HOUSTON, TX—MAY 20, 2017—The final Saturday of the Sam Houston Race Park Quarter Horse meet featured the final of the $70,020 John Deere Texas Juvenile Challenge (G3) and the $55,260 Adequan Texas Derby Challenge (see related story).

Both winners were bred by their connections and emotional and joyous post-race celebrations.

The Carrizales family was first up with a very professional maiden-breaking performance by their homebred Carris Cartel. The filly by The Louisiana Cartel out of the Strawfly Special mare Shesa Wicked Gypsy was bred in Texas by Nancy Carrizales and ridden to victory by her husband, Santos.

She made her debut here on April 29 in trials, recording the seventh-fastest time. Breaking from post position nine, she rallied strongly from the outside, winning by one length in a final time of :17.645.

The end result was a victory in the $70,020 John Deere Texas Juvenile Challenge (G3) as well as a berth to the $130,000 John Deere Juvenile Challenge Championship (G2) at Prairie Meadows on October 14.

"The experience from her last race helped," said Santos. "My brother and I don’t want to push out babies too hard. "She didn’t break all that well, but two or three jumps in, she was all business."

Santos brother, Edelmiro, conditions the filly and saw her potential from her first works. He was not surprised that she prevailed over a very talented field.

"Just like my brother said, these are young horses and we have to give them time," he added. "We knew we had a good filly and she proved it today."

Sent off at odds of 10-1, Carris Cartel paid $22.00 for the win and earned $32,209 this afternoon. She will be pointed to trials for the All American Futurity (G1) at Ruidoso Downs in August.

Mikey Tiner’s He Win It, a gelded son of Tempting Dash, ran second under Rodrigo Vallejo. Still a maiden from two starts, He Win It earned $14,004. Judd Kearl saddled the gelding out of the Make It Anywhere mare Makeala.

Also, a maiden in two starts, Jessanotherbeatin finished thrid for owners Chad and Esmeralda Peck and is conditioned by Kearl.

Fetterman Ranch LLC bred the Jess Louisiana Blue colt from the grade 3 winning Leaving Memories mare Andthebeatgoeson. Ridden by Noe Villatoro the sorrel colt picked up $7,002 for the effort.

Fastest qualifier Black Onyx finished fourth followed by Ivory Noche, Ivory N Ashes, Louisiana Seis, Thebunnygoeson, Glimpse Of Fire and Jess Tee.

End of the Meet Awards to be Presented on Monday, May 22

Racing will wrap up on Monday, May 22 with 12 races beginning at noon. Sam Houston Race Park will honor its leading owner, trainer and jockey on closing day.

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

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.