There will be live racing, $500 hat contest, dining specials, mint juleps and more at Sam Houston Race Park on May 4.

© Coady Photography

HOUSTON, TX–APRIL 24, 2024–Sam Houston Race Park (www.shrp.com ) invites Houstonians to celebrate the heritage, fashion and excitement of the 150th Running of the Kentucky Derby, racing’s most prestigious day on Saturday, May 4.

The day-long sporting and social event, will include live Quarter Horse racing, simulcast of the entire card from Churchill Downs, the Kentucky Derby Hat Contest with $500 to the winner, traditional Mint Julep cocktails served in a commemorative Kentucky Derby glass and official Kentucky Derby merchandise! For more information visit www.shrp.com.

Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen, who has been honored as leading conditioner at Sam Houston Race Park 16 times, will saddle Track Phantom made four starts at Fair Grounds in New Orleans, winning the Grade 3, Lecomte and running fourth in the Grade 1, Louisiana Derby.

Asmussen’s son Keith is a successful jockey who will pilot Just Steel for trainer D. Wayne Lukas. The Asmussen Family operates a successful breeding farm in Laredo, Texas.       

Date: Saturday, May 4, 2024
8:00 a.m. - Gates Open
10:30 a.m. - 1st Post from Churchill Downs
1:00 p.m. - Live Racing Begins
1:00 p.m. - Hat Contest Registration Begins
3:00 p.m. - Hat Contest Judging Begins
5:57 p.m. - Kentucky Derby Post Time

Location: Sam Houston Race Park
7575 N. Sam Houston Parkway West
Houston, Texas 77064
281-807-8700 - www.shrp.com

Cost: General admission(beginning at 9:30 am): $5
General parking is FREE

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About Sam Houston Race Park
Operated by Penn Entertainment Inc., Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s premier racing and entertainment facility, located just 15 miles northwest of downtown Houston. 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: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tick Tok or YouTube.