Retama Park hosted their biggest weekend of the 2024 Quarter Horse racing season July 26 and July 27.

© Coady Photography

SELMA, TX–JULY 30, 2024–Retama Race Park hosted their biggest weekend of the 2024 live Quarter Horse racing season on Friday, July 26, and Saturday, July 27. Eleven races were contested on Friday evening, including seven Texas Summer Showdown stakes. On Saturday night, another exciting 11-race card highlighted by $606,121 TQHA Sale Futurity(RG1) and the $215,650 I/ST BET Retama Park Derby attracted a festive crowd enjoying the exciting finishes in each race on the card.

Many TQHA Yearling Sale attendees were on hand for Saturday’s program. 3,153 fans were in attendance, compared to last year’s 2,231, a substantial increase of 41%. A total of $111,560 was wagered on track Friday, July 26, compared to $95,921 on the 2023 Texas Summer Showdown figures, an increase of 16%.

The live on-track handle of $196,457 on Saturday, July 27, was up 37% from last year’s $143,791. This number is the fourth highest in the track’s history for a Quarter Horse card and the largest since July 30, 2011 ($197,534). The all-time record for a Quarter Horse card was set on June 7, 2008, with a handle of $206,027 (Big Brown’s Triple Crown attempt) with over 7,700 fans in attendance.

In addition, the $606,121 purse for the TQHA  Sale Futurity(RG1) was the second highest in the history of the Selma, Texas racetrack since its opening in 1995. Texas Quarter Horse owners are renowned for including friends and family to see their horses compete in the season's richest race..

The winning connections of Joose Boxx accept the TQHA Sale Futurity [RG1] trophy on the track at Retama Park because the group was so large. © Coady Photography

The trophy presentation for this year’s champion, Joose Box, owned by Javier De Los Santos Muzquiz, was so large that it was moved from the winner’s circle to the main track. Of course, longshot players were greatly rewarded with a $73 win payout by Miracle B Knockout in the $215,650 1/ST BET Retama Park Derby. Both winners were trained by Juan Diaz, Jr., Retama Park’s leading conditioner.

“We were extremely pleased with the support from local racing fans and visitors from across the country attending the annual TQHA Yearling Sale,” stated Bryan Pettigrew, Vice President and General Manager of Retama Park. “The attendance and handle increases were notable, and we thank TQHA, 1st BET, and our loyal Horseplayers for making this year so successful!”

Successful 2024 TQHA Yearling Sale Concluded with $360,000 Sale Topper

Hip #366 Eyedios sold for a record-breaking $360,000 in the TQHA Yearling Sale. © Regina Hadlock/TRACK Magazine

The 27th annual TQHA Yearling Sale took place on Friday, July 26, and Saturday, July 27, at the Exposition Hall at The Freeman in San Antonio. It was highlighted by a record-breaking $360,000 sale-topping bid by Equestix Consulting LLC for Hip #366 Eyedios. Consigned by his breeder Bobby D. Cox, the colt by Ivory James is out of the stakes-placed Mr Eye Opener mare Eye Popping.

TQHA officials reported that 274 Texas-bred yearlings were sold out of 384 offered for a gross of $7,262,700 and an average of $26.506. The gross was up 23% from the $5,926,700 for 267 head last year, and the average rose 19% compared to $22,197 in 2023. The median price fell 2% from $16,000 to $15,750.

Each yearling who passed through the sale ring is eligible for the $200,000-added 2025 TQHA Sale Futurity at Retama Park.

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Retama Park Promotions
The 2024 Retama Park Quarter Horse live racing season continues through Saturday, August 17. Fans can enjoy upcoming promotions, including the popular Diamond Dig, sponsored by Americus Diamond, on August 3, when ladies ages 18 and older can dig for a diamond pendant necklace valued at $2,500 on our track following the 7th horse race of the night. Retama Park will host Wiener Dog Racing on August 17, entertaining Wiener Dog races between the horse races, with the winning Weiner earning $500 in CASH! Bounce castles, pony rides, face painting, and more! Fun for the whole family. Visit the Retama Park website for information on live and simulcast racing and special events.  Online reservations can be made for reserved dining experiences in the Terrace Dining and Clubhouse 95, and reserved Box Seats on the Clubhouse Level (3rd Floor). General admission can also be purchased in advance to avoid any lines when arriving at Retama Park, as there will be plenty of seating on the Grandstand Level (2nd Floor) and Track Level (1st Floor) for fans.

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About Retama Park

Retama Park is a Class 1 pari-mutuel horse racetrack located in Selma, Texas, just 20 minutes from downtown San Antonio. Live Quarter Horse races take place each summer, while simulcast wagering and races from around the world are shown daily. Managed by Penn Entertainment Inc. (NASDAQ – PENN), Retama Park opened in 1995 and will host its 30th year of racing beginning on June 27, 2024. For more information and racing schedules, please visit www.RetamaPark.com follow on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and YouTube.