Retama Park's signature weekend concludes with the TQHA Sale Futurity, Retama Derby and TQHA Sale Futurity.

© Jack Coady Photography

By Leann Noguera/StallioneSearch

SELMA, TX–JULY 27, 2025–Retama Park capped off its most anticipated weekend of the meet on Saturday night with a robust 10-race card, headlined by a trio of Quarter Horse stakes events and anchored by the $620,000 restricted Grade 1 TQHA Sale Futurity—the second-richest purse in the race’s history since its inception in 1999.

The stakes portion of the evening began in Race 8 with the $50,300 TQHA Sale Juvenile Stakes, where Holy Guacamole surged to a convincing victory under jockey Nestor Duran. In Race 9, the $205,300 Retama Derby presented by Torchtree Bourbon delivered high drama with a head-bobbing photo finish between stablemates Apolitical Time and Nine One Won, both campaigned by Jimenas Ranch and trained by Raul Ramirez.

The program concluded with the much-anticipated $620,000 TQHA Sale Futurity (RG1) in Race 10. Heavy wagering action centered around post-time favorite Eagle On A June Bug, but it was A Maverick, piloted by Claudio Aguilar, who stole the show with a surging finish from the inside. The thrilling photo finish gave A Maverick the edge, and trainer Yasmine Medina was handed her second win of the night.

On the jockey front, Victor Urieta, Jr. kicked off the card with back-to-back victories, scoring with Highh Class in the Arabian opener and returning in Race 2 with Jumpn Toltac. Nestor Duran joined the winners list with Berlin in Race 4 before adding his second win aboard Holy Guacamole in the TQHA Sale Juvenile Stakes. Claudio Aguilar also delivered a pair of wins, first in Race 5 with Ec Jazz in a dead heat, then sealing the night with A Maverick in the feature race.

Medina stood out as the only trainer with two wins on the evening. While no individual owner or breeder recorded multiple victories, Jimenas Ranch turned in a notable performance by finishing first and second in the Retama Derby.

Saturday’s crowd totaled 3,079, a slight dip from last year’s 3,153. The on-track wagering handle came in at $166,469, while off-track handle totaled $512,007, bringing the night’s combined wagering to $678,476. That marked a 6.3 percent decline from the same Saturday in 2024, when total handle reached $723,894.

Torchtree Bourbon, sponsor of the Retama Derby, added flair to the night with on-site wine and bourbon tastings throughout the facility. The Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame and TQHA co-hosted the hospitality, contributing to a festive and fan-friendly atmosphere. Andrea Ramos, who conducted interviews throughout the evening, extended appreciation to David Pratt, founder of Torchtree Bourbon, for his support and presence.

The Texas Horse Society’s San Antonio chapter—its young executives social group—presented the trophy to the winning connections in Race 5, which was won by Hawks Glory and EC Jazz in a dead heat. © Jack Coady Photography

Festivities brought a strong community presence to Saturday night’s card at Retama Park, featuring live music and fundraising efforts supporting flood victims in the Texas Hill Country. The Texas Horse Society’s San Antonio chapter—its young executives social group—was also in attendance. The group gathered in the winner’s circle following Race 5 to present the winning trophy, adding a fresh layer of networking and industry camaraderie.

As with Friday night, many attendees arrived at Retama Park following the final session of the TQHA Yearling Sale held at the Freeman Coliseum Expo Hall. The synergy between the sales and the racetrack fueled energy and enthusiasm throughout the weekend, helping Retama Park close out its signature weekend in memorable fashion.

FINAL HAMMER FALLS ON SATURDAY AS TQHA YEARLING SALE DRAWS TO A CLOSE

The 2025 TQHA Yearling Sale wrapped up Saturday with solid results and spirited bidding, despite a natural market decline following last year’s record highs. Over the two-day sale, 256 yearlings were sold from 413 offered, generating a healthy $5,828,800 in total sales.

The average price came in at $22,769, and the median settled at $13,000—both down from last year’s record-setting numbers of $25,505 and $15,750, respectively. Although demand was more selective, several six-figure yearlings still drew competitive attention.

On Day 1, the session was led by Hip 195 Kosta Browne, a colt by FDD Dynasty who brought $128,000 from Tungsten Racing Partnership. Consigned by Granada Farms, Agent for Tyler and Naia Graham, the colt is out of Ms Highmaitenance, making him a half-brother to Grade 2 winner Kiss My Maruska and stakes-placed Brock Landers. A total of 130 head were sold Friday from 205 offered, grossing $2,251,800 with an average of $17,322 and a median of $9,250. Other notable sales included Hip 86 Not A Little Deal, a Dealagame colt purchased by Rey Munoz for $100,000, and Hip 160 Eyema Special Eagle, by One Famous Eagle, sold for $97,000 to JLT Horse Racing. FDD Dynasty led all sires by average, with two sold for an $80,000 average.

Saturday’s Day 2 session posted stronger individual results, highlighted by Hip 294 Hezgettinpaid Z, a bay colt by Apollitical Jess who sold for $155,000 to Clark Brewster and Simmons Racing. The half-brother to All American Futurity (G1) winner Hezgotthelook Z was consigned by Robicheaux Ranch, Agent for Slash Z Quarter Horses. Hip 345 Pancho Bigotes, also by Apollitical Jess, brought $150,000 from MI Serenity LLC. Hip 331 Lord Baltimore, a Favorite Cartel colt out of Messynger, went to Jerry Deville Jr. for $120,000. Day 2 results included 126 yearlings sold from 208 offered, totaling $3,577,000, with a $28,381 average and $16,000 median. Apollitical Jess led all sires by average with three head averaging $121,667, followed by Favorite Cartel with a $101,000 average from two sold.

Leading buyers by gross included MI Serenity LLC and Jerry Deville Jr., each purchasing two head for $200,000. Jaime Cardenas followed with five yearlings totaling $175,000. Bielau Oaks, Agent was the top consignor with 24 head sold for $384,000, followed by Bobby D. Cox with eight head for $356,500, and Granada Farms with four head bringing $319,000.

Despite a softer overall market, the sale showed continued demand for individuals from proven families. Top-tier sires such as Apollitical Jess, Favorite Cartel, and FDD Dynasty once again delivered the sale’s highest prices. CLICK HERE for complete results on the TQHA website.

TRIPLE STAKES SHOWCASE RECAP (Click the stakes race below to read related story)

• TQHA SALE FUTURITY (RG1)
• RETAMA PARK DERBY PRESENTED BY TORCHTREE BOURBON
• TQHA SALE JUVENILE STAKES

RETAMA PARK 2025 PROMOTIONS
Thursday nights feature Military Appreciation (free admission for active and veteran military), and Friday nights include live local bands. Upcoming fan events include the Diamond Dig on August 8 and Wiener Dog Races with Family Fun Night on August 16. CLICK HERE for the remaining stakes schedule.

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 (June 26 to August 16, 2025), 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 is hosting its 30^th season of horse racing in 2025. For more information and racing schedules, please visit and follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube.

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