SCRAPPY ROO SWEEPS COMPETITION IN THE

2007/2008 THOROUGHBRED MEET

AT SAM HOUSTON RACE PARK

HOUSTON (April 21, 2008)—Horse of the Meet honors go to Scrappy Roo, the talented Texas-bred gelding who remained undefeated in the 2007/2008 Sam Houston Race Park Thoroughbred Meet. In addition to Horse of the Meet, Scrappy Roo garnered three other awards including: Gelding of the Meet, Turf Horse of the Meet and Texas Bred Horse of the Meet. 

Bred by Dr. David S. Taylor, Scrappy Roo is owned by Tawana Cantrell and trained by John G. Locke. He made his debut at Sam Houston on December 2, 2007, winning a first-level allowance, followed by a $25,000 claimer, an allowance claimer and the $50,000 Tomball Stakes.

But his most impressive outing came on April 5, 2008, the final day of the meeting, when he captured his fifth consecutive win in the Grade III $200,000 John B. Connally Breeders’ Cup Turf Stakes Race. Scrappy Roo and jockey Paul Nolan vied for lead from the inside and was able to sustain drive and momentum throughout the stretch to finish by a head with a final time of 1:51.65.  This victory marked a historic moment in the stakes race at The Park, as Scrappy Roo is the first Texas-bred winner of the prestigious race.

Scrappy Roo is out of Dance's Lyph (King Lyph), who was unplaced in three starts. She has reared six winners, including Scrappy Roo's stakes-winning full brother It's Roo and stakes-winning half-sister Hollye Lynne (Uncle Abbie).  His record improved to 15-8-3-0 with earnings of $183,280.

Native Houstonian and owner of Palacios Farm, L. William Heiligbrodt was named Owner of the Meet winning 12 races during the Thoroughbred meeting. The biggest win of the meet at Sam Houston Race Park came from horse Ablaze With Spirit, who captured the $125,000 Jim’s Orbit Stakes on February 16.  Heiligbrodt and his wife, Corinne, got their start with Texas Quarter Horses in cutting competitions. Meradas Little Sue, owned by the couple, was a three-time world champion and retired as the all-time leading money-earning mare with more than $750,000.  In 1988, the Heiligbrodts started racing Thoroughbreds and eventually partnered with renowned trainer Steve Asmussen.  Heiligbrodt has been awarded the leading earner accredited with Texas-bred money by the Texas Thoroughbred Association, owned all or part of more than 80 stakes winners and tallied 95 wins from 515 starts. The Heiligbrodt’s earnings have reached $3,792,466, ranking them eighth of all North American owners.

Trainer John Locke earned top honors as Trainer of the Meet with 50 wins, which included the first graded stakes win of his career when Scrappy Roo captured the Grade III John B. Connally Breeders’ Cup Stakes.  In addition, the Houston native received his 1,000^th career win this year at Oaklawn Park with Matty B and jockey Luis Quinonez.   Locke beat out top trainers Steve Asmussen, who had 48 wins for the season, and Danny Pish, who had 44 wins and held the title for the 2006/2007 Thoroughbred meet.  Locke entered in to the racing business as a trainer in 1989, after selling his veterinary practice. 

The tightest race of the Thoroughbred meet was the battle for Leading Rider of the meet.  From the beginning of the season, Jorge Guzman, Jose Figueroa, who had 64 wins and Paul Nolan who had 62 wins, were neck and neck.   Guzman pulled ahead by one victory to capture the award with total of 65 wins.  A highlight of the season includes Guzman’s victory aboard seven-year old gelding Nuttyboom in the inaugural Auld Lang Syne $22,000 Allowance race at The Park on December 31, 2007.  This marks the first time Guzman has earned the title of Leading Rider at Sam Houston Race Park. 

