LA
Isabella Thibodeaux, Ville Platte, LA
Jodie Landry, Ville Platte, LA
Ella Martin, Carencro, LA

"We were fortunate to have amazing weather for the 2025 Louisiana Festival of Racing at Evangeline Downs and a great turnout by students and their families,” said Salard. “Our association takes great pride in supporting education for Louisiana students and we are pleased to announce that in 2026, we will surpass a total of $1,000,000 in LQHBA Scholarships.”

Since its inception in 2001, the LQHBA Scholarship Fund has been supported by the association’s members and generous donations by Louisiana breeders. The LQHBA Stallion Auction is the primary source of funding with online bidding open through January 23 for mare owners to purchase a 2026 breeding to a Louisiana based stallion.

For more information on the LQHBA Scholarship Program, visit LQHBA.com.

Photo TOP - Following Race 9 Drawings:  From left to right:
Bruce Salard, Misty Coats, D Michael Hayes, Eric Kent Guillory, Tim Rogers, Jodie Landry (Ville Platte, LA - $2500.00), Ella Martin (Carencro, LA- $2500.00), Jasmine Sakaguchi (Lafayette, LA- $5000.00), Amaiah Watson (Carencro, LA-$5000.00), Brandon Trahan, Kirt Chassion

Photo BOTTOM -  Following Race 7 Drawings: From left to right:
Bruce Salard, Eric Kent Guillory, Layla Chandler (Elmer, LA),Mark Collins (Opelousas, LA), Tayler Martin (Glenmora, LA), Isabella Thibodeaux (Ville Platte, LA), Kirt Chassion, Stephen Deville, Brandon Trahan

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