HOUSTON, TX—MARCH 31, 2018—It was an action-packed opening weekend at Sam Houston Race Park for the 2018 Quarter Horse racing season.

Southern Temptation won $20,000 Harris County Stakes, which was the first stakes of the meet and trials were held for both the Bank of America Texas Challenge (see related story) and Sam Houston Maiden Classic (see related story).

Southern Temptation Take the $20,000 Harris County Stakes

Southern Temptation had never run at Sam Houston Race Park but made the most of his Houston debut with a convincing win in tonight’s feature, the $20,000 Harris County Stakes.

The 6-year-old son of Tempting Dash was making his 23rd career start for owners P & J Racing, Ltd of Boerne, Texas. Despite missing the break, the sorrel gelding closed powerfully under rider Francisco Calderon, winning by a neck over First Impulse. He covered 550 yards in :28.015 seconds, earning a speed index of 91.

“He’s a true 550-horse,” said winning trainer Leon Bard.

Southern Temptation was send off as the favorite and paid $4.00 for the win, his fourth career tally. His winner’s share of $12,000 increased his career bankroll to $91,286. Karen Cummings bred Southern Temptation in Texas from the Mr Jess Perry mare Passem Up Perry.

It was the third win of the night for Calderon, who joined his fellow riders in observing a moment of silence before the first race to honor jockey Cesar Gomez.

“I want to dedicate this victory to Cesar,” said an emotional Calderon after the win. “He was a great rider and true friend.”

First Impulse, a 4-year-old son of Volcom trained by Josue Ponce, was second for owner Guadalupe Barrientos, Sr. Victor Urieta, Jr. rode the Texas bred gelding out of the thoroughbred mares Toscas' Rock by Rock Of Gilbraltar. Bred by Temple Scott Richardson, First Impulse earned $4,000.

Fernando Ramirez' Jw Who Dat picked up $2,200 for third. Robert Meche trains with jockey Antonio Alberto riding the Agouti gelding from the Heza Fast Man mare Ew Comment. J.W. Owens is the breeder.

Desdemona Rambler and Im Your Queen completed the field.

Sam Houston Futurity Set for Friday, April 6

Sam Houston Race Park will host 13 trials on Friday for the richest race of the 2018 Quarter Horse Meeting, the $100,000-added Sam Houston Futurity (G2). There will be an early post time of 6:00 pm on Friday, April 6.

Rolando Almanza, Leon Bard, Jimmy Padgett, Saul Ramirez, Jr., Angel Sanchez and Rodolfo Sanchez all have multiple entrants. Bard won the 2017 edition of the Sam Houston Futurity with This Is An Eagle.

The final of the Sam Houston Futurity will take place on Saturday, April 28.

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Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s premier racing and entertainment facility, located just 15 miles from downtown Houston, and offers a variety of attractions including our Suite Level presented by Draft Kings, The Pavilion Centre, and award-winning dining options at the Winner’s Circle Restaurant and the Jockey Club. For more information on upcoming group events, racing events, shows and tickets, please visit www.shrp.com.