2007/2008 Thoroughbred Award Recipients

The 2008 Quarter Horse Meet will begin on Thursday, June 26 and run through Saturday, September 13.  Racing will be held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights with post times of 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and 5 p.m. on Saturday.  The 2008 Thoroughbred Meet will begin Friday, November 28, 2008, and run through Saturday, April 4, 2009.  For more information, a complete list of live racing dates and stakes races for 2008, as well as concerts and special promotions, please visit www.shrp.com.

LIVE RACING CALENDAR UPDATES FOR

SAM HOUSTON RACE PARK
Additional Live Racing Dates Added to 2008 Racing Season

            Sam Houston Race Park announces updates to the 2008 live racing calendar with the addition of racing dates for the 2008 Quarter Horse Meet and the 2008 Thoroughbred Meet.  Calendar changes to the 2008 racing calendar include:

Saturday, July 5 ª No Racing

Sunday, August 31 ª New Racing Date Added

Friday, September 12 ª New Racing Date Added

Saturday, September 13 ª New Racing Date Added

Wednesday, December 31 ª New Racing Date Added

            The 2008 Quarter Horse Meet will begin on Thursday, June 26 and run through Saturday, September 13.  Racing will be held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights with post times of 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and 5 p.m. on Saturday.  The 2008 Thoroughbred Meet will begin Friday, November 28, 2008, and run through Saturday, April 4, 2009.  For more information, a complete list of live racing dates and stakes races for 2008, as well as concerts and special promotions, please visit www.shrp.com.

The Showgrounds at Sam Houston Race Park is looking for part-time help for the summer 2008 concert series!  Applicants can come to our administration building for an application or email their resume to: grodriguez@shrp.com.  For more information, please visit www.shrp.com or www.theshowgrounds.com.

• BARTENDERS for Concerts: 4 Seasonal positions. Must have 1-2 years prior experience. Must have positive customer service and communication skills to provide safe, swift and accurate service to the customer. Must be able to track all inventory activity and balances usage value to receipts. Must be able to closes down work station, inventories stock, secures all supplies and cleans work area at end of shift. Must be able to work a flexible schedule, up to and including, weekends, evenings, holidays and summer season. Must be able to pass criminal background check and drug test.
• BEER SELLERS for Concerts: 30 Seasonal positions. Minimum 18 years of age. Must have current TABC. Minimum 1-year prior experience preferred. Must have cash handling experience. Must be able to provide exceptional customer service. Must be able to manage individual beer inventory, balance & register. Must be able to work a flexible schedule, up to and including, weekends, evenings, holidays and summer season. Must be able to pass criminal background check and drug test.
• BOX OFFICE CLERKS: 21 seasonal positions. Must have exceptional customer service skills. Must be able to sell & assist customers with concerts & racing tickets. Must be able to assist with Will Call tickets. Must have thorough knowledge of all sales products. Must be able to work a flexible schedule, up to and including, weekends, evenings, holidays and summer season. Must be able to pass criminal background check and drug test.
• SECURITY GUARDS: 14 Seasonal. 0-2 years experience preferred. Will Train. Must be able to remain calm in an emergency situation and provide exceptional customer service. Must be able to work a flexible schedule, up to and including, weekends, evenings and holidays. Must be able to work in and around an agricultural environment, including horses and other livestock.  Must be able to stand/walk for 8 hours or scheduled shift on different and uneven surfaces. Must be able to work scheduled shift in all weather conditions. Must be able to effectively communicate in verbal and written communication. Must have reliable transportation. Must be able to pass criminal background check and drug test. Texas Commission Private Security License, as non-commissioned officer preferred, but not necessary. Bilingual a plus. 
• TICKET CHECKERS/TAKERS: 16 seasonal positions. Must have exceptional customer skills. Must be able to stand for scheduled shift and scan  tickets at entry. Must be detail oriented & determine if ticket is allowed concert entry. Must be able to work a flexible schedule, up to and including, weekends, evenings and holidays. Must be able to pass criminal background check and drug test.
• USHERS for Concerts: 15 seasonal positions. Must have exceptional customer service skills.  Must be able to assist guests with tickets for seat locations. Must be able to escort guests to correct area or seats. Must be able to work a flexible schedule, up to and including, weekends, evenings and holidays. Must be able to pass criminal background check and drug test.

