Fast Talkin Henry continues his winning streak in the $50,000 Opelousas Stakes at Evangeline Downs

Opelousas -Fast Talkin Henry ($3.00) continued his winning streak, capturing the $50,000 Opelousas Stakes for Louisiana bred Quarter Horses in front running fashion Saturday evening at Evangeline Downs Racetrack, Casino & Hotel. Breaking alertly from the inside post in the seven horse field, the four-year-old gelded son of Heza Fast Dash dueled for the early lead before responding to urging from regular rider John Hamilton grabbed the lead in mid-stretch and then pulled clear for the victory. The running time for the 400 yards on a track labeled fast was 19.892, and the Speed Index was 92.

The official winning margin was ½ length.

Jethro Almitey held on for the runner-up spot after vying for the lead thru out, with Dashin Gage next across the finish line in 3rd. Bipty Dash was 4th, with Jls Mr Bigtime 5th, followed by Big Timer and Blue Louisiana Jolla.

The win, was the fifth in a row, and the fourth consecutive stakes tally for the Heath Taylor trainee and worth $30,000 to his owner Eric Johnson. Bred locally by Russell Mowad, Fast Talkin Henry has now bankrolled more than $400,000 in his career.

The 2014 Fall Quarter Horse racing season continues on a four-evening-a-week schedule, Wednesday’s thru Saturday’s with a first post of 5:40 P.M. Central Time.