By Martha Claussen

FREDERICKSBURG, TX–JUNE 30, 2025–There are four racetracks in the Lone Star State. While you can enjoy live horse racing and several special events each season at Sam Houston Race Park, Lone Star Park and Retama Park, there is one more Texas track that you will enjoy visiting this summer!

Beginning on Saturday, July 5, The Gillespie County Fair & Festivals Association (GCFFA) offers Quarter Horse racing and the best in "old-fashioned fun "plus the freshest family entertainment you'll find anywhere in the Lone Star State!

Located in Fredericksburg, in Gillespie County, 70 miles north of San Antonio, the 32-acre facility is a non-profit facility is operated with a huge base of loyal and dedicated volunteers.

Four weekends of live racing will take place and temperatures will remain in the 90's. I'll be honest: you will not be able to book a luxury suite or rent a betting carrel in an air-conditioned fan education room. Fans watch the racing in the grandstand or by the rail to enjoy the powerful finishes throughout the afternoon's Quarter Horse races.

So, what makes the Gillespie County Fair racing season so special?

Texas resident  Arnold "Bubba" Lewis owns Diamond L Racing and has been a longtime supporter of Gillespie, as an owner and trainer. He does not hesitate when answering that question.

"We live in Llano, which is 40 miles from Fredericksburg and the closest racetrack for us," he explains. "I have been going there since I was a kid. It is supported by a huge group of volunteers who take a lot of pride in their work and in welcoming people to the track. That's what makes Gillespie so unique!"

From his first visit, many years ago, Trey Stiles, a Houston-based lawyer who also serves as the Sam Houston Race Park's handicapper, has enjoyed his afternoons in Gillespie.

"You just know that everybody enjoys being there" said, Stiles. "Last year, I bought a box in the grandstand! My wife and sons love coming and watching the races, especially on July 4^th weekend."

One year ago, Stiles became a racehorse owner for the first time. .He purchased SS Captain Kirk, who made two starts last summer. Corona Tres Eagle and Tactical Feature are new additions Stiles' stable and will run on opening weekend.

"I have to admit that Gillespie is part of the reason I became an owner," he said.

Jockeys enjoy riding each summer at Gillespie as well!

Luis Vivanco, a resident of Poteet is one of the top Quarter Horse riders in Texas. He has won over 1,200 races in his career and, will divide his time over the next two months between Gillespie and Retama Park in San Antonio.

"I have ridden here since 2007," said Vivanco. "It's a different feeling; all the jockeys are friends and really close. My family enjoys coming up, especially during the Fair; we all love the lemonade, the carnival rides and shopping!"

Family bonding is a common theme and probably best illustrated with the five jockeys who are part of the Ramirez and Edison clan! Sisters Paulina, Jacqueline and Jocelyn as well as Randy Edison and his son, Randy Jr. are looking forward to the meet!

"Close to twelve  members of our family, including our children, will be at Gillespie," said Jacqueline. "It's always so much fun! Jocelyn won the first race of her career at Gillespie with Uncorked Humor for trainer Hector Echevarria, and we were there to share that memory!"

The unsung heroes of the Gillespie Fair race meet are the racing office staff, led by Shyrl O'Banan Hopkins, who also serves as the race office manager at Sam Houston Race Park for the first six months of the year. She has been involved with racing operations at Gillespie since 2013.

"I will always have a special place in my heart for this racetrack," shared Hopkins. "My daddy "Tooker" O'Banan was a trainer, and I was in one of his win pictures when I was just six weeks old! The horse was named Band Master. Throughout my childhood, we spent many weekends as a family on the Texas Fair circuit."

Hopkins is supported with a cohesive racing office staff, including Hanna O'Banan, Manny Quintanilla, and Cindy "CJ "Mendez. The days can be very hectic with everyone taking entries, mostly by phone; Hanna assigning stalls, and Manny also serving as Clerk of Scales. Throw in papers for each horse, producing the daily race program, sending trainers and riders to the licensing office and you can be sure that no one takes an hour for lunch! But they love their jobs and are greatly appreciated by the horsemen!

"We are very fortunate to have the support of Sandra Davis, Lee Delong, Shannon Cobb, as well as committee members and volunteers," added Hopkins. "There is great functionality between our office and everyone associated with the GCFFA"

The Gillespie County Fair & Festivals Association, Inc. might be best known for its racing and 137^th Gillespie County Fair, which will take place from August 21-24 this year. However, the property is open all year long serving the community with programs that encourage, instruct and promote the education of the youth of Gillespie County. The fairgrounds are also available for public and private functions such as wedding receptions, exhibits and meetings.

In addition, the 29th Annual Scholarship Fest is set for September 20, 2025. Since 1991, the Gillespie County Fair Association has proudly supported local youth by awarding scholarships for both traditional universities and trade schools. Since its inception, more than $758,350 has been awarded to students in Gillespie County.

So come out for the racing and the variety of events and attractions this  summer. Yes, it will be hot, but as trainer "Bubba" Lewis reminds us, you will enjoy the experience.

"Our family and friends come out every year and we have a great time," he stated. "For us, it's like the Kentucky Derby! You will be surrounded by really good people. That's what makes the Gillespie Fair  racing season so much fun!"

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Martha Claussen has been involved in the Quarter Horse industry since 1997. She continues to be active in writing, fan education, and Quarter Horse racing publicity in Texas, Louisiana, Indiana, and other regions in North America.

 

Gillespie County Fair & Festivals Association Fact Box
530 Fair Drive Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Racing:
Four Weekends: July 5 & 6; 19 & 20; August 9 & 10: 23 & 24
https://gillespiefair.com/pari-mutuel-horse-racing

Special Events:
137th Gillespie County Fair -The oldest county Fair in Texas!
Thursday, August 21-Sunday, August 24
https://gillespiefair.com/gillespie-county-fair

Scholarship Program:
The 29th Annual Scholarship Fest Saturday, September 20
https://gillespiefair.com/scholarship-fest

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