SAM HOUSTON RACE PARK ANNOUNCES 2024 THOROUGHBRED STAKES SCHEDULE

The Houston Racing Festival with Two Graded Stakes, is Set for Saturday, January 27

 

HOUSTON, TX – Sam Houston Race Park will kick off its 30th live racing season on Friday, January  5, 2024.  A total of 22 stakes with purses totaling $2.5 million will be run throughout the 43-day Thoroughbred meet, which continues through through Sunday, April 7.

 

 

Supporting Texas-bred racing continues to be an important priority for the northwest Houston racetrack. Two stakes, the $75,000 Darby’s Daughter for 3-year-old fillies and the $75,000 My Dandy Stakes for 3-year-old colts and geldings will be contested on opening night. These stakes kick off the Clarence Scharbauer, Jr. Texas  Stallion Stakes Series for 3-year-olds.

 

The annual Houston Racing Festival is set for Saturday, January 27 with a 1:00 pm first post. The 2024 edition will offer five stakes races, anchored by the $300,000 Houston Ladies Classic (G3) and the $200,000 John B. Connally Turf (G3).  The $100,000 Bob Bork Texas Turf Mile, $75,000 Bara Lass, and $75,000 Gexa Groovy Stakes will be included on the undercard.

 

Texas Preview Day comes next with five stakes for Texas-breds on Saturday, February 17. The event serves as important preparation for Texas Champions Day, with seven stakes races on Saturday, March 23.

 

Bryan Pettigrew, Sam Houston Race Park’s Vice President and General Managerlooks forward to a season filled with quality racing and an enhanced promotions and event schedule. Live racing will take place on Fridays at 6:30 pm and on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00 pm (Central).  Holiday Monday racing, also at 1:00 pm, will take place on Martin Luther King Day and President’s Day. Sam Houston Race Park will also host live racing and festivities, beginning at 1:00 pm on each of the Triple Crown dates: Kentucky Derby on May 4, Preakness on May 18, and Belmont Stakes on June 8.

 

“We are committed to presenting an exciting racing season and engaging horseplayers, no matter their level of experience,” said Pettigrew. “Our goal in hosting live racing and promotions on weekend afternoons is to create a festive atmosphere for both racing enthusiasts and casual fans.”

 

 

2024 Sam Houston Race Park Thoroughbred Stakes Schedule

 

Friday, January 6                             

$75,000 Darby’s Daughter                             3yo F- 5.5 Furlongs

$75,000 My Dandy Stakes                             3yo C&G- 5.5 Furlongs

 

Saturday, January 27                                   Houston Racing Festival 

$300,000 Houston Ladies Classic (G3)          4&up F&M- 1 1/16 Mile

$200,000 John B. Connally Turf (G3)            4&up- 1 1/2 Mile (T)

$100,000 Bob Bork Texas Turf Mile              3yo- 1 Mile (T)

$75,000 Bara Lass Stakes                               3yo Texas-bred Fillies- 6 Furlongs

$75,000 Gexa Groovy Stakes                         3yo Texas-bred- 6 furlongs

 

Friday, February 16

$35,000 Darley Sprint Arabian Stakes(G2)    7 Furlongs 4& up Arabians

Supporting Texas-bred racing continues to be an important priority for the northwest Houston racetrack. Two stakes, the $75,000 Darby’s Daughter for 3-year-old fillies and the $75,000 My Dandy Stakes for 3-year-old colts and geldings will be contested on opening night. These stakes kick off the Clarence Scharbauer, Jr. Texas  Stallion Stakes Series for 3-year-olds.

 

The annual Houston Racing Festival is set for Saturday, January 27 with a 1:00 pm first post. The 2024 edition will offer five stakes races, anchored by the $300,000 Houston Ladies Classic (G3) and the $200,000 John B. Connally Turf (G3).  The $100,000 Bob Bork Texas Turf Mile, $75,000 Bara Lass, and $75,000 Gexa Groovy Stakes will be included on the undercard.