NTRA Launches Horseplayers’ Coalition

            The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced today the formation of the Horseplayers' Coalition, a consortium of horseplayers whose common objective is to seek legislative and regulatory solutions to tax and business issues that impact racing fans and pari-mutuel racetracks.

            The Horseplayers' Coalition will provide grass roots support for the NTRA's lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill. Participants can track the progress of legislation online at www.horseplayerscoalition.com, where they will also find legislative news, press releases and position papers on a variety of legislative issues. The Web site will also be the portal for Coalition members to send grass roots communications to members of Congress using stylized message points.

            “Our nation's horseplayers provide the capital that fuels so much of the horse industry, and the new Horseplayers' Coalition will finally give this group a means of speaking with a unified voice in Washington, D.C.,” said Alex Waldrop, President and CEO of the NTRA.

            “The concerns of horseplayers are an important part of the NTRA's lobbying efforts,” said Peggy Hendershot, Senior Vice President of Legislative Affairs for the NTRA. “We encourage all fans to take an active role in these efforts by joining the Coalition. Together we can make a real difference in addressing the many issues, like withholding and taxation, that affect players on a daily basis.”

            The cost to join the Horseplayers' Coalition is $25. Individuals may enroll online at www.horseplayerscoalition.com. They may also join by sending a check for $25, payable to NTRA, to Horseplayers' Coalition, c/o NTRA, 2525 Harrodsburg Road, Suite 400, Lexington, Ky., 40504.

            Horseplayers can also join the Coalition by participating in the Daily Racing Form/NTRA National Handicapping Championship Tour (NHC Tour). A portion of each $125 NHC Tour registration fee will be earmarked for the Coalition, and supporters will also automatically receive access to NTRA Advantage, which provides preferred pricing on products and services from such NTRA Advantage Partners as John Deere, UPS, OfficeDepot, Sherwin-Williams, Toshiba and others.

THIS WEEKEND IN RACING

Media Highlights from The Park

• Get ready for a preview of all the exciting racing and entertainment events coming to Sam Houston Race Park this spring as each week The Park will be featured on ESPN 97.5 FM program The Front Page with Fred Faour and Matt Dean starting Saturday, April 26, 2008 at 9 a.m.  The program will feature a weekly segment with Sam Houston Race Park every Saturday!

• Also listen to ESPN 97.5 FM on Tuesday, April 29 at 7 p.m. as Park Announcer Michael Chamberlain will call-in to The Main Event Show with Fred Faour and Matt Dean to talk about the picks and odds for the Kentucky Derby which runs on Saturday, May 3.

• Pick up a copy of the Houston Press on Wednesday, April 30 for a preview of The Showground’s opening concert featuring Southern rock jam band Widespread Panic.  

• KRIV Fox 26 morning personality Lanny Griffith will be broadcasting live from The Showgrounds at Sam Houston Race Park on Thursday, May 1 to kick off the 2008 concert season as well as talk about the Kentucky Derby events at The Park on Saturday, May 3. 

• Coming up on Thursday, May 1 check out the Preview Section of the Houston Chronicle for an interview with Widespread Panic who will kick off the 2008 concert season at The Showgrounds on Friday, May 2.

• Tune into KPRC 950 AM Radio Mojo at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 2 as morning show hosts Walton & Johnson interview Widespread Panic about their performance in Houston at The Showgrounds.

• Be sure to log on to www.chron.com to see all of Martha Claussen’s weekly Racing Notebook updates from The Park along with her Kentucky Derby picks every Thursday.

The 2008 Quarter Horse meeting will begin at The Park on Thursday, June 26, 2008.  For more information, please visit www.shrp.com.

Jockey Club

The Jockey Club at Sam Houston Race Park is currently offering a weekend lunch dining special open to the public.  The Friday lunch buffet is $9.95 for non-members and FREE to Jockey Club members. The club will serve from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Jockey Club remains open on Friday for afternoon racing and wagering until approximately 5:30 p.m.

