Wl Van Halen, piloted by Duran Nestor, wins the $24,500 Colors Of Texas Paint Maturity by 1 1/2-lengths on Saturday at Sam Houston Race Park.

© Coady Photography

HOUSTON, TX–JUNE 15, 2024–The first of eleven races for closing night at Sam Houston Race Park was held for three-year-old and up Paints and Appaloosas in the $24,500 Colors Of Texas Paint Maturity. Last year's runner-up, Wl Van Halen (PT), got the jump across the wire for his first out of the season.

Duran Nestor got the leg up on Wl Van Halen and piloted him to the wire in :18.010 seconds, clocking an 86 speed index into a 15 mph headwind. The post-time favorite's 350-yard victory paid $4.60 to win on 6/5 odds, and the $10,045 winner's share of the purse boosted his earnings to $137,548.

Trainer Gilberto Gonzalez saddled the four-year-old gelding of owner Guerras Racing Stables.

"We were expecting it. We took him to the ranch for training (during his time off) and brought him back to the track. He was ready to run," commented Gonzalez

It may have been his first victory this year, but Wl Van Halen is no stranger to the winner's circle. The son of MHM Hotwire has lit the board 14 of 18 starts with nine career wins, five of them in stakes competition.

His stakes victories include the Color Of Houston Derby [G2] in 2023 and Colors Of Houston Juvenile [G2], GCFA P&A Juvenile, and Colors Of The Alamo P&A Futurity in 2022. In addition to his five stakes wins, Wl Van Halen holds the 2022 APHA champion running two-year-old gelding honor.

The winning connections of Wl Van Halen accept the $24,500 Colors Of Texas Paint Maturity trophy at Sam Houston on Saturday. © Coady Photography

Wl Van Halen also placed second in the Texas Hero Futurity [G1], Colors Of Texas Paint Maturity, Colors Of The Wind P&A Maturity, GCFA Stakes, and third in the Oklahoma P&A Juvenile.

Charles Leggett bred Vl Van Halen out of the Sf Royal Quick Flash mare Cl Trap Queen in Oklahoma.

Vp Rocket Ryon (PT), ridden by Luis Vivanco, finished second 1 1/2-lengths behind Wl Van Halen. The three-year-old colt has yet to break his maiden with a record of 0-4-3 from 11 starts and $27,697 in earnings.

Breeder Jnl Horse Farm LLC and Francisco Villarreal bred Vp Rocket Ryon in Texas out of Call Her Awesome by Awesome Chrome. Alex Villarreal conditioned the son of Dos Poruno for owner Victor Villarreal.

SW Eres (PT), who was restless in the gates, broke late but was ambitious, placing third under the guidance of Cipriano Vidana. The three-year-old son of Awesome Chrome has one win from eight starts with $23,788 in the bank.

The 2023 APHA champion two-year-old colt was bred in Oklahoma by Sherry Wingfield. Alex Villarreal also trained Sw Ares for owner Francisco Villarreal. He is out of Snowbound Lady Bug by Snowbound.

Wl Trapwire, V Golden Game, Frenchy, Wl You Aint No Cowboy, Kas Pecosa and Op Lil Becca round out the order of finish.

Additional reporting by Martha Claussen

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About Sam Houston Race Park
Operated by Penn Entertainment Inc., Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s premier racing and entertainment facility, located just 15 miles northwest of downtown Houston. The racetrack, which opened in 1994, offers a variety of attractions for businesses, group outings and families during racing and the off-season. The track is best known for its award-winning dining. It features multiple areas for fans looking for casual to upscale dining options, including Winner’s Circle Restaurant, Jockey Club, Luxury Suites, and Pavilion Centre. For more information or tickets to upcoming live racing, shows, and events, please visit or follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, or YouTube.