The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association will honor two-time New Orleans Classic Stakes (G2) winner Touchuponastar as its Horse of the Year at an awards evening beginning at 4 p.m., Aug. 1, at Mojo's at Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino.
The awards evening, which will recognize accomplishments of 2025, also will serve as a fundraiser for the Racing Employees Assistance Program.
Bred by Coteau Grove Farms, Touchuponastar won six of his seven starts in 2025 highlighted by a 2 1/2-length victory in the New Orleans Classic March 22 at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. Racing for Set-Hut, the son of Star Guitar led at every point of call in that 1 1/8-mile test to post the decisive victory in the race that featured 2024 Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) winner and champion 3-year-old male Sierra Leone .
Touchuponastar won five other stakes in 2025, all in Louisiana, including the Louisiana Champions Day Classic, Delta Mile, Gold Cup, EVD Classic, and the La Bred Premier Night Championship. His victory in the Louisiana Champions Day Classic marked his fourth victory in that race.
Trained by Jeff Delhomme, this season Touchuponastar already has defended his victory in the New Orleans Classic with another clear win, this time by 1 1/2 lengths over Corporate Power. Touchuponastar has surpassed $2 million in earnings and his total of $2,082,560 ranks third all-time among Louisiana-breds behind only Free Like a Girl ($2,565,628) and Tumbarumba ($3,450,433).
The LTBA also has announced its 2025 divisional champions:
- 2yo Colt or Gelding: Our Moneyman
- 2yo Filly: Little Miss Curlin
- 3yo Colt or Gelding: Smoken Wicked
- 3yo Filly: Secret Faith
- 4&Up Male: Touchuponastar
- 4&Up Filly and Mare: Free Like A Girl
- Broodmare of the Year: St. Jean
The Breeder of the Year is Coteau Grove Farms based on the amount of breeders awards earned in the calendar year. The High Percentage Breeder Award this year with 34% stakes winners from starters, and a minimum of 5 starters, goes to John Enoul Jumonville Jr. and Bunny Jumonville.
The 2025 Stallion of the Year ended with honors going to Star Guitar, as his progeny earned more than any other stallion standing in the state.
As for the benefit, the mission of the Racing Employees Assistance Program is to provide assistance to licensed members of the Evangeline Downs racing community and their families. This support may include financial aid for medical care, food, housing, clothing, and education, as well as services such as counseling, caregiving, emergency transportation, recreational activities, job placement, and training. REAP is also proud to support the valuable ministry of our Chaplain, Dwight Brown.
The event will feature a Silent Auction and Reverse Drawing. If you are able to donate a Silent Auction item or would like to purchase a Reverse Drawing ticket, please let us know. We are looking forward to another outstanding event that will directly benefit members of our racing community.
The LTBA noted the night's top sponsors: Delhomme Veterinary Clinic, Coteau Grove Farms, Whispering Oaks Farm, Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association, Intrepid Thoroughbreds, and the Louisiana Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association.