Highlights include:

• A variety of fresh salad options
• Soup
• Vegetable crudités and an assortment of fresh dips
• Seasonal fruit with imported and domestic cheeses
• An assortment of sandwiches
• Catch of the day
• A selection of meat entrees such as Chicken Marsala, Herb-Baked Chicken, Chicken Fried Chicken with gravy, Ham, or Pork Loin
• Buttered noodles, mashed potatoes, and rice pilaf
• Cooked vegetable assortment
• Assorted cookies, brownies, pie and cake

The Jockey Club serves a Saturday and Sunday lunch for $12.95 for non-members and it is FREE for Jockey Club members. The buffet is open from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Jockey Club remains open for afternoon racing and wagering until 6:00 p.m.

Highlights include:

• A variety of fresh salad options
• Soup
• Vegetable crudités and an assortment of fresh dips
• Seasonal fruit with imported and domestic cheeses
• Pancakes with syrup
• Sausage and bacon
• Biscuits and gravy
• Egg dishes such as an egg soufflé or scrambled eggs with avocado and cheese
• An omelet station
• Catch of the day
• A selection of meat entrees such as Chicken Marsala, Herb-Baked Chicken, Chicken Fried Chicken with gravy, Ham, or Pork Loin
• Buttered noodles, mashed potatoes, and rice pilaf
• Cooked vegetable assortment
• Assorted cookies, brownies, pie and cake

For more information, please call 281-807-8785.

Simulcasting This Weekend at The Park

Come to Sam Houston Race Park for the BEST simulcasting action in town 7 days a week!  We feature a variety of broadcasts from Oaklawn, Santa Anita, Gulfstream Park, the Fair Grounds, Australia and more!  Gates open at 10:30 a.m.

Super Hi Five Wagers Available at Sam Houston Race Park

How the wager works:

• Must select the first five finishers in order
• The wager is offered in the last race from the particular track. This will vary from track to track.
• If there are no winning tickets, the pools will carryover to next time the wager is offered.

Tracks offering the wager:

• Hollywood Park
• Churchill Downs
• Keeneland
• River Downs

For a complete list of simulcast tracks and post times visit www.shrp.com or by call (281) 807-8740.

UPCOMING EVENTS AT SAM HOUSTON RACE PARK

CELEBRATE KENTUCKY DERBY DAY

AT SAM HOUSTON RACE PARK

Horse Racing’s Most Prominent Event Includes Entertainment, Hat Contest and More on Saturday, May 3, 2008

WHAT:           Houstonians are invited to celebrate Kentucky Derby Day presented by Woodford Reserve at Sam Houston Race Park on Saturday, May 3, 2008.  The day-long sporting and social event will include a simulcast of the 10 race card live from Churchill Downs, a Derby Day Hat Contest with host Ernie Manouse from PBS’ Innerviews with Ernie along with a panel of celebrity judges, Derby-themed dining packages at the Winner’s Circle and the Jockey Club, traditional Mint Julep cocktails with commemorative Kentucky Derby glass, between race promotions, trivia and prize giveaways and more!  Ticket packages start at $19 per person. For more information call 281.807.8760 or visit www.shrp.com.

WHO:             Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s premier racing and entertainment facility offering a variety of attractions including 19 luxury suites overlooking the track, The Pavilion Centre, and award-winning dining options at the Winner’s Circle Restaurant and Jockey Club.  For more information, please visit www.shrp.com.

WHEN:           Saturday, May 3, 2008

9:00 a.m.          Gates Open

10:00 a.m.        1^st Post from Churchill Downs

11:30 a.m.        Buffet Opens

12:00 p.m.        Hat Contest Registration Begins

3:00 p.m.          Hat Contest Judging Begins

5:04 p.m.          Kentucky Derby

WHERE:        Sam Houston Race Park

                        7575 N. Sam Houston Parkway West

                        Houston, Texas 77064

TICKETS:      Winner’s Circle Dining package $39 per person and includes admission, commemorative program, the Grande Buffet and a table for the entire day’s festivities.

