HOUSTON, TX—APRIL 12, 2014—The $24,100 Red Cell Texas Distance Challenge at Sam Houston Race Park drew a field of seven American Quarter Horses to compete at the distance of 870 yards.

Dashers Midnight, ridden confidently by Santos Carrizales emerged victorious, finishing a length and a half in front of Jessa Little Rusty. The 7-year-old Some Dasher Texas-bred, who ran second in this stakes last year, crossed the wire in :46.345.

“I tried not to get him in trouble,” said Carrizales. “It was windy and we had some speed going into the stretch; I opened up a lead and that was the key for me.”

James Gerhards trains the distance specialist for breeders and owners Elaine and Joe McAnally of Millsap, Texas. This was the 30th career start for Dashers Midnight. E C Cartel finished third and Pantache completed the superfecta.

“We couldn’t feel better about tonight,” said Joe McAnally. “We ran second in the final last year at Los Alamitos and hope to do better this year.”

The homebred from the Heza Fast Man mare Sheza Moon Bar Baby has earned $127,077.

Dashers Midnight ($8.80) earned a berth to the $100,000 Red Cell Distance Challenge Championship at Prairie Meadows on Saturday, October 18. He might make another start this meet in the Governors’ Cup Marathon and run at Retama Park before shipping to Prairie Meadows, according to Gerhards.

Louis Howard's Jessa Little Rusty picked up $5,065 for his second place effort. Russell Harris conditions the Mr Jess Perry 4-year-old out of multiple stakes winner and producer Rustys Quickid, by Royal Quick Dash. Clyde Wilmott bred the bay gelding in Texas. James Brooks had the riding assignment.

Ec Cartel earned $2,533 for owner Alejandra Carrion. Judd Kearl saddled the Tinys First Corona 5-year-old out of Twayna Too, by Zevi (TB). Francisco Calderon was aboard the Enrique Carrion Texas-bred gelding.

Pantache, War Khal, Frankie B and Iknow Heknows Iknow completed the field.

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