Nine stakes races worth nearly $1.4 million in purses, increased wagering, and the crowning of the meet's leading owner, trainer, and jockey highlighted closing night of the 2026 Sam Houston Quarter Horse meet.

© Jack Coady

By Leann Noguera, StallioneSearch

HOUSTON, TX–JUNE 14, 20256– Saturday, June 13 marked the conclusion of the 2026 Sam Houston Race Park live Quarter Horse meet, with nearly $1.4 million in purse money distributed across nine stakes races and a strong finish at the wagering windows.

The final weekend generated $1,830,792 in total wagering, a 16.4% increase from the $1,572,683 wagered during the comparable three-day period in 2025. Off-track wagering accounted for $1,575,472, up 24.9% from $1,261,289 a year ago, while on-track wagering totaled $255,320. Friday's on-track handle rose 27.9% to $61,972, compared with $48,442 in 2025, and Saturday's closing-night card led the weekend with $154,908 in live wagering.

The meet's leading trainer title went to Jose Sanchez III, who topped all conditioners with 19 victories. Sunset Well Service, Inc. led all owners with seven wins during the Quarter Horse season, while Luis Vivanco secured leading rider honors with 39 victories. DK Bonita Jess finished as the meet's leading money earner, banking $268,040 following her victory in the Sam Houston Futurity (G2).

"The evening was chock-full of fast horses and quality competition. One of the most competitive quarter horse Stakes cards that I've seen in some time. It was a wildly successful and unpredictable evening with multiple winners paying over $20 to win," said Sam Houston Racing Secretary, Mike Action.

Headlined by the $655,100 Sam Houston Futurity (G2), $234,050 Sam Houston Derby (G3), and inaugural $176,250 Sam Houston Oaks, the closing-night stakes program created a championship atmosphere as Texas-breds competed for some of the richest purses of the season.

A series of standout performances highlighted the card, led by DK Bonita Jess's nose victory in the Sam Houston Futurity (G2) and Eagle On A June Bug's first career stakes score in the Sam Houston Derby (G3). Karma Cha Ching upset a talented field in the inaugural Sam Houston Oaks, while veteran distance specialist Eye Will Decide reclaimed the Jesse Yoakum Memorial 870 Stakes (G3), his second victory in the race following a win in 2023.

Determined earned his first black-type victory in the Sam Houston 550 Stakes (G3), Fabulous Casina captured the Sam Houston 250 Stakes, Celebratingtheeagle broke through for her first stakes triumph in the Miss Sam Houston Stakes, Kas Prietito notched his second consecutive stakes win in the Willie Hickman Memorial Stakes (G2), and Louisiana Mystery prevailed by a nose in the Governors Cup Marathon Stakes (G3).

"Everyone came to run and it showed! I am looking forward to seeing many of these horses run at Retama Park along with future stars that may have yet to emerge," Acton concluded.

The festive atmosphere extended beyond the racetrack as fans enjoyed the popular Shoppa's Lawn Mower Races and a Whiskey Tasting event. Hayden Gula claimed top honors in the lawn mower race after taking command early along the inside, adding another memorable moment to the meet's closing-night celebration.

CLICK THE LINKS BELOW TO READ FULL STORIES

$55,000 JESSE YOAKUM MEMORIAL 870 STAKES (G3)

$53,500 WILLIE HICKMAN MEMORIAL STAKES (RG2)

$50,000 GOVERNORS CUP MARATHON STAKES (G3)

$56,500 SAM HOUSTON 550 STAKES (G3)

$55,500 MISS SAM HOUSTON STAKES

$57,500 SAM HOUSTON 250 STAKES

$176,250 INAUGURAL SAM HOUSTON OAKS

$234,500 SAM HOUSTON DERBY (G3)

$655,100 SAM 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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