Reserved Club Seat package $19 per person and includes admission. Commemorative program, entrée, beverage and reserved club seating for the day’s festivities.

Regular Admission $4 adults; $2 Senior Citizens; children 12 and under FREE.

INFO:             For more information, call 281-807-8760 or visit www.shrp.com.

Kentucky Derby Weekly Trivia Questions

Think you know just about everything about the Kentucky Derby? Test your knowledge and racing memory with our weekly trivia questions leading into the historic racing event at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 3. 

1. In what city does the Kentucky Derby take place?
2. Two horses have won the Kentucky Derby with a final time of under two minutes. Can you name either of them?
3. What two jockeys have won the Kentucky Derby five times?

Answers:

1. Louisville
2. Secretariat in 1973 and Monarchos in 2001
3. Eddie Arcaro and Bill Hartack

Kentucky Oaks & Kentucky Derby Post Times

Scheduled post times for the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, May 2 and the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 3.

Kentucky Oaks Day

Friday, May 2

1          10:00 a.m.

2          10:30 a.m.

3          11:05 a.m.

4          11:43 a.m.

5          12:26 p.m.

6          1:10 p.m.

7          2:04 p.m.

8          2:54 p.m.

9          3:37 p.m.

                          10         4:45 p.m.- Kentucky Oaks

11         5:21 p.m.

Kentucky Derby Day

Saturday, May 3

1          10:00 a.m.

2          10:30 a.m.

3          11:04 a.m.

4          11:29 a.m.

5          12:21 p.m.

6          1:11 p.m.

7          2:03 p.m.

8          2:57 p.m.

9          3:52 p.m.

                              10         5:04 p.m.- Kentucky Derby

11         6:04 p.m.

12         6:34 p.m.

The 2008 Summer Concert Series at The Showgrounds at Sam Houston Race Park

May 2 s Widespread Panic

May 10 s REO Speedwagon with Loverboy

May 17 s Pat Benatar with Fabulous Thunderbirds

May 24 s Creedence Clearwater Revisited with Starship featuring Mickey Thomas

May 31 s Kansas with Mark Farner

June 27 s Robert Earl Keen (Opening Weekend of the Quarter Horse Meet)

June 28 s John Michael Montgomery

July 5 s Willie Nelson’s Family Picnic

July 6  s Vans Warped Tour

July 11 s Cory Morrow with Aaron Watson

July 12 s Randy Travis

July 18 s Roger Creager & Friends Birthday Celebration

July 19 s Blake Shelton

July 25 s Cross Canadian Ragweed

July 27 s Rockstar Energy Mayhem Tour featuring Slipknot & Disturbed

July 30 s 311, Snoop Dogg & Fiction Plane

August 1 s Zona Jones featuring Casey Doahew Band

August 2 s Neal McCoy

August 8 s Hayes Carll plus special guest to be announced

August 9 s Clint Black

August 15 s Dierks Bentley

August 22 s Randy Rogers

August 23 s Billy Ray Cyrus

August 29 s Kevin Fowler with Reckless Kelly

August 30 s Clay Walker

             Additional performances will be announced soon.  All dates, acts, and ticket prices subject to change without notice. Additional service fees are added to all purchases.  Tickets are available online at www.theshowgrounds.com or www.livenation.com or by phone at 800-211-3381.  Tickets are also available at participating Houston-area Randalls stores and at The Showgrounds box office located at the South Gate near the Valet Circle.  For groups of 10 or more, please call 281-807-8750.

Park Rewards Program & Specials

Join Sam Houston Race Park’s NEW Loyalty Program, Park Rewards, and earn 1,000 bonus points just for joining! Enrollment is FREE!! Sign up at the Player’s Lounge TODAY!

“Play More, Earn More!”