 

Texas Preview Day comes next with five stakes for Texas-breds on Saturday, February 17. The event serves as important preparation for Texas Champions Day, with seven stakes races on Saturday, March 23.

 

Bryan Pettigrew, Sam Houston Race Park’s Vice President and General Managerlooks forward to a season filled with quality racing and an enhanced promotions and event schedule. Live racing will take place on Fridays at 6:30 pm and on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00 pm (Central).  Holiday Monday racing, also at 1:00 pm, will take place on Martin Luther King Day and President’s Day. Sam Houston Race Park will also host live racing and festivities, beginning at 1:00 pm on each of the Triple Crown dates: Kentucky Derby on May 4, Preakness on May 18, and Belmont Stakes on June 8.

 

“We are committed to presenting an exciting racing season and engaging horseplayers, no matter their level of experience,” said Pettigrew. “Our goal in hosting live racing and promotions on weekend afternoons is to create a festive atmosphere for both racing enthusiasts and casual fans.”

 

 

2024 Sam Houston Race Park Thoroughbred Stakes Schedule

 

Friday, January 5                              

$75,000 Darby’s Daughter                             3yo F- 5.5 Furlongs

$75,000 My Dandy Stakes                             3yo C&G- 5.5 Furlongs

 

Saturday, January 27                                   Houston Racing Festival 

$300,000 Houston Ladies Classic (G3)          4&up F&M- 1 1/16 Mile

$200,000 John B. Connally Turf (G3)            4&up- 1 1/2 Mile (T)

$100,000 Bob Bork Texas Turf Mile              3yo- 1 Mile (T)

$75,000 Bara Lass Stakes                               3yo Texas-bred Fillies- 6 Furlongs

$75,000 Gexa Groovy Stakes                         3yo Texas-bred- 6 furlongs

 

Friday, February 16

$35,000 Darley Sprint Arabian Stakes(G2)    7 Furlongs 4& up Arabians

       

Saturday, February 17                                 Texas Preview Day for Texas-breds

$75,000 Jim’s Orbit                                        3yo C&G- 6 Furlongs

$75,000 Two Altazano                                   3yo F- 6 Furlongs

$75,000 H-Town                                             4yo & up- 7 Furlongs

$75,000 Miss Bluebonnet Turf                       4&up F&M- 1 Mile (T)

$75,000 Houston Turf                                    4&up- 1 1/16 Miles (T)

 

Friday, March 9

$60,000 Texas-Six Shooter Arabian Stakes   4& up Arabians -1 1/16 Miles (T)

 

Saturday, March 23                                      Texas Champions Day for Texas-breds

$100,000 TTA Derby                                     3yo C&G- 1 Mile and 70 yards

$100,000 TTA Oaks                                       3yo F- 1 Mile and 70 yards

$75,000 Richard King                                    4&up- 1 1/8 Mile (T)

$75,000 San Jacinto                                        4&up F&M- 1 1/16 Mile (T)

$75,000 Spirit of Texas                                  4&up- 6 Furlongs

$75,000 Yellow Rose Stakes                          4&up F&M- 6 furlongs

$75,000 Star of Texas                                     4&up- 1 Mile

 

Saturday, March 30

$60,000 Yellow Rose Arabian Stakes            4& up Arabians -1 Mile (T)

Michael Acton returns as Racing Secretary for the 2024 live racing season including the 25-day Sam Houston Race Park Quarter Horse meet which will run from FridayApril 19 through Saturday, June 15. Post time for the Quarter Horse season will be 6:30 pm.  The Sam Houston Race Park Horsemen’s linkhas updated resources including the first condition book, stakes nominations, information on Texas Racing Commission licensing  and stall application information for the 2024 live racing season.

About Sam Houston Race Park

Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s premier racing and entertainment facility, located just 15 miles northwest of downtown Houston. Owned by Penn Entertainment Inc. (NASDAQ – PENN), the racetrack, which opened in 1994, offers a variety of attractions for businesses, group outings and families during racing and the off-season. The track is best known for its award-winning dining and features multiple areas for fans looking for casual to upscale dining options including its Winner’s Circle Restaurant, Jockey Club, Luxury Suites and Pavilion Centre. For more information or tickets to upcoming live racing, shows and events, please visit www.shrp.com or follow on: FacebookInstagramTwitterTikTok or YouTube.

