Nomination deadline for the Sam Houston Futurity, Derby and Oaks is December 15 2025.

© Jack Coady Photography

By StallioneSearch

HOUSTON, TX—OCTOBER 10, 2025–Sam Houston Race Park has announced that nomination forms for the 2026 Sam Houston Futurity, Derby, and Oaks are now available on the track’s official website at SHRP.com/racing/horsemen-info.

The nomination deadline for all three premier Quarter Horse events is December 15, 2025.

Sam Houston Race Park will now accept credit and debit card payments and payments from Texas Horsemen’s accounts in a major convenience update for horsemen. Track officials encourage all owners and trainers to utilize electronic or phone payment options to streamline processing and reduce delays from mailed checks or money orders.

"We're glad to announce that we can now take credit and debit card payments," said Shyrl Hopkins, Sam Houston Racing Office Manager. "We hope this change makes the nomination and payment process easier for everyone. Going digital will help us manage everything more efficiently in the long run."

Each nomination form must be completed in full and signed, and a valid email address must be included. Hopkins plans to establish direct email groups for each race to distribute eligibility and payment reminders throughout the 2026 season.

Completed forms may be submitted via email to shyrl.hopkins@pennentertainment.com or mailed to the Sam Houston Racing Office at Sam Houston Race Park, Racing Office Attn: Sam Houston. 2026 (Name of Race) 7575 N. Sam Houston Pkwy W. Houston, TX 77064.

2025 Sam Houston Futurity

With $150,000 added, the Grade 2 Sam Houston Futurity is open to Quarter Horse foals of 2024, run at 350 yards.

• Trials: Friday, May 22 &/or Saturday, May 23, 2026
• Final: Saturday, June 13, 2026
• Nomination Fee: $150 due by December 15, 2025
• Sustain Payments: January 15 ($200), February 15 ($400), March 15 ($600), April 15 ($800)
• Entry Fee: $1,000 due May 15, 2026

Late and supplemental nomination options are available. For horses not previously nominated, a $10,000 supplemental fee is due at entry time.

2026 Sam Houston Futurity Nomination Form: Download

2026 Sam Houston Oaks

The $50,000-added Sam Houston Oaks is open to Quarter Horse fillies of 2023, contested at 400 yards.

• Trials: Thursday, May 21, 2026
• Final: Saturday, June 13, 2026
• Nomination Fee: $150 due by December 15, 2025
• Sustain Payments: January 15 ($200), February 15 ($400), March 15 ($600), April 15 ($800)
• Entry Fee: $1,000 due May 14, 2026

A $7,500 supplemental nomination is available at the time of entry. 

2026 Sam Houston OAKS Nomination Form: Download

2026 Sam Houston Derby

The $100,000-added Sam Houston Derby is open to Quarter Horses of 2023, contested at 400 yards.

• Trials: Thursday, May 21, 2026
• Final: Saturday, June 13, 2026
• Nomination Fee: $150 due by December 15, 2025
• Sustain Payments: January 15 ($200), February 15 ($400), March 15 ($600), April 15 ($800)
• Entry Fee: $1,000 due May 14, 2026

A $10,000 supplemental nomination is available at the time of entry. 

2026 Sam Houston Derby Nomination Form: Download

How to Nominate

Original nominations must be received via email or postmarked on or before December 15, 2025. Payments and inquiries can be directed to Shyrl Hopkins at (281) 807-8836 or via fax at (281) 890-5485.

Looking Ahead to 2026

With expanded digital access for payments, strong purses, and enhanced communication for horsemen, Sam Houston Race Park is gearing up for one of its most competitive and streamlined Quarter Horse seasons yet. The 2026 Futurity, Derby, and Oaks are expected to attract many of the sport’s top regional and national stables, setting the stage for another exciting summer of racing action in Houston.

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