By Martha Claussen

HOUSTON, TX–JUNE 17, 2025–The 2025 Sam Houston Quarter Horse racing season concluded on Saturday, June 14 with a blockbuster 11-race card, including the running of the $700,00 Sam Houston Futurity(G2) and presentation of the end of the meet awards for leading owner, jockey and trainer.

Bryan Pettigrew, Vice President and General Manager of Texas Racing Operations for PENN Entertainment acknowledged the success of the 2025 Quarter Horse meet.

“First of all, we thank our Horsemen for their support and for running such quality horses this season at Sam Houston Race Park,” said Pettigrew. “Increasing attendance by creating several new promotions and events is our goal for our South Texas racing fans. We know our entertainment value is affordable and customer feedback has been very positive. We will continue to build on this going into 2026”

Pete Scarmardo Clinches His Sixth Leading Owner Trophy

The leading owner title was closely contested throughout the Quarter Horse meet, which began on April 24 and finally decided on the final night of the season! Texas owner and breeder Pete Scarmardo landed on top with stakes victories by his homebred, Ladys Gotta Jet in the $54,000 Miss Houston Stakes for accredited Texas-bred fillies and mares.

Scarmardo finished the season with five wins from 15 starts, but he is no stranger to tying with his fellow owners, which happened in three previous seasons,  including last year with Eleazar Martinez, Sr! This marked the sixth leading owner title for Scarmardo, a well-respected Quarter Horse breeder and cattle rancher in Texas.

It was a tie for second place in the owner race between James C. Whitener and John Obregon with four wins each. Triple Five, Sarah Huskey, Eleazar Martinez, Sr., Sunset Well Service, Inc,  Shadow Cross Farms, Garza Laurel Partnership LLC, Whiting Ranch, Tony Hernandez, Tabasco Racing LLC and Carlos Ponce each won three races.

Victor Urieta, Jr. Topped a Competitive Jockey Colony to Capture His Second Title in Houston

Victor Urieta, Jr. had an outstanding season, named on 87 mounts with 27 wins, 29 seconds and 23 third place finishes to emerge as the meet’s leading rider. He won the $121,082 John Deere Juvenile Challenge with Full Moon Desire on May 17 and qualified several finalists for both graded stakes on the final night of the season.

 

He finished second aboard Fast Flyer 123 in the $275,200 Sam Houston Derby(G3)  and third with Kas He Tells You in the richest race of the Sam Houston Quarter Horse meet, the $700,000 Sam Houston Futurity(G2).

This was the second Sam Houston title for the accomplished rider; the first came in 2021. He will ride next at Retama Park. Noe Villatoro finished second with 21 wins, followed by Gilberto Linares, who won 18 races.

Patrick Clemons Earns His First Sam Houston Race Park Trainer of the Meet Title

Patrick Clemons marked himself as a trainer to watch this season, saddling 40 horses throughout the meet, with 15 wins (38%) and $631,767 in purses. With a strong group of 2-year-olds, Clemons had a memorable final night of the meet, winning the Sam Houston Futurity with Britts Special Candy for owner Jose Antono Cano and running second and third with Flawless Grace and Kas He Tells You.

 

Adan Guzman, whose standout was the stellar distance specialist, The Grand Legend, finished second in the standings with 12 wins.  John Stinebaugh saddled 9 winners to finish third and Miguel Castillo and Brian Stroud tied for third with eight wins each.

Retama Park 2025 Quarter Horse Meet Kicks Off on Thursday, June 26
The 2025 Retama Park Quarter Horse live racing season will commence on  Thursday, June 26, 2025, with live racing set for Thursday, Friday and Saturdays at 6:15 pm (Central). The 23-day meet will conclude on Saturday, August 16. The complete schedule of racing dates, post times and promotions can be found on www.RetamaPark.com

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 and features multiple areas for fans looking for casual to upscale dining options including its 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.

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