 

SAM HOUSTON RACE PARK ANNOUNCES ITS 2024 LIVE RACING DATES

The First Class 1 Racetrack in Texas Will Celebrate its 30th Anniversary in the Upcoming Live Racing Season

By Martha Claussen

HOUSTON, TX – The Texas Racing Commission (TXRC) approved the dates for the 2024 live racing season at Sam Houston Race Park in today’s meeting in Austin, Texas.

The   43-day Thoroughbred meet will get underway on Friday, January 5, 2024, with live racing set for Friday at 6:30 pm (Central) and Saturday and Sunday cards beginning at 1:00 pm. Holiday Monday racing, also at 1:00 pm, will take place on Martin Luther King Day and President’s Day. The live Thoroughbred racing season will continue through Sunday, April 7.

The Houston Racing Festival highlights the Thoroughbred stakes schedule and will be contested on Saturday, January 27 with a 1:00 pm first post. Inaugurated in 2013, the marquee racing event will be  anchored by the $300,000 Houston Ladies Classic (G3) and the $200,000 John B. Connally Turf (G3).  The $100,000 Bob Bork Texas Turf Mile, $100,000 Bara Lass and $100,000 Groovy Stakes will also be contested.  A press release on the entire 2024 stakes schedule will be forthcoming.

Sam Houston Race Park’s Vice President and General Manager Bryan Pettigrew attended today’s Commission meeting and looks forward to a season filled with quality racing and an enhanced promotions and event schedule.

“Our entire team is excited about the 2024 live racing season,” said Pettigrew. “We have tremendous support from the Texas Thoroughbred Association, (TTA), Texas Horsemen’s Partnership (THP) and the Texas Quarter Horse Association (TQHA),” said Pettigrew. 

Sam Houston Race Park opened as the first Class 1 racetrack in Texas on April 24, 1994. Promotions for racing fans and the celebration of racing and breeding in the Lone Star State will be prominent throughout the upcoming meet. Pettigrew served as the marketing director for Sam Houston Race Park in the mid-90’s and has a highly respected background in racing and sports and event management.

“When I was previously at Sam Houston, I was able to grow handle and attendance, while educating businesses and a newer fan base about the fun, excitement, and economic impact of horseracing in Texas,” he added. “To be able to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Sam Houston Race Park will be a thrill for the many breeders, owners, trainers and horseplayers who have been loyal supporters of Texas racing.”

Michael Acton returns as Director of Racing for the 2024 live racing season including the 25-day Sam Houston Race Park Quarter Horse meet which will run from FridayApril 19 through Saturday, June 15. Post time for the Quarter Horse season willbe 6:30 pm (Central) on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Stall applications for the upcoming Thoroughbred live racing season are due by Wednesday, November 1.  For further information, visit shrp.com.

About Sam Houston Race Park

Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s premier racing and entertainment facility, located just 15 miles northwest of downtown Houston. Owned by Penn Entertainment Inc. (NASDAQ – PENN), the racetrack, which opened in 1994, offers a variety of attractions for businesses, group outings and families during racing and the off-season. The track is best known for its award-winning dining and features multiple areas for fans looking for casual to upscale dining options including its Winner’s Circle Restaurant, Jockey Club, Luxury Suites and Pavilion Centre. For more information or tickets to upcoming live racing, shows and events, please visit www.shrp.com or follow on: FacebookInstagramTwitterTick Tok or YouTube.

Texas-Breds to Benefit from New Change to 2024 Racing Purses at Sam Houston and Lone Star Park

August 23, 2023 – Texas-breds are receiving a raise during the 2024 Thoroughbred race meets at Class 1 tracks in Texas. The Texas Thoroughbred Association, Texas Horsemen’s Partnership, Sam Houston Race Park and Lone Star Park came together to collectively approve the new purse structure alteration.

