Shockingly Famous, under jockey Benito Baca, dominates the $53,250 Jesse Yoakum Memorial 870 Stakes on Saturday at Sam Houston Race Park.

© Coady Photography

HOUSTON, TX–JUNE 18, 2022–In his first appearance at Sam Houston Race Park, Shockinglyfamous provided co-owner and trainer Kasey Willis an easy win in the $53,250 Jesse Yoakum Memorial 870 Stakes on Saturday.

Shockinglyfamous, with jockey Benito Baca riding, broke well then drew off to win by 5-1/4 lengths while completing  the 870 yards in :45.592 seconds, a 99 speed index into an 8 mph headwind. It was the eighth career win for the son of leading sire One Famous Eagle and the $31,950 winners' purse boosted his bankroll to $252,940.

"When I got the call from trainer Kasey Willis to ride this horse, I said absolutely: tell me the date and the place and I'll be there," Boca said following winning ride. "When he broke as well as he did, I just wanted to get to the lead and let him run his race. He's a complete class act; very professional.  It worked out just the way we hoped for."

The 6-year-old horse is co-owned by Willis and Stone Chase Stables, LLC. Clarence Scharbauer III bred Shockinglyfamous from the thoroughbred mare Shocktime by Langfuhr.

The winning connections of Shockinglyfamous accept the Jesse Yoakum Memorial Stakes trophy at Sam Houston Race Park. © Coady Photography

Coming off back-to-back graded second place efforts to last year's AQHA Racing Champion Distance Horse Wascallywittlewabbit at Remington Park, Shockinglyfamous has won or placed in all five of his 2022 starts. Two years ago he won the SLM Big Daddy Stakes(G3) at Remington Park and was also a finalist in the Rainbow QH Derby(G1) and Texas Classic Futurity(G1).

Post time favorite The Kings Horse finished eight lengths in front of the field to earn $10,650 for second. Starting off back-to-back Sam Houston wins including the Governor's Cup Marathon Stakes in his last start, The Kings Horse races for owner-breeder Bullard Farms and is trained by Leis R. "Tooter" Jordan.

Claudio Aguilar rode the Class King 6-year-old out of Fleta Dif (TB) by Hadif (TB). He has won five times and earned $125,146.

John Boegner trained, owned-and-bred. Flyin Charlie picked up $5,858 for third. Donell Blake had he riding call on the Flyin Color 6-year-old from the Bokanaai mare Bokaroni. The Texas-bred gelding has earned $63,67.

Slp Mighty High, Im Jess Dashing and One Mighty Eagle completed the field. Easter Fools 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.