By Martha Claussen

HOUSTON, TX—MAY 4, 2013—The $15,000 Texas Twister, at 110 yards, returned for its fifth renewal at Sam Houston Race Park. The field of ten speedsters included defending Texas Twister champion, The Hot List, who set a new track record of :6.736 seconds last year.

This year, the trophy went to Royal Sin Tacha, a 5-year-old son of Ocean Runaway, making his first trip to the winner’s circle since August, 2011. Bred in Texas by Janet VanBebber and Jerry Gaston, the bay gelding pulled the upset at odds of 19.90-1, rewarding his supporters with a win payout of $41.80. He is out of the Mr Jess Perry mare Sin Tacha Perry.

Cipriano Vidana had the riding assignment, covering 110-yards in :6.936 over a fast track.

“It’s been a while; we had to turn him out, but he came back good,” said trainer Jorge E. Lopez. “I won my first official start here one year ago, so I am pretty excited.”

Owner Erick Montes was very proud of the comeback effort of his runner.

“After giving him time off, he came out with a great outcome,” said Montes. “Hopefully we can win another stake, possibly at Delta Downs.”

SS Poker Face Dream was second by a neck, followed by The Hot List and Tinker Lilly.

Coming off a fifth place effort in the Sam Houston Derby on April 13, Ss Poker Face Dream picked up $3,000 for owner's Ace Walker, Buddy Walker and JK Running Horses, LLC. Saddled by Cindi Keeton, the Primetime Dream colt has won four of 10 starts and earned more than $67,500. Luis Vivanco had the riding assignment aboard the Ronnie Steward/Double S Farm Texas bred.

The Hot List went off as the heavy 1-1 to favorite after winning a Sam Houston Allowance race in his last start on April13. Yasmine Fierro conditions the multiple stakes-placed gelding by Streakin La Jolla. Santos Carrizales was aboard. Robert and Karen Nunnally bred The Hot List in Texas from the First Down Dash mare Short List.

Tinker Lilly, Pyc Is A Dream, Ja Jess Perfect, Tormentas, Texas Kool, Corona Mistress and A Quick Royal completed the field.

Live racing continues on Friday, May 10 with weekend cards set for Saturday, May 11 and a special Mother’s Day 1:00 p.m. program on Sunday, May 12. Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s premier racing and entertainment facility, located just 15 minutes from downtown Houston, and offers a variety of attractions including 16 recently renovated luxury suites overlooking the race track, The Pavilion Centre, and award-winning dining options at the Winner’s Circle Restaurant and the Champion Energy Services Jockey Club. For more information on upcoming shows, events and tickets, please visit www.shrp.com.