El Tartanero Jess, under jockey Ali Rivera, winning the $53,250 Sam Houston 250 Stakes at Sam Houston on Saturday evening.

© Coady Photography

HOUSTON, TX – JUNE 18, 2022 – El Tartanero Jess extended his win streak to five with a victory in the $53,250 Sam Houston 250 Stakes, the first stakes on the closing night card at Sam Houston on Saturday evening. The 250-yard event was restricted to Texas-breds aged three and up.

El Tartanero Jess ($2.60) went off as the heavy post-time favorite. Leading rider Ali Rivera broke on top and held on to win by a neck in :13.441 to earn a 91 speed index.

"He's so fast and just does everything right," said Rivera. "I'm blessed to have ridden him this meet and thank the owner and trainer and everyone for taking such good care of him."

El Tartanero Jess is trained by Raul Galvin for owner Eleazar Martinez, Sr.

The winning connections of El Tartanero Jess accept the Sam Houston 250 Stakes trophy Saturday night.
© Coady Photography

"He's won each of his three races here, and two stakes!" said Martinez. "We are so proud of him. I believe he will get a rest and come back at Lone Star."

The 4-year-old colt added the winner’s share of $31,950 to his career earnings of $119,418. The multiple stakes winner has won six of his 11 starts, including the Texas Twister Stakes at Sam Houston earlier tis month.

Ima Catboy and jockey Bryan Candanosa threatened but could not catch El Tartanero Jess on Saturday. The 4-year-old gelding made his first start of 2022 in the stakes; he was last seen in the Texas Classic Derby (G1) at Lone Star in November.

Jorge Valenzuela trains Ima Catboy for owners and breeders Sunset Well Service, Inc. The son of Pyc Paint Your Wagon is out of the Mr Jess Perry mare Jess Goldiggers and has earned $44,273 in 15 career starts.

Lucchesse completed the trifecta as a triple play for owner, trainer and breeder Jorge Haddad; Nestor Duran had the call.

Lucchesse is a 4-year-old colt by Inseparable, out of the multiple graded stakes placed mare Las Alamitos, by First Down Dash. He raced in the Firecracker Derby (G3) at Delta Downs last year and qualified for the TQHA Sires’ Cup Futurity (RG3) at Retama in 2020.

Completing the field were L Capone, Patoranado and Corona Moonin. Amateur Night was scratched.

 

Additional Sam Houston Race Park reporting tonight courtesy Martha Claussen.

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About Sam Houston Race Park
Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s premier racing and entertainment facility, located just 15 miles from downtown Houston.  Owned by Penn National Gaming. Inc., the racetrack, which opened in 1994, offers a variety of attractions including a Suite Level featuring luxurious suites overlooking the racetrack, The Pavilion Centre, and award-winning dining options at the Winner’s Circle Restaurant and the Jockey Club. For more information on upcoming live racing, shows, events and tickets, please visit www.shrp.com.