Dm Moonpie, ridden by Luis Vivanco, wins the $53,750 Willie Hickman Memorial Stakes at Sam Houston Race Park on Saturday.

© Coady Photography

HOUSTON, TX–JUNE 15, 2024–Dm Moonpie's owner Donna Mushinski and trainer Kie Mushinski couldn't be happier for their win in honor of Sam Houston Race Park's long-time employee Willie Hickman. The $53,750 Willie Hickman Memorial Stakes was the third quarter horse stakes race slated for closing night at Sam Houston.

Dm Moonpie had a slow start but gained ground just in time to win by a neck over Grace N Dash. Luis Vivanco piloted the son of Moonin The Eagle to victory in :19.874 seconds, clocking a 102 speed index into an eight mph headwind. The 400-yard winning effort paid $11.80 on 9/2 odds.

Dm Moonpie is so versatile in distance but has only visited the winner's circle four times from 27 starts and none were in the 11 stakes races he'd competed in before tonight.

Kie Mushinski said, "He's been a bridesmaid all his life. This horse has run in stakes company all his life, but he hit the big one today."

He placed second in the Sam Houston Classic Stakes [G2] in May, just a neck off the win.

In 2023, he placed second in the Dr. Glenn Blodgett Stakes and Retama Park Challenge Championship Stakes and third in the TQHA Classic Stakes [G2] and B.F. Phillips Jr Stakes [G3]. The -year-old gelding has been a finalist in 12 stakes races.

Kie added, "He’s run second, third, fourth, but finally got there tonight."

The winning connections of Dm Moonpie accept the $53,750 Willie Hickman Memorial Stakes trophy at Sam Houston on Saturday. © Coady Photography

Breeder/owner Donna Mushinski was very emotional about Dm Moonpie's victory.

"I am so proud to win this for Willie Hickman. It's such an honor for us," commented Donna.

Dm Moonpie's earnings were boosted to $149,974 after cashing in the $32,250 winner's share of the purse. The Texas-bred gelding is out of Dm Bella Mia by Prime Talent.

They plan to take him to Retama Park next to race in a 400 or 440, where he excels the most.

Jose Martinez rode runner-up Grace N Dash to his second-place finish. Trainer Manuel Flores saddled the four-year-old son of Down N Dash for owner/breeder Shirley Flores.

The Texas-bred gelding has two wins with $58,760 in the bank. He is out of Bz Amazin Grace by Tinys First Corona.

Hes A Jet One finished third under the guidance of Ali Rivera. The son of Ec Jet One has lit the board 13 of 19 starts with five career wins and $128,732 in earnings. Trainer John Stinebaugh conditions the four-year-old gelding out of Shez Dead Serious by Swingin Jess for owner/breeder Pete Scarmardo of Texas.

A Famous Ribbon, Jess The Leader, Jb Shiner Bok and D Golden Fortune round out the order of finish. Zooming For Muddy was scratched.

Additional reporting by Martha Claussen

********************************

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.