EASTER MAN, QUICK SAND AA AND UPTOWN SANDY GIRL EARN STAKES WINS IN THE ARABIAN RACING FESTIVAL AT SAM HOUSTON RACE PARK
Trainer Jerenesto Torrez Saddled the Top Three in the Hundred Years HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup.
Sam Houston Race Park hosted two prestigious Arabian stakes on Saturday, March 3: the Hundred Years $54,500 Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup (G1) and $41,500 HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies IFAHR Cup, both at a distance of seven furlongs.
Exciting Dead-Heat by Easter