SAM HOUSTON RACE PARK ANNOUNCES NEW

PARK REWARDS® PROGRAM
Innovative Loyalty Program Offers Chance to “Play More and Earn More”

Sam Houston Race Park has introduced Park Rewards, an innovative new loyalty program for horse racing enthusiasts.  The program, which offers free enrollment, debuted at The Park on Tuesday, April 15, 2008.   

            Park Rewards, which is one of the most creative loyalty programs in the racing industry today, will offer greater variety and flexibility for members with the ability to play more and earn more in order to redeem points for a variety of awards and redemptions. Upon enrollment, members will receive 1,000 bonus points, which can be redeemed for a complimentary $5 wagering voucher.

            “We are excited to introduce this program to our current members and look forward to introducing new fans to the program as well as to the sport of horse racing,” said Garrick Burkhardt, Director of Player Services, Sam Houston Race Park.  “This program is unique to horse racing because it offers up to a 10% return on many reward items such as programs, admissions and specialty merchandise.”

            “This program will enable us to really understand our members and have consistent communication with them in order to improve our racing and simulcast product as well as establish positive relationships with current and new players,” said Eric Johnston, Vice President of Racing, Sam Houston Race Park.

            Park Rewards® will feature:

§      Free admission to The Park during simulcast hours;

§      Ticketless wagering enabling members to carry their balance on their Park Rewards card through permanent account wagering;

§      Points update immediately as races are official;

§      Priority access to Tiny Tims, a personal, hand-held wagering device;

§      Rewards include wagering vouchers, admissions and programs, parking, food and beverage, and specialty merchandise such as flat screen televisions, iPods and more;

§      Exclusive monthly member contests, priority mailings and offers;

§      Access to specials such as double and triple points on select tracks;

§      Eligibility for exclusive, year-end premium item giveaways.

Additional information on Park Rewards is available online at www.shrp.com, by calling 281-807-8801 or by visiting the Player’s Services Front Desk at Sam Houston Race Park.

LAST WEEKEND TO PARTICIPATE IN THE
“Road to the Kentucky Derby” 2008 Handicapping Contest

Official Entry Dates

Sat., March 15, 2008
Sat., March 22, 2008
Sat., March 29, 2008
 Sat., April 5, 2008
  Sat., April 12, 2008
  Sat., April 19, 2008
   Sat., April 26, 2008 

THE CONTEST

The “Road to the Kentucky Derby” contest is designed to follow the horses aiming for the 2008 Kentucky Derby.

CONTEST REQUIREMENTS AND PRIZES

1) All entries must be submitted by the official deadline printed on the entry slip each contest day.

2) Entries must have player’s full name, address, telephone, email address and Player Rewards membership number.

3) Contestants must be 21 year of age and enrolled in the SHRP Player Rewards loyalty program.

4) Overall Contest Prize distribution is as follows:
1^st Place - 2,000         2^nd Place - $1,000          3^rd Place - $500        4^th Place - $250 

5) Weekly prizes will be awarded as follows:
1^st Place - $100            2^nd Place - $50             3^rd Place - $25

• Wednesdays - $100 Showvivor Contest on Turfway Park, 12:10PM Post Time
• Saturday nights – Free Valley Race Park Programs
• Sam Houston Race Park will host 3 qualifiers for the NTRA/DRF Handicapping Challenge.  The chosen dates are May 17^th, August 30^th and November 29^th.  The first place finisher will earn a berth in the $1,000,000 final in Vegas and represent Team Sam Houston. The contest is $200 per entry with 2 entries max per contestant.  Prize money is $40,000 based on 200 entries.  Contestants will make mythical $2 win and place wagers on 8 mandatory races and 7 optional races.  Contestant with the highest bankroll wins.

Sam Houston Race Park provides great offers and benefits for our Park Rewards members.  All contest rules can be found on www.shrp.com. To become a Park Rewards member, visit the Players Lounge located at the North end of the Grandstand on the Paddock Level.  For more information visit the Players Lounge or call 281-807-8278.