Open Jessies Corona, piloted by Claudio Aguilar, wins the $54,000 Jesse Yoakum Memorial 870 Stakes by five-lengths on Saturday at Sam Houston Race Park.

© Coady Photography

HOUSTON, TX–JUNE 15, 2024–Race number five was the first of eight quarter horse stakes on the card for Sam Houston's closing night of the season and was in honor of the late great horseman Jesse Yoakum. Heavy favorite Open Jessies Corona got his second consecutive win at the track this season in the $54,000 Jesse Yoakum Memorial 870 Stakes on Saturday.

Piloted by Claudio Aguilar, Open Jessies Corona broke second from the gate but fought back on the inside for an impressive five-length victory over Eye Will Decide and Superfragilistic. The son of Open Me A Corona exploded at the final stretch, clocking a 101 speed index in :45.556 seconds, just 33/100ths of a second off beating the track record for an 870 hook. The victory paid $3.00 to win on 1/2 odds.

Eye Will Decide, ridden by Noe Villator and Superfragilistic, with Victor Urieta, Jr. in the irons, crossed the wire in a photo finish, but Eye Will Decide got the nod by a nose. They both clocked a 90-speed index.

Trainer Arnold "Bubba" Lewis saddled Open Jessies Corona for owners Ty and Sierra Saddler. The four-year-old gelding had been running in shorter distance races up until November of last year, where he placed third in an 870 Allowance race at Lone Star.

"Every time he goes out there, he gets a little better. We talked about waiting on him and then thought, I think we have an 870 horse here," said Lewis.

He returned to Sam Houston in April of 2024 to place second in an 870 Allowance, following up with a victory in another 870 in May. Then he won today's 870 stakes.

The winning connections of Open Jessies Corona accept the $54,000 Jesse Yoakum Memorial 870 Stakes trophy at Sam Houston on Saturday. © Coady Photography

“He’s been running well this year and we were thinking about trying him in a stakes. He was really ready tonight!" commented Lewis

The $32,400 winner's share of the Jesse Yoakum 870 Memorial Stakes purse increased Open Jessies Corona's bankroll to $71,418. The four-time winner from 12 starts was bred in Texas by his owners out of Govoner Jessie by Fly Jess Fly.

When asked where they will be headed next, Lewis remarked, "Open Jesse‘s corona will go to Retama, maybe in a state-bred or an open 870 race."

Runner-up Eye Will Decide has a record of 6-5-3 from 23 starts with $154,251 in the bank, including a victory in last year's Jesse Yoakum Memorial 870 Stakes.

The two-time stakes winner is owned and bred by Byron Gardner of Texas out of the Valiant Hero mare Valiant Lil Lady. Eye Will Decide is conditioned by Adan Guzman.

Third place finisher is bred, owned and trained by John Boegner of Texas. The four-year-old gelding by Flyin Color has three wins with $54,267 in earnings. He is out of Jump N Bok by Boknaii.

Master Reigns, Ghost Bear, Flyin Rusty, Rock Solid Stones and El Bee Dee complete 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.