For 2024, Texas-bred maiden special weight and allowance races will carry a minimum purse of $40,000 at Sam Houston and Lone Star Park. This is being accomplished by reconfiguring the allocation of funds provided by the TTA to the tracks from Texas Horse Industry Escrow Account (HIEA). The minimum purse of $40,000 for these races is a $7,000 increase per race – a 21% increase over 2023 levels for the same race conditions.

“It is gratifying to see what can be accomplished when the Thoroughbred industry and the racetracks work together. Supporting Texas horse owners and breeders and promoting the value of Texas-bred horses is our number one priority,” commented Tracy Sheffield, President of the Texas Thoroughbred Association.

HB 2463 was passed in the 2019 legislative session. Derived from a portion of state sales taxes on equine goods and services, it provides up to $25-million per year to stimulate the Texas Equine Industry, with 70% ($17.5 million) earmarked for purse funds and the remaining 30% ($7.5 million) available to the official state breed registries (TTA, TQHA, TABA, TPHA) for TRC approved events and programs. Funds became available in 2020.

“The purse restructuring shows dedication to Texas-breds on the racetrack and it has a positive impact on a large number of Texas horsemen,” said Bryan Pettigrew, Vice President and General Manager of Sam Houston Race Park. “The owners and trainers I have spoken with are praising the change. It’s putting more money on the table for Texas-breds.”

Finalizing the purse transition comes at an opportune time. The Texas Thoroughbred Association’s annual Summer Yearling Sale is August 28. According to TTA, the sale will be one of the largest in history and there’s a tremendous level of excitement and anticipation for Monday’s sale.  Of the 271 catalogued sale entries, almost 100 are Texas-breds, proving they are in high demand, thanks in part to the numerous Texas breeders’ incentives now in place and proven by their success on the racetrack.

One of the largest consignors at the sale is Highlander Training Center whose catalogue includes 22 Texas-breds in Monday’s yearling sale.

“Increasing purse money for Texas-breds and raising the level of maiden special weight purses will absolutely have a positive impact on the yearling sale,” noted Jeff Hooper, Chairman & CEO at Highlander Training Center. “Purses drive the business, and this very positive news will create increased enthusiasm and interest among owners and trainers looking for quality Texas-bred racing prospects.”

Since the passage of House Bill 2463, the racing program has been expanded in the State. First of all, the Texas Thoroughbred Association Futurity at Lone Star Park was revamped with a $150,000 purse for each division. The $100,000 Texas Thoroughbred Association Derby and Oaks were both added to the Sam Houston Race Park calendar to further support the industry. Numerous top stallions have moved into the state which has strengthened the Texas Stallion Stakes, a six race series for the offspring of participating Texas stallions. The increase in Texas-bred maiden special weight and allowance race purses is the latest development. The overall 2024 HIEA plan is pending Texas Racing Commission approval.

Sam Houston Race Park Puts Simulcasting On Hold

The Houston track steps back from announcement to resume simulcasting Feb. 3.

 

On the day Sam Houston Race Park intended to resume interstate simulcasting, the Houston racetrack took a step back and has put that plan on hold citing the need for a legal review of the “many complexities” surrounding recent court action and law amendments by Congress related to the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority.

“We have determined more time is needed to fully evaluate the many legal complexities surrounding recent court decisions and the HISA amendment enacted by Congress at the end of last year,” said a statement released by Sam Houston Feb. 3.

The decision to resume simulcasting followed a Jan. 31 ruling by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals that denied a request by HISA and the Federal Trade Commission to reverse a decision that the HISA is facially unconstitutional. The appellate court had Nov. 18 reversed a decision of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas that had upheld the constitutionality of the HISA after it was challenged by the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, multiple state HBPA affiliates, the State of Texas, and the Texas Horse Racing Commission. Since the initial Fifth Circuit ruling, Congress amended the language of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act to include “clarifying language” that shores up the FTC’s oversight of HISA.

