HOUSTON, TX—MAY 13, 2012—Sam Houston Race Park's feature race on Mother's Day, the $28,800 Merial Distaff Texas Challenge was a fitting tribute to fillies and mares. A talented field of 11 competed in the 400 yard stakes and Surprise Ending not only finished with tenacity, but set a track record in her first stakes win.

The 6-year-old daughter of Royal Quick Dash was dominant this afternoon for trainer Bobby Touchet and rider Jesse J. Chavis, covering 400 yards in :19.392 seconds , besting the record of : 19.574 set in 2004 AQHA 2-year-old Azoom.

This was the first Challenge stakes win for jockey Chavis, who grew up in Utah, but was pleased to get the mount for winning owner Glen Wilkinson.

“It’s a little different here, but I am enjoying the heat and the great track conditions,” said Chavis.

“Mr. Touchet had her set up perfectly for this race,” said Chavis. “I can’t take much credit for it; he had the mare ready.”

This was just the third victory for Surprise Ending, who was making her 27th career start today.

“Bobby Touchet and our jockey made all the difference,” said Wilkinson. “I’m kind of speechless; it’s a great honor, but I have to give credit to my wife, Debbie, who picked this mare out at the Heritage Place Sale.”

Bertha Venation, the highest earner in the field, ran second under Sam Houston’s leading rider Rodrigo Vallejo. Jose Salazar owns the Corona Caliente mare out of Dash To Glory, by Texigo Star. Trained by Eusevio Huitron and ridden by Rodrigo Vallejo, the 5-year-old has earned $126.81. Corner K Quarters, Inc. bred her in Arkansas.

Painted Sable, a daughter of Pyc Paint Your Wagon owned by Dr. Tommy Hays and Bobby Barnett, ran third., pushing her career earnings total over $121,000. Bobby Martinez saddled with David Alvarez riding. Lance Robinson and Max Anderson bred Paint Stable in Utah from the Dash Thru Traffic mare Sables Dash.

Unknown Source, JJ Mighty Warrior, Outside Da Box, Im Dee First, BT A Streakin Corona, Special Awards and Red Heels completed the order of finish. Hiclass Madam was scratched prior to the start of the race.

Surprise Ending was sent off as the third betting choice and returned $13.00 for the win. She will represent Texas in the $125,000 Merial Distaff Challenge Championship (G1) at Prairie Meadows on October 27.

Sam Houston Race Park's 2012 live American Quarter Horse heads into its final week with racing set for Thursday and Friday at 7:00 p.m. The 2012 Quarter Horse meet will conclude on Saturday, May 19 with an afternoon post time beginning at 1:00 p.m. so that racing fans can enjoy live racing coupled with the simulcast of the 137th Preakness Stakes.

Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s premier racing and entertainment facility, located just 15 minutes from downtown Houston, and offers a variety of attractions including 19 luxury suites overlooking the race track, The Pavilion Centre, and award-winning dining options at the Winner’s Circle Restaurant and the Champion Energy Services Jockey Club. Sam Houston Race Park Platinum Partners include Bud Light and Champion Energy Services.

For more information on upcoming shows, events and tickets, please visit www.shrp.com.