HOUSTON, TX—APRIL 9, 2016—Fire on the Fly proved why he is one of the most accomplished distance horses in the country with an impressive score tonight in the $20,700 Zoetis Texas Distance Challenge at Sam Houston Race Park Saturday night.

The Bullard Farms homebred made his 28th career start and has now won nine distance races for his trainer, Tommy Bullard. He tabbed Louisiana-based jockey Donell Blake to ride the 6-year-old son of Jet Cartel.

Blake rode the handsome gray in both victories earlier this year at Louisiana Downs, and tonight broke from the enviable rail post position. He dueled with Stolis Pro, bred and owned by Jerry Windham, down the lane, but drew off to the victory in a final time of :45.703.

“Like I’ve said before, he’s a natural 870-yard horse and has no trainer,” quipped Bullard. ”He has a great jockey and a lot of talent. We’re just lucky to get such a good one. Good horses make bad trainers look really good! I have lots of good people helping me.”

Blake had not ridden at Houston for years, but jumped at the chance to ride Fire on the Fly in another stakes.

“I didn’t want to send him too early,” said Blake. “I finally got my shot and he battled on. I am blessed to ride this horse.”

The inside two horses outclassed the rest of the field with Bard training the runner-up for Windham.

“My horse was getting out and made it tough on me,” said jockey Francisco Calderon of Stolis Pro.

Fire on the Fly is a two-time winner of the 870-yard $25,000 Governors' Cup Marathon and might return for that stakes later this meet. He will represent Texas in the $125,000 Zoetis Distance Challenge Championship at Los Alamitos on October 29.

“Donell and I have always wanted to go to California,” added Bullard with a smile!

Fire on the Fly ($3.80) was sent off as the heavy wagering favorite in the field of six, due to the scratches of Snowbound Cowboy and Jack Ketel.

Racing for owner/breeder Jerry Windham, Stolis Pro is a brother to former all-time leading money earner Stolis Winner. Leon Bard conditions the multiple stakes-placed son of Stoli from the Runaway Winner mare Veva Jean. The $4,451 runner-up Zoetis check pushed the bay gelding's earnings to $25,292.

Owned-trained and bred by John Boegner, Jr., Bling Bling Bok is a Texas-bred daughter of Boknaai out of Shiney Creek Dancer, by Rydin And Wishin (TB). Ridden by Luis Vivanco, the multiple stakes-placed 6-year-old picked up $2,277 for her effort.

Bling Bling Bok, Speed Bok, Ec Cartel and Dashers Midnight completed the order of finish.

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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.