 

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Houston Ladies Classic Tops Sam Houston Stakes Schedule

Thoroughbred racing at Sam Houston Race Park returns Jan. 6, 2023, with several changes planned for its 43-day Thoroughbred meet.

The Thoroughbred meet will feature afternoon racing on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 1 p.m CT. Holiday Monday racing, also at 1 p.m., will take place on Martin Luther King Day and President’s Day.

Thoroughbred racing in Texas stopped being exported for simulcast this July at Lone Star Park when Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority oversight began over much of the country.

The Houston Racing Festival highlights the stakes schedule on Jan. 28. The 2023 edition will offer five stakes, anchored by the $300,000 Houston Ladies Classic (G3) and the $200,000 John B. Connally Turf Cup (G3T). The $100,000 Bob Bork Texas Turf Mile, $100,000 Bara Lass stakes, and $100,000 Groovy Stakes will be included on the undercard.

Frank Hopf, Sam Houston Race Park’s assistant general manager, looks forward to welcoming Houston horseplayers and new fans to the northwest Houston racetrack.

“The new schedule and start times present an opportunity to engage with our loyal simulcast guests and attract new fans with daytime racing,” said Hopf.  “Moving our stakes races and promotions to the afternoons will provide new opportunities for everyone.”

The 2023 Sam Houston stakes schedule can be viewed online.

Bart Lang will serve as director of racing for the 2023 live racing season, including the 25-day Sam Houston Race Park Quarter Horse meet from April 21-June 17.

Sam Houston Race Park & Lone Star Park Apply for 2023 Race Dates

(Austin, TX) – At Wednesday’s Texas Racing Commission meeting, Sam Houston Park General Manager Dwight Berube confirmed that the Houston area track will apply for 43 live race dates in 2023, beginning January 6th.  The 2023 Texas live racing schedule will be similar to 2022, as Lone Star Park has already applied for 48 days.

While plans for the overall stakes program have not been finalized, the 2023 race meet at Sam Houston will feature the inaugural running of the $100,000 Texas Thoroughbred Association Derby and Oaks for graduates of the 2021 TTA Yearling Sale and 2022 TTA Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale.  The schedule will also include 10 Texas-bred stakes and two legs of the Clarence Schaubauer, Jr. Texas Stallion Stakes.

“With Monday’s Texas Thoroughbred Association Yearling Sale on the immediate horizon, we appreciate the continued support of the Texas tracks,” TTA Executive Director Mary Ruyle said.  “On Monday, we will offer more than 200 yearlings, which is the most in recent history.  Over the past couple years, we have made great strides in the quality of racing in Texas.”

Elliott, Asmussen, End Zone Athletics Take Sam Houston Titles

Jockey Stewart Elliott picked up his second leading rider title at Sam Houston Race Park as the meet wrapped up its 50-day stand Saturday, April 9th. Elliott had the support of trainer Steve Asmussen, riding first call for the Hall of Fame conditioner as he piloted 296 mounts, winning 62 races with earnings of $1,490,006. The successful union between Elliott and Asmussen began in Houston two years ago and has continued at Lone Star Park and Remington Park.

Asmussen won his 14th training title at the northwest Houston racetrack, following honors as top trainer in 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. Asmussen started 259 runners, finishing with a record of 51 wins, 41 seconds, 55 thirds and earnings of $1,554,306. He conditions Stonestreet Stable’s homebred Pauline’s Pearl (Tapit), who captured the richest race of the annual Sam Houston Thoroughbred season, the $400,000 GIII Houston Ladies Classic.

End Zone Athletics, Inc. clearly topped the owner standings, finishing with 22 wins, 29 seconds and 18 third-place finishes from 137 starters. The ownership group, founded by Karl Broberg, has been a force at Sam Houston for over a decade with previous titles in 2018 and 2020.

JOCKEY JANSEN MELANCON FINDING SUCCESS ACROSS STATE LINES AT SAM HOUSTON RACE PARK

Solid Meet for the Son of Top Louisiana Jockey Gerard Melancon

 

HOUSTON, TX- In the business world, there are countless stories about family-owned businesses transitioning between generations. In the racing industry, training mantles have been passed down between parent and child with tremendous success. But obstacles are plentiful when the son of an elite jockey chooses to pursue that same career path.

