His Tine To Deal (#7) holds off Famous Chief (#6) in the $108,000 Willie Hickman Memorial Stakes at Sam Houston Race Park Saturday night.

© Coady Photography

HOUSTON, TX–JUNE 18, 2022–Pete Scarmardo's homebred HIs Time To Deal jumped out to a quick lead then held off post-time favorite Famous Chief to win the Inaugural running of the $108,000 Willie Hickman Memorial Stakes on the Sam Houston Race Park closing Quarter Horse meet card Saturday night,

Leading rider Ali Rivera had the call aboard the 4-year-old son of multiple stakes sire Dealagme. The 4-year-old gelding completed the 400 yards in :19.980 seconds, equaling a 102 speed index.

"This is my first riding title and I thank the owner for giving me the opportunity to ride this pretty amazing horse," Rivera said in the winner's circle Saturday night.

Trainer John Stinebaugh saddled the Texas-bred, out of Lady Lila by First Down Dash, to his sixth career win in 15 starts. The $64,800 Hickman winner's purse boosted His Time To Deal's earnings total to $180,549.

"He left good and had his mind on it, " said owner Scarmardo. "He gave us what he had and it was enough tonight. John said he didn't have him quite ready for his last race and changed a couple of things and you could see the results."

Winning owner-breeder Pete Scarmardo accepting the Willie Hickman Memorial Stakes trophy Saturday at Sam Houston Race Park. © Coady Photography

Starting off a win in the $110,000 Grade 2 Sam Houston Classic in his last start on June 4th, runner-up Famous Chief earned $21,600 for finishing second.  Trainer Charles Duke Shults named Bryan Candanosa to ride the One Famous Eagle 4-year-old for owner Debbie Grimes.

Bred by Clarence Scharbauer III, from the Gold Regent thoroughbred mare Rockin Regent, Famous Chief has compiled a (17) 6-2-2 record and earned $228,227. He won the Dash For Cash Derby(G2) at Lone Star Park last year.

Watch Him B Famous, also a One Famous Eagle gelding from the Stinebaugh barn for owner-breeder Scarmardo, finished 1-1/2 lengths back to earn $11,880 for third. Jose Martinez rode the 4-year-old, also out of Lady Lilia by First Down Dash, making him a half-brother to WIllie Hickman winner His Time To Deal. A finalist in the Texas Classic Futurity(G1) and the Texas Classic Derby(G1), Watch Him B Famous has earned $168,443.

Won Famous Dash, Blazin The Moon, Gianniy, Rock Solid Stones and Eye Will Decide completed the field.

In talking about the late Willie Hickman who tonight's race is named in honor of winning owner Pete Scarmardo said "Willie was a really great guy; always pleasant and would do anything for,you. I am very glad I could win this race  to honor someone who has done so much for our industry."

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.