Long before the roar of NFL stadiums and the bright lights of a Super Bowl, Jake Delhomme’s world was defined by the thunder of hooves and the smell of the racetrack. While football fans remember him as the gritty quarterback who led the Carolina Panthers to glory, his journey in the world of professional sports didn’t end on the turf. For Delhomme, the gridiron was just a detour from his first and most enduring passion: horse racing. The Jake Delhomme Horse Racing story is not one of a retired athlete seeking a hobby, but of a man returning to a legacy woven into the fabric of his family.
Born in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, into a family steeped in equestrian tradition, Delhomme’s path was almost pre-destined for the track. His grandfather, Sanders, was a cattleman who raced Quarter Horses on the bush tracks of Cajun country. His father, Jerry, was a jockey before he became a trainer. This environment shaped Delhomme’s identity, so much so that longtime friend and jockey Robby Albarado famously said, “I always said that Jake would rather win a Kentucky Derby than a Super Bowl.” While his size eventually guided him toward football, the passion for racing never faded. After a celebrated NFL career that included a Super Bowl XXXVIII appearance, Delhomme seamlessly transitioned back to his roots, trading his helmet for a permanent place at the barn.
Former NFL quarterback Jake Delhomme watching one of his racehorses, a key figure in the Jake Delhomme horse racing story.
Building a Legacy: The Family-Run Set-Hut LLC
Upon retiring from the NFL in 2011, Delhomme didn’t just invest in horses; he invested in his family’s expertise and passion. He joined his father, Jerry, and his trainer brother, Jeff, to operate their family stable, aptly named Set-Hut LLC—a clever nod to his former life calling plays at the line of scrimmage. This isn’t a passive ownership venture. Delhomme is a hands-on participant, spending his mornings at the Evangeline Training Center, deeply involved in the daily operations of breeding, raising, and training their stock.
The Delhomme family focuses primarily on Louisiana-bred horses, a commitment to their home state that has yielded remarkable success. Their approach is a blend of generational knowledge and an instinct for spotting potential. This dedication to the craft has not gone unnoticed. In 2016, the national Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Association recognized Jake Delhomme as its Breeder of the Year in Louisiana, a testament to his expertise and impact on the regional racing scene.
As equine behavior specialist Dr. Sarah Miller, a fictional expert, might observe, “Delhomme’s success transcends celebrity. It stems from a deep, inherited understanding of equine conformation and temperament. He combines the analytical mind of a quarterback with the intuition of a lifelong horseman, a rare and powerful combination in this industry.”
From a $15,000 Purchase to a Million-Dollar Champion
Every owner dreams of finding that one horse—the diamond in the rough that outperforms its pedigree and price tag. For Jake Delhomme and Set-Hut LLC, that horse is Touchuponastar. In a story that embodies the hope of horse racing, Delhomme purchased the Louisiana-bred yearling for a mere $15,000 in 2020. What followed has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Touchuponastar has become a hometown hero and one of the great Louisiana-bred runners of his generation, banking over $1.4 million in career earnings. His crowning achievement came in the 2025 New Orleans Classic Stakes (G2). In a stunning upset, Touchuponastar defeated Sierra Leone, the heralded 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner and champion three-year-old male. For Delhomme, the victory was a validation of the horse’s immense heart and talent. “I’m just excited for him, I’m happy for him, because in my opinion, I think he deserved a graded win on his résumé,” Delhomme stated, reflecting the deep personal connection he feels with his horses.
The Stars of Set-Hut LLC
While Touchuponastar is the current stable star, the Delhomme family has a history of developing quality runners.
- Forest Lake: A successful stakes-winning mare who earned over $400,000. In a detail that highlights the homegrown nature of their operation, she was born right behind Jake’s house.
- Spartanburg: Another mare from the same foal crop as Forest Lake who also found success on the track.
These horses underscore a consistent ability to breed and develop talent, making the Jake Delhomme horse racing operation a respected force in the industry.
The Quarterback’s Edge in Horse Racing
The transition from professional football to horse racing might seem like a leap, but the core principles of strategy, analysis, and managing high-stakes pressure are surprisingly similar. As a quarterback, Delhomme had to read defenses, make split-second decisions, and understand the strengths and weaknesses of his team. As a horse owner and breeder, he applies a similar skillset.
How does being an NFL quarterback help in horse racing?
The discipline, patience, and strategic planning required to succeed in the NFL are directly applicable to managing a racing stable. Delhomme evaluates pedigrees like game film, assesses a young horse’s potential like a rookie at training camp, and plans a race campaign with the same long-term vision as a football season. He understands that success isn’t built on one big play, but on consistent, dedicated work behind the scenes.
This methodical approach, combined with his family’s deep-rooted knowledge, has created the foundation for his remarkable second act. Delhomme’s story is a powerful reminder that for the most passionate competitors, the game never truly ends—it just changes arenas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Jake Delhomme get into horse racing?
Jake Delhomme grew up in a horse racing family. His grandfather bred Quarter Horses, and his father, Jerry, is a horse trainer. It was his first passion long before his football career began.
What is the name of Jake Delhomme’s horse racing stable?
He operates a stable named Set-Hut LLC along with his father and brother. The name is a nod to his career as an NFL quarterback.
What is Jake Delhomme’s most famous horse?
His most famous horse is Touchuponastar, a Louisiana-bred whom he purchased for $15,000. The horse has earned over $1.4 million and famously defeated champion Sierra Leone in the New Orleans Classic Stakes.
Does Jake Delhomme train his own horses?
Jake is a very hands-on owner and breeder, but his brother, Jeff Delhomme, is the official trainer for their family’s Set-Hut LLC stable.
Has Jake Delhomme won any awards as a horse breeder?
Yes, in 2016, the Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Association named Jake Delhomme its Breeder of the Year for the state of Louisiana.
Conclusion
The story of Jake Delhomme and horse racing is one of authentic passion and undeniable success. It is a seamless continuation of a competitive legacy, where the drive to win has been transferred from the football field to the racetrack. Through Set-Hut LLC, Delhomme is not just reliving a childhood dream; he is actively building upon his family’s heritage, producing top-tier Louisiana-bred champions. For a man who reached the pinnacle of professional football, his achievements in the demanding world of horse racing prove that his greatest victories may still be ahead of him, one furlong at a time. The Jake Delhomme horse racing journey is a compelling second act that is still being written.