 

Father and son jockeys, Gerard and jansen Melancon. Coady Photography.

Thoroughbred jockey Jansen Melancon is a prime example. The 33-year-old rider is the son of one of the top riders in the country, Gerard Melancon. Known affectionately as Gee-Money, Gerard has won 5,048 career races and with his outgoing personality and bevy of top trainers in his hip pocket, seems destined to ride for many more years.

 

His son, Jansen, shipped his tack to Sam Houston Race Park in January and is currently tenth in the standings. He returns to action this week off a notable showing last weekend. He guided Gold Declaration to a driving runner-up finish at odds of 34-1 for trainer Terry Eoff on Friday, February 18. On the Texas Preview card, he scored an adroit stakes win aboard Chief Brady in the $75,000 Jim’s Orbit. Melancon, riding for horseman Dallas Keen, found an opening on the rail and confidently navigated the 3-year-old to the wire.  It’s difficult for members of the Sam Houston jockey colony to command attention with veterans Stewart Elliott and Ry Eikleberry winning races for top horsemen Steve Asmussen and Karl Broberg. But last weekend, racing fans in Houston and across the country, saw the talent of Jansen Melancon.

Jansen began riding in 2008 and has won 761 races from over 7,300 starts and purses of $14.2 million. Becoming a professional jockey was all he ever dreamed about, and he always had the support of his father.

“He never discouraged me, ever,” stated Jansen. “He always wanted me to be happy.”

But for many years, being the son of Gerard Melancon, created imposing obstacles. Annette Melancon, wife of Gerard, and mother to sons Jonas and Jansen, remembers it well.

“People would tell Jansen that he had big shoes to fill or call him ‘little G’ referencing the well-known tag of “Gee Money,” she recalled. “It was difficult for him.”

Jansen had a tough time with it, but soldiered on as he made the rounds, picking up mounts for a number of horsemen.

“When I first got going, Joey Foster was one of the trainers who stuck his neck out for me,” he said. “Throughout my career, I’ve never ridden first call for a barn; I’ve always had mounts for many horsemen, and I appreciate each of them.”

Jansen faced challenges for many years; there were wins, but he was far from an overnight success. Alcohol played too much of a role in his life and he chose to face his addiction.

“I have been sober for two years now and have never felt better,” he explained.

Jansen always had the support from his parents and his wife, Brooke. They live just a subdivision away from them in Scott, Louisiana, with their 6-year-old son, Emmitt.

Gerard Melancon watches pretty much all of Jansen’s races and was thrilled with his three-bagger here on January 15.

“That was a great night for Jansen,” said his proud dad. “He’s always had a hard time riding under me in Louisiana. Hopefully he will pick up some owners and trainers because he has so much talent and he just needs opportunities!”

Jansen is in agreement with Gerard on that front.

“A lot of the trainers knew me as a kid,” said Jansen. “The comparisons to my dad were ongoing, but  riding in a different circuit, I am Jansen, not G’s son.”

On Saturday, February 19, Gerard won the finale at Delta Downs aboard Frank the Mayor for trainer Keith Charles. That evening, he and Annette settled into their recliners to watch Jansen ride the Texas Preview Night card at Sam Houston Race Park. Jansen piloted Chief Brady in the $75,000 Jim’s Orbit, who had won his debut in January for trainer Dallas Keen. He was stepping up against in stakes company, but Jansen settled the 3-year-old colt on the backstretch before finding room on the rail. The son of Bradester responded gamely and drew off to a three-length victory at odds, rewarding his fans with a $13.20 win payout.

“He’s never had dirt in his face, but took it well,”  said Jansen. “He was moving nicely and dragging me along; I saw the rail open and took the opportunity.”

 

Keen had no hesitation is giving Melancon the return call.

