Racing


Red Corona Warrior Blazes to Victory in the Sam Houston's Texas Twister
Jockey Francisco Ramirez, Jr. rides Red Corona Warrior to an easy win in the $15,000 Texas Twister at Sam Houston Race Park on Saturday.

© Coady Photography
Red Corona Warrior Blazes to Victory in the Sam Houston's Texas Twister

HOUSTON, TX—APRIL 30, 2016—The $15,000 Texas Twister, at 110 yards, returned for its eighth renewal at Sam Houston Race Park. The winner of this year’s exciting “super sprint” was Red Corona Warrior, surging to the wire in :6.786 seconds.

No blanket photo finish was required this evening as Red Corona Warrior, breaking from post position two under Francisco Ramirez, Jr., broke swiftly and cleared his eight rivals by a half of a length. He earned a 115 speed index over the fast track.

Owned and bred by the Terrazas Family, the 4-year-old son of Coronas Fast Dash is trained by Josue Ponce, who was celebrating his 21st birthday today.

"I’m pretty excited," said Ponce. "I brought two horses here this weekend and got two wins. It was a really good birthday present. I’m pleased with his effort in the stakes."

Red Corona Warrior came into the race as the high earner in the field with $111,971 earned in his 15 career efforts, and added another $9,000 this evening. His biggest score was a second-place finish in the $128,250 Gillespie County Fairground Futurity in 2014. He prepped for the Texas Twister in an allowance race here on April 20.

"He’s a classy horse," said the winning rider. "I just tried to stay out of his way. He did it all by himself."

Red Corona Warrior, sent off at odds of 11-1 returned $24.60 to his supporters. My Glory Dash with “Jimmy” Guynes in the irons, ran second.

Multiple stakes-placed My Glory Dash races for owner Mary Lou Zoeller and trainer J.W. Plunkett. The Shazooms Glory Dash 5-year-old is out of the Mr Eye Opener mare Eye Can Flirt. The $3,000 runner-up payday pushed My Glory Dash's earnings to over $60,000.

Trainer Yasmine Fierro saddled Fly Lil Curl for owner Dora Martinez. Margie McMullen bred the Spit Curl Jess mare in Texas from the Stoli mare Fly Bonus. Ridden by Claudio Aguilar, the bay mare earned $1,650 for her effort.

Kid Can Dash, Ipolito, Last Man Standin, Surviving Legend, Shezarealfast and Mighty Zapata completed the field. Snipes And Bites was an early scratch.

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Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s premier racing and entertainment facility, located just 15 miles from downtown Houston, and offers a variety of attractions including our Suite Level presented by Draft Kings, The Pavilion Centre, and award-winning dining options at the Winner’s Circle Restaurant and the Jockey Club. For more information on upcoming group events, racing events, shows and tickets, please visit www.shrp.com.