HOUSTON, TX—MARCH 28, 2015—It was a big night for jockey Rodrigo Vallejo and trainer Leslie Padilla, scoring victories in both the first stakes of the 2015 Sam Houston Race Park Quarter Horse season and trials for the Bank of America Challenge Championship (a href=' default.asp?section=6&area=12&story=16813'>see related story).

Brookstone Grey closed with authority to capture the $20,000 Harris County Stakes. Owned by Manny Lozano and George Temple, the striking grey son of Brookstone Bay out of the Tres Seis mare Senorita Tres, won his last two races at Hialeah Park, including a 550 yard starter allowance on February 13. Vallejo piloted the Texas-bred from the far outside post, drawing off to a 1¼ 1length margin. The final time over a fast main track was :27.682, a 98 speed index.

“His best distance is 550 yards,” said winning rider Vallejo.

Lozano and Temple claimed their stakes winner last year at Lone Star for $5,000. Tonight’s victory was his fourth win in five starts.

“It’s a wonderful feeling to win,” said Temple. “I attribute our success to the trainer and jockey, and everyone on the backside. All we do as owners is write checks. We couldn’t do it without everyone behind us.”

Lozano is a new owner and was elated to make another trip to the winner’s circle with family and friends.

“George brought me into the game,” said Lozano. “He’s the horseman; all I can do is say thank you. It’s been a great ride!”

Bred in Texas by Walter "Dick" Harrison Brookstone Grey is a half-brother to Politicaly Correct, winner of the Oklahoma Derby last weekend at Remington Park.

Brookstone Grey, part of a coupled entry with Mr High Sheriff, was sent off as the even-money betting choice and returned $4.60, $3.60 and $2.60 across the board. King of the Bunnys ran second under Raul Ramirez, Jr., followed by The Field Cricket.

King Of The Bunnys picked up $4,000 when he finished second for trainer-owner Kenneth Ray Smith. Martin Stacy bred the King Of The Mall 7-year-old in Oklahoma from the Strawfly Special mare Ms High Flyin Bunny. Raul Ramirez, Jr., had the riding call.

Graded stakes winner The Field Cricket finished 1½ lengths back in third place for owner Claud Denson and trainer Jesse Yoakum. Luis Vivanco rode the Lead The Field 7-year-old out of Quick Lil Cricket, by Royal Quick Dash. Mary Denson bred the nine-time winner who has earned over $131,000.

Completing the Harris Stakes field were Bar Struck, If I Were Famous, Sophies Special, Leadtothefuture, Mr High Sheriff and Corona La Jolla. Jj Has Secrets was scratched.

Temple indicated that Brookstone Grey would make his next start in the $50,000 Sam Houston Classic on May 9.

Special Post Time Set for Saturday, April 4

Due to an exceptional number of nominations for the Sam Houston Futurity (G2), there will be 19 trials run on Saturday, April 4. As a result, Sam Houston Race Park has moved its evening post time to 2:00 p.m. The ten fastest 2-year-olds will advance to the final which will be run on Saturday, April 25.

The 2015 live American Quarter Horse meet will feature racing every Thursday and Friday at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday at 6:00 p.m. The racing season will run through Sunday, May 16.

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Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s premier racing and entertainment facility, located just 15 minutes from downtown Houston, and offers a variety of attractions including 16 recently renovated luxury suites overlooking the race track, The Pavilion Centre, and award-winning dining options at the Winner’s Circle Restaurant and Jockey Club. For more information on upcoming shows, events and tickets, please visit www.shrp.com.