Fire Cowboy, under jockey Victor Urieta, Jr., wins his sixth consecutive race will posting the fastest time for the Grade 3 Sam Houston Derby.

© Coady Photography/ Lori Ritz Bledsoe

HOUSTON, TX–MAY 23, 2024–Multiple Grade 2 stakes winner Fire Cowboy raced to his sixth consecutive while posting the fastest qualifying time for the Grade 3 $280,450 Sam Houston Derby Thursday night at Sam Houston Race Park.

The 10 fastest qualifiers will return to the "Park" on Saturday, June 8, to vie for the winner's share valued at $112,180 going 350 yards.

Fire Cowboy dueled early but was much the best under jockey Victor Urieta, Jr., to defeat fellow qualifier Jmg One Hott Eagle by three-quarters. The son of leading second-crop sire Flying Cowboy 123 stopped the clock in 17.905 seconds, equaling an 89-speed index into an 8 mph headwind, establishing the night's top mark.

The two-time Grade 2 stakes winner racing for owner Emmanuel Villarreal and trainer Juan Diaz, Jr., started his six-race win streak in an allowance at Retama Park on September 1, 2023. He won the AQHA Juvenile Challenge Championship(G2) and the Evangeline Downs Futurity(G2) before closing his 2-year-old campaign.

An easy Sam Houston allowance winner in his 3-year-old debut on May 4, he has compiled a (10) 7-1-1 record and banked $245,593.

Edward and Von Zae McNelis bred the $22,000 Los Alamitos Equine Sale graduate in Texas from the Walk Thru Fire mare Perky. He was also second in the Sam Houston Juvenile Challenge (G3) at 2.

Hesa Gamer was a slight surprise in the first trial for owner Hector Menchaca and trainer Leonel Hernandez to post the second fastest clocking of 17.594 seconds, an 88-speed index into a 10-mph headwind.

Jockey Eleazar Hernandez had the riding call on the three-time winning son of four-time world champion sire FDD Dynasty from the Tres Seis mare Trashy Tres. AQHA leading breeder Jerry Windham bred the bay gelding in Texas.  This is the first stakes the $28,990 earner has qualified for.

Swanky B won a shake over Mr Dashing Yess for the final qualifying spot.

CLICK HERE for a complete Sam Houston Derby(G3) qualifies list with times, sires, dams, owners, breeders, trainers, and jockeys.

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

About Sam Houston Race Park
Operated by Penn Entertainment Inc., Sam Houston Race Park is Houston's premier racing and entertainment facility just 15 miles northwest of downtown Houston. 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, shows, and events, please visit www.shrp.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, or YouTube.