Jessesflyingcowgirl, under jockey Christian Ramos, won the $$65,450 Adeuqan Sam Houston Derby Challenge Saturday at Sam Houston Race Park.

© Jack Coady Photography

By H. David Smith, StallioneSearch

HOUSTON, TX–MAY 17, 2025–In a thrilling conclusion, Jessesflyincowgirl, the post-time favorite, narrowly defeated Party On The Moon to clinch the $65,450 Adequan Sam Houston Challenge Derby by a neck Saturday afternoon at Sam Houston Race Park.

Jockey Christian Ramos rode the three-year-old daughter of prominent third-crop sire Flying Cowboy 123, to her first career stakes victory, completing the 400-yard race in 20.378 seconds with a 90 speed index despite facing an eight mph headwind.

Trainer Marc Jungers prepared Jessesflyincowgirl for her victory, marking her third win in five career starts for owner Jose Luis Gonzalez.

"I felt we had the best horse, trainer and jockey in the race," said Gonzalez following the race.

She advanced to the race after posting the second fastest qualifying time during the trials held on April 25. Bred by Celia Kinsely and Sandra Wood in Oklahoma, Jessesflyincowgirl is out of the Dashair mare Jesses Dashair.

The winning connections of Jessesflyincowgirl accept the Adequan Derby Sam Houston Challenge trophy on Saturday.
© Jack Coady Photography

With this win, Jessesflyincowgirl earned $30,762, increasing her career earnings to $44,762 and securing a place in the Grade 3 $165,000-est. Adequan Derby Challenge Championship set for October 18 in Albuquerque.

Party On The Moon, who finished in second place and was ridden by Cristian Reyes, earned $13,090. Trainer Bradley Bolden trains this son of champion sire First Moonflash for owner Debra Gotovac. Bred in New Mexico by Mark and Fay Annett McCloy out of the Volcom mare Volcom Flame, Party On The Moon has accumulated $67,320 in career earnings.

In third place was Jess Alittle Fancy, with Gaspar Garcia in the saddle, finishing three-quarters of a length behind and earning $6,545. Hector R. Osorio trains the Arkansas-bred daughter of multiple stakes sire Pyc Fun N Fancy for owner-breeder Rafter R Ranch. She is out of Dwf Princess Azul by Jes Louisiana Blue. Her career earnings now stand at $26,601.

Fdd Cupid, Tactical Feature, State Of Blue, Kick Seis-DH, Rockin The Train-DH, and Steady Heart completed the race field.

Additional Reporting by Martha Claussen

About Sam Houston Race Park
Sam Houston Race Park, located just 15 miles northwest of downtown Houston, is the region's leading racing and entertainment venue. Owned by Penn Entertainment Inc. (NASDAQ – PENN), the facility opened in 1994 and provides a wide range of attractions for businesses, families, and group outings throughout the racing season and off-season. Known for its award-winning dining options, the park features multiple settings for fans ranging from casual to upscale dining, including its Winner’s Circle Restaurant, Jockey Club, Luxury Suites, and Pavilion Centre. For details on upcoming live racing, concerts, and events, visit www.shrp.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube.
 

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