Tc Abanero, V Golden Game, And This Cowboys An Eagle Headline Stakes Action At Sam Houston Race Park

© Jack Coady Photogrpahy

Leann Noguera, StallioneSearch

HOUSTON, TX–JUNE 6, 2026–The second-to-last weekend of the live Quarter Horse meet at Sam Houston Race Park got underway with full racing cards on Thursday and Friday, June 4-5. The weekend concluded on Belmont Stakes Saturday, June 6, with attention turning to the Paint and Appaloosa divisions in the final three races of the afternoon, while fans also gathered for Belmont watch party festivities.

With just one weekend remaining in the 2026 Quarter Horse meet, total wagering for the comparable Thursday-Saturday period increased approximately 40%, rising from $1.13 million in 2025 to $1.58 million this year. Off-track handle surged to $1.40 million, an increase of more than 54% over last year's $904,637, while on-track wagering remained steady as fans continued to support live racing throughout the weekend.

“The momentum is strong going into our final weekend of the 2026 race meet here at Sam Houston Race Park,” said Sam Houston Racing Secretary Mike Acton. “I look forward to the amazing stakes races and finals that we have carded for next weekend, including the inaugural running of our Sam Houston Oaks along with our $655,100 Futurity. We have nine stakes events worth over $1,371,400 running Saturday, a must see for racing enthusiasts!”

The Paint and Appaloosa stakes action began in Race 9 on Saturday with the $20,000 Colors of Houston Juvenile, followed by the Grade 2 $30,000 Colors of Texas Paint Maturity in Race 10, and concluded with the Grade 2 $74,900 Colors of Houston Futurity in Race 11.

Rain throughout the day created a sloppy racing surface, and Race 2 was ultimately canceled due to weather conditions. However, the rain eased enough for the remainder of the card to proceed as scheduled. As part of Saturday's Belmont festivities, racing fans took a moment to watch Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo capture the Belmont Stakes.

Adding to the day's entertainment, 20 contestants competed for a chance to win $1 million in the Million Dollar Soccer Kick, held in celebration of the World Cup coming to Houston.

"I was glad to see the storms clear out and make for a great day of racing and festivities that showcased some very fast Paint horses and a soccer kick worth a million bucks!

A special bell was also placed on the grounds as part of the "Ring The Bell" campaign, allowing Quarter Horsemen to show support for the Bustamante family, who recently lost their horse training facility in a devastating barn fire.

Monetary donations are also being accepted through the "Ring The Bell" campaign at both Sam Houston Race Park and Retama Park throughout the summer. CLICK HERE to learn how you can help.

CLICK THE LINKS BELOW – to read this weekend’s stakes racing recaps.

• THIS COWBOYS AN EAGLE BREAKS MAIDEN IN $20,000 COLORS OF HOUSTON JUVENILE
• V GOLDEN GAME WINS THE $30,000 COLORS OF TEXAS PAINT MATURITY (G2) FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW
• TC ABANERO SCORES UPSET IN $74,900 COLORS OF HOUSTON FUTURITY (G2)

About Sam Houston Race Park
Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s premier racing and entertainment facility, located just 15 miles northwest of downtown Houston. Owned by Penn Entertainment Inc. (NASDAQ – PENN), 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. It 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, concerts and events, please visit www.shrp.com or follow on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok or YouTube.

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