Preview Racing


$50,000 Sam Houston Classic (G2) Will Close Out 2019 Sam Houston Race Park Quarter Horse Live Racing
Patrick Richardson's Stone Cold Leader makes his Sam Houston debut as the 6-5 favorite in Saturday's $50,000 Sam Houston Classic (G2).

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$50,000 Sam Houston Classic (G2) Will Close Out 2019 Sam Houston Race Park Quarter Horse Live Racing

HOUSTON, TX—MAY 21, 2019—The 20-day Sam Houston Race Park Quarter Horse season will conclude on Saturday, May 25. The card will feature the $50,000 Sam Houston Classic (G2) final as well as the $81,400 Space City Maiden Futurity (see related story). In addition, the meet's leading owner, trainer and jockey will be honored.

Stone Cold Leader Headlines the $50,000 Sam Houston Classic (G2)

A field of eight will compete in Saturday's $50,000 Sam Houston Classic (G2) which will be run a the "classic" Quarter Horse distance of 440 yards.

The 6-5 favorite is Patrick Richardson's Stone Cold Leader, who makes his Sam Houston debut off a four-race win streak.

The Indiana-bred son of Brookstone Bay has continued his stakes winning ways since capturing two futurities in 2017 at Indiana Grand. He made his presence felt last year in Louisiana, winning both the Firecracker Derby at Delta Downs and the Evangeline Downs Derby last December. The 4-year-old gelding has bankrolled $450,333 in 20 career starts.

Regular rider Rolando Pina will guide Stone Cold Leader from post position four, and hopes that the win streak continues Saturday night at Sam Houston Race Park.

"It's hard to describe how good he is," said Pina. "He's the best one I have ever ridden and just gets faster every time."

Nason Eschete will saddle the 4-year-old gelding. Richardson, who lives in South Carolina, travels when he can to see his multiple-stakes winner.

Bobby Cox's homebred Hawkeye, a 4-year-old son of One Dashing Eagle, prepped for this on April 20. He competed in both the All American Futurity and Derby at Ruidoso Downs and has banked over $177,000 in his 11 lifetime starts.

Trainer Josue Ponce is the current leading AQHA trainer in money earned and his horses have hit the board in an impressive 80% stat this meet at Sam Houston Race Park.

The Sam Houston Classic, which had its first running in 1994, will be the ninth race on the card. The winner will join an accomplished group of champions, who have achieved success on the racetrack and as stallions. Past winners include Kool Kue Baby, AQHA world champions Tailor Fit and Jessies First Down, Streakin Sin Tacha and The Louisiana Cartel.

Leading Trainer, Jockey and Owner to Be Honored Saturday Night

Sam Houston Race Park will also present awards to the leading trainer, owner and jockey of the 2019 Quarter Horse meet. Santiago Riojas, Jr. appears to be poised to win his first leading trainer title here as he has a nine-race lead over last year's leading conditioner, Leon Bard.

Both the jockey and owner title is likely to go down to the wire. Francisco Calderon, who was the leading rider last year, is currently on top of the standings with 23 wins, but he will miss the final two days of the meet as he heads to Ruidoso Downs in New Mexico. Jose Ivan Martinez, Victor Urieta, Jr. and Claudio Aguilar are within striking distance if they have solid showings on Friday and Saturday night.

Four owners are currently tied with four wins each heading into the final two days of the season. Terrazas Family, Jorge Haddad, Pete Scarmardo and Sunset Well Service, Inc. each have a chance of earning the title.

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Sam Houston Race Park is Houston's premier racing and entertainment facility, located just 15 miles from downtown Houston. The Park offers a variety of attractions including our Suite Level featuring luxurious suites overlooking the race track and accommodating groups from 20 to 300 people, The Pavilion Centre, and award-winning dining options at the Winner's Circle Restaurant and the Jockey Club. For more information on upcoming shows, events and tickets, please visit shrp.com.