 

“Jansen is a talented rider,” stated Keen. “He shows up in the mornings and listens when I tell him about what the horses like and do not like. He won by six lengths on Chief Brady in his debut and made an impressive move up the rail in the Jim’s Orbit.”

 

In addition to impressing Keen and racing fans last Saturday, Melancon drew rave reviews from his parents.

“Gerard was whooping and hollering watching Jansen win that stakes,” said Annette. “It was exciting; we were very proud of him!”

Jansen has ridden against his father many times in Louisiana and is destined for repeat duels in the future. His  approach is that they are just two jockeys trying to cross the finish line first.

“When I am in the starting gate, it doesn’t matter who I am riding against,” said Jansen. “It’s just me and the horse trying to win the race.”

He will ride at Sam Houston Race Park until the 2022 Thoroughbred season wraps on Saturday, April 9.  Jansen and his agent, Bubba Wood have several options open about his next stop.

“I feel I have never worked a day in my life,” he explained. “It’s still fun. There’s no freer feeling than being on the back of the horse.”

About Sam Houston Race Park

Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s premier racing and entertainment facility, located just 15 miles from downtown Houston. Owned by Penn National Gaming. Inc., the racetrack, which opened in 1994, offers a variety of attractions including a Suite Level featuring luxurious suites overlooking the racetrack, The Pavilion Centre, and award-winning dining options at the Winner’s Circle Restaurant and the Jockey Club. For more information on upcoming live racing, shows, events and tickets, please visit www.shrp.com.

 

LIVE THOROUGHBRED RACING RETURNS TO SAM HOUSTON RACE PARK ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 2022

Request For 50-Day Thoroughbred Meet Granted at Tuesday’s Texas Racing Commission Meeting

 

HOUSTON, TX – Sam Houston Race Park will kick off its 2022 live racing season on Thursday, January 6 with an expanded 50-day Thoroughbred meet.  The Thoroughbred meet will conclude on Saturday, April 9 The dates were approved by the Texas Racing Commission on Tuesday, July 27.

Sam Houston Race Park was granted 46 Thoroughbred days in 2021and had one of the most successful seasons since it opened in 1994 as the first Class 1 racetrack in Texas. One of the major highlights was its $5.3 million handle for the annual Houston Racing Festival. Houston Ladies Classic (G3) winner St. George Stable’s Letruska  continues to deny her rivals in graded stakes competition across the United States. She currently tops the NTRA Top Thoroughbred Poll, a weekly salute to the ten leading Thoroughbreds in North America.

Sam Houston Race Park also received approval for their annual Quarter Horse racing season. The 25-day meet will begin on FridayApril 22 and continue through Saturday, June 18.

“We are pleased that we have approval for next year’s live racing schedule,” said Dwight Berube, Sam Houston Race Park’s General Manager. “We are in the midst of planning for 2022 and look to build on the momentum that we were able to achieve this year.”

 

Further information on purses, stakes schedule, stall applications, training hours and condition books will be forthcoming.

About Sam Houston Race Park

Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s premier racing and entertainment facility, located just 15 miles from downtown Houston.  The Park offers a variety of attractions including a Suite Level featuring luxurious suites overlooking the racetrack, The Pavilion Centre, and award-winning dining options at the Winner’s Circle Restaurant and theJockey Club.  For more information on upcoming live racing, shows, events and tickets, please visit www.shrp.com.

After Positive Hair Tests, Sam Houston Futurity Will Be Held As Non-Wagering Event; Trainers Barred From Entry Box

by | 05.27.2021

 

On Wednesday, the Paulick Report learned that six of the 10 finalists in Friday night’s $731,650 Sam Houston Futurity for 2-year-old Quarter Horses at Sam Houston Race Park in Houston, Texas, were found to have either clenbuterol or albuterol in hair samples taken on May 15.

Two other horses’ sample sizes were insufficient and two of the 10 tested clean.

Thursday, Sam Houston Race Park announced that Friday’s Grade 2 race will be held as a non-wagering event, and that trainers of horses testing positive will be barred from entering at the track, effective immediately.

 

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