This year’s running of the Connally Breeders’ Cup Turf is the most anticipated race of the 2006/2007 Thoroughbred meeting. The $200,000 Grade III John B. Connally Breeders' Cup Turf for 3-year-olds and upward at a distance of 1 1/8 miles has always been the distinguished stakes of the Thoroughbred-racing season.

The race was the first graded Thoroughbred stakes in the track’s history and is named for the late John B. Connally, Governor of Texas, whose support of pari-mutuel racing was vital to the opening of Sam Houston Race Park in 1994.

On this highlighted day, the Sam Houston Race Park racecard will also feature the $50,000 Jersey Lilly Stakes and the $50,000 Sam Houston Turf Sprint.

Fort Prado won the 2006 Grade III $200,000 John B. Connally Breeders' Cup Turf

The festivities begin Thursday, April 5 and Friday, April 6 with an online handicapping contest.  Contest entries have closed!
 

On Saturday, April 7, 2007, the $200,000 Grade III Connally Breeders Cup Turf Festival will include two live bands, give-aways, extraordinary Thoroughbred racing, special guests, and a performance of the National Anthem by the 2007 Best Country Singer, Heather Holderrieth.  

When gates open at 10:30 a.m., there will be T-shirt give-aways while supplies last.  Fill out the questionnaire given out at the Admission Gates and head over to the Central Paddock to turn it in and receive your free T-shirt.

That evening, live music by The Posse will be featured on the balcony at approximately 5:30 p.m.  Later that evening on the South Apron Stage, live music by Dean Seltzer will begin at 7:00 p.m.   

The Houston Copperheads Cheerleaders will be appearing from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. and will give a performance in the Winner's Circle following the fifth race, which begins at 8:44 p.m.

Special guests include Steve Davidowitz, veteran reporter, columnist and handicapper and Denis Blake of the Texas Thoroughbred Association.  Davidowitz will be in the Player's Lounge at 4:00 p.m. for the signing of his book, The Best and Worst of Thoroughbred Racing.  At 7:00 p.m. he will join Denis Blake and Martha Claussen for a special handicapping seminar where they will preview our live race card and offer analysis of our Grade III Connally Breeders' Cup Turf.  Davidowitz will be available for signing books directly after the handicapping seminar as well. 

In addition to the exciting racing, patrons will enjoy great dining opportunities. The Winner’s Circle Restaurant offers a Grande Buffet featuring a salad bar, delicious entrée selections, a variety of breads and an array of desserts for just $25.95 per person.

Live Thoroughbred racing begins at 7:00 p.m. and includes the running of the $200,000 Grade III John B. Connally Breeders’ Cup, the $50,000 Jersey Lilly Stakes and the $50,000 Sam Houston Turf Sprint.  Park gates open at 10:30 a.m.

Admission is $4 for adults, $2 for Senior Citizens, and free for children 12 and under!  Parking is $4 for general and $7 for valet.