Chip Honcho Leads Competitive Field in Lecomte Stakes

3-year-olds battle for Kentucky Derby qualifying points at Fair Grounds Race Course

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:05pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the explosive energy and motion of a horse race, with the horses and jockeys reduced to abstract shapes and planes of color.The Lecomte Stakes promises an intense battle as a talented field of 3-year-olds competes for Kentucky Derby qualifying points.New Orleans Today

The $250,000 Lecomte Stakes (G3) at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots on January 17th will feature a deep and talented field of 3-year-old racehorses vying for Kentucky Derby qualifying points. Chip Honcho, the winner of the recent Gun Runner Stakes, will headline the field and look to continue his winning ways. However, he'll face stiff competition from the likes of Crown the Buckeye, Quality Mischief, and a host of other promising contenders.

Why it matters

The Lecomte Stakes is a key prep race on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, offering qualifying points to the top finishers. With a competitive field and several horses looking to secure their spot in the Run for the Roses, this race promises to be an exciting and important early-season showdown among the top 3-year-old Thoroughbreds.

The details

Chip Honcho, the winner of the Gun Runner Stakes, will be the horse to beat in the Lecomte. He showed impressive speed and the ability to quickly establish position in his last outing. However, Crown the Buckeye, who led early in the Gun Runner before fading, will be looking to bounce back, and Quality Mischief is also expected to be a strong contender. Other horses to watch include newcomers Golden Tempo, Mesquite, White Tiger, and Stop the Car.

  • The Lecomte Stakes will be run on January 17th at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots in New Orleans, Louisiana.
  • The Gun Runner Stakes, a key prep race, was held on December 20th, with Chip Honcho emerging victorious.

The players

Chip Honcho

A talented 3-year-old racehorse who won the recent Gun Runner Stakes and is the horse to beat in the Lecomte Stakes.

Crown the Buckeye

A 3-year-old contender who led early in the Gun Runner Stakes before fading and will be looking to bounce back in the Lecomte.

Quality Mischief

A 3-year-old horse who finished a close fourth in the Gun Runner Stakes and will be aiming to improve his position in the Lecomte.

Golden Tempo

A promising 3-year-old newcomer who is expected to be a strong contender in the Lecomte Stakes.

Mesquite

A 3-year-old horse trained by Flavien Prat, a renowned rider, who is looking to make a splash in the Lecomte.

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What’s next

The top five finishers in the Lecomte Stakes will earn qualifying points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, adding an extra layer of excitement and significance to this event.

The takeaway

The Lecomte Stakes promises to be a thrilling showdown among a deep and talented field of 3-year-old racehorses, with the top finishers earning valuable Kentucky Derby qualifying points. Chip Honcho enters as the favorite, but the race is wide open, and several other contenders have the potential to emerge victorious.