HOUSTON, TX—APRIL 18, 2018—Through the first three weeks of the Sam Houston Race Park Quarter Horse meet, trainer Saul Ramirez, Jr. holds a narrow edge over his fellow conditioners with nine wins.

The former rider has been training for just two years since hanging up his tack. His victory with Zaire in last weekend’s Sam Houston Maiden Classic (see related story) was his first Sam Houston stakes win.

Rodolfo Sanchez is second in the trainer standings with six wins. Leon Bard, Jimmy Padgett, Jorge Lopez and Gilbert Aguirre are tied with four victories.

It will be a battle for leading rider as well with Francisco Calderon and Eddie Sanchez tied for the lead with nine wins.

Last year’s leading jockey, Rodrigo Vallejo shares second in the standings with Luis Vivanco, Manny Gutierrez, Claudio Aguilar and Alejandro Zuniga. Each of the riders have made five trips to the winner's circle.

Ricardo Barrera tops the owner standings with four wins to date. Ruben Garcia Montemayor follows with three top finishes.

Live racing returns to The Park on Friday with an 8-race card. First post is 7:30 pm (CDT).

All Sam Houston Race Park races can be seen at Q-RacingVideo.com.

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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.