Texas horseman Jose S. Espinosa has had an exceptional racing season in 2013.

© Coady Photography

HOUSTON, TX—JUNE 4, 2013—This year is shaping up nicely for Texas horseman Jose S. Espinosa. On May 18, he was honored as Owner of the Meet at Sam Houston Race Park. He had exceptional success with his 2-year-olds, including The Kat in the Hat who captured the $75,690 John Deere Texas Juvenile Challenge (G3) and Trace Seis, the fastest qualifier for the $452,800 Sam Houston Futurity (G2).

On Saturday, June 1, the Mission, Texas resident made national headlines when Big Biz Perry was the upset winner of the $1,075,260 Heritage Place Futurity (G1). The 2-year-old daughter of Mr Jess Perry broke her maiden in March at Sam Houston Race Park, but failed to qualify for the Sam Houston Futurity. That result did not dampen the enthusiasm that Espinosa had for his filly.

"She had a bad break from the gate in Houston," said Espinosa. "I knew she was a really good filly. We had paid her into the Heritage Place Futurity, so I sent her to Trey (Wood) two weeks ago."

Wood is one of the rising stars in the Quarter Horse industry. He had won the 2012 edition of the Heritage Place with BP Cartels Alibi and is the conditioner of Sam Houston Race Park's 2013 Horse of the Meet, Especially Tres.

“We really didn’t know her until she got here,” Wood noted. “Jose sent her to us from Sam Houston, and we didn’t have her in Houston. She looked good but didn’t get away in the consolation there (in April). She got away super-good in the final and that’s what won the race for her.”

Ridden by Cipriano Vidana, Big Biz Perry was away at 29-1 odds and paid $60.80 for the win, defeating fastest qualifier and even-money favorite Hes Relentless. The Judd Kearl-trained Wagon Tales ran third.

Big Biz Perry set a new stakes record in the Heritage Place Futurity by covering the 350 yards in :17.310 seconds over a fast track. A Texas-bred by Burnett Ranches, Big Biz Perry is from the Shazoom mare Big Bizooms. Espinosa purchased her at the Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale for just $20,000; her pay check on Saturday night was $383,309; her lifetime earnings after four starts increased to $393,947.

"I was prepared to spend up to $40,000," admitted Espinosa. "I trained her mama (Big Bizooms) and really had my eye on the filly in the sale book. I knew the pedigree was there."

Espinosa was elated with the win, which capped off a very tumultuous weekend. He had driven to Oklahoma City on Friday, arriving at 5:00 p.m., just when the second round of tornados besieged the area.

"We arrived at the hotel, and they immediately sent everyone into the basement," said Espinosa. "I've been through hurricanes in Texas, but this was my first experience with a tornado. It was terrifying. We were in the bunkers, and all I could do was worry about my horses."

Fortunately Remington Park was not in the direct path, and despite heavy rain, no damage occurred. They ran the first two races of the Friday night card, before canceling the remainder of the evening. The weather on Saturday was perfect for the running of their "Mega-Card", which included the Heritage Place Futurity and the $250,000 Remington Park Invitational.

Espinosa returned to Texas, where he not only owns and trains horses, but runs a tile company. He admits that it took a few days to soak up the experience of winning a million dollar race.

"It finally sunk in on Monday," said Espinosa. "I will never forget the feeling, because in racing you never know if you can do it twice."

It may very well happen as Big Biz Perry will head to Ruidoso Downs to compete in trials for the All American Futurity on August 15. The ten fastest qualifiers return for the final, valued at $2.6 million on Monday, September 2.

Until then, Big Biz Perry will take her place on the AQHA Racing-Horseplayernow.com National Top 10 Poll for 2-year-olds.