Page 170 - January 2022

RACING NEWS
Brenda, and Jocelyn. Earlier runners have included Grade 1 winner Endless Ocean. After her parents moved to Mexico a few years ago, Ebelyn, who is the eldest of the children, became the point person.
“It’s a family business,” Ebelyn stated. “My dad started it. Nothing would have been possible without him and his knowledge. He has a very good eye in choosing the horses at the sales.”
Blood Money began as kind of a lazy foal, Dunn said. But he has developed into an outstanding runner under the tutelage of trainer Rosendo Valdez Jr.
“We are very thankful for our trainer and his family, and what he has accomplished with Blood Money,” said Ebelyn.
Blood Money qualified the fastest for the Louisiana Million with a 2-length win in his Nov. 26 trial. He drew the outside post,
and went off as the 9-10 favorite. Everardo Rodriguez, who has piloted the colt in all of his starts, was back aboard.
The biggest potential obstacle would be the start.
“He breaks really slow, but he finishes strong,” said Ebelyn. “He likes that attention in the back of the gates. He always makes sure about five or six men push him inside the gates every time. But once he starts getting his grip, you can’t stop him.”
Blood Money broke slowly again in the Million, getting away next to last. He did not disappoint, however, coming on strongly to get up and win by a head. He completed 400 yards in :19.499.
That victory not only gave Blood Money a $445,000 payday, it completed a season of seven wins and one second in eight starts. Half of those races came at Delta Downs, including wins in the Laddie Futurity and the Lee Berwick Futurity-RG1, and the other half came at Evangeline. His only loss was a second in the LQHBA Sale Futurity-RG2 at Evangeline to San Lorenzeaux, a gelding he beat in the Million and the Berwick.
The Rojas family hasn’t been able to attend any of Blood Money’s finals.
“Now it’s a little pattern—we stay here and he’s done good,” said Ebelyn. “Winning these futurities is a dream come true.”
Dunn bred Blood Money in the name of Spring Hill Farms in Louisiana, from three- time stakes winner Zoom To The Money. Dunn bought the mare privately from George
Blood Money on his way to victory in the $1,000,000 LQHBA Louisiana Million Futurity-RG1.
Breeder David Dunn of Spring Hill Farms, jockey Everardo Rodriguez, Rosendo Valdez Sr. for owner Rojas Racing Stables, and trainer Rosendo Valdez Jr. accepting their awards.
168 SPEEDHORSE January 2022
Leslie Simmons, Speedhorse
Leslie Simmons, Speedhorse