Embers Time, under jockey Rodrigo Vallejo, won the $53,500 John Buchanan Memorial Stakes Saturday at Sam Houston Race Park.

© Jack Coady Photography

By H. David Smith, StallioneSearch

HOUSTON, TX–MAY 17, 2025–Embers Time, last year’s Dash For Cash Juvenile winner, celebrated her second career stakes victory on Saturday, narrowly defeating Jess Louisiana Girl by a neck in the $53,500 John Buchanan Memorial Stakes for 3-year-old accredited Texas-bred fillies at Sam Houston Race Park.

Under the expert guidance of champion jockey Rodrigo Vallejo, Embers Time engaged in a duel throughout the race, demonstrating remarkable resilience as she crossed the finish line in 17.811 seconds, achieving a 91 speed index despite competing against aneight-mile headwind.

Trained by Martin Rodriguez, the talented daughter of multiple stakes sire Pyc Prize Time has now accumulated four wins in nine career starts for owner Javier Lujan. Last season, she showcased her potential with a second-place finish in the Turkey Time Stakes and a third in the TQHA Sale Juvenile Stakes.

The winning connections of Embers Time accept the John Buchanan Memorial Stakes trophy on Saturday.
© Jack Coady Photography

Bred by Alejandro Moya, Embers Time is out of the Embrujo Fg mare Fancy Embrujos. With her latest victory, she earned a winner's purse of $32,100, boosting her overall bankroll to $82,143.

Jess Louisiana Girl, ridden by jockey Claudio Aguilar, put forth a commendable effort and secured a strong second place, earning $10,700 for her owner Eleazar Martinez, Sr. The Chilitos filly, trained by Victor Fierro, is out of the Sissy Cartel by The Louisiana Cartel. Bred by Anahi Martinez, she has now earned a total of $47,306.

Post-time favorite Seis Chilitos faced a tough challenge, being bumped hard in mid-stretch and finishing 1-1/2 lengths back in third place. Trainer Miguel A. Castillo entrusted jockey Victor Ureita, Jr. with the ride on this stakes-winning daughter of Chilitos, who runs for owner Jaime Cardenas. Last year’s Sam Houston Juvenile winner, bred by Anahi Martinez, added $6,585 to her earnings, bringing her total to an impressive $110,929.

Fabulous Casina, Perry Bogart, Kiss My Tail Lights, and Enshilada rounded out the competitive field in this thrilling stakes race.

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 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, concerts and events, please visit www.shrp.com or follow on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok or YouTube.

*******************

Would you like more industry news delivered directly to your inbox? Click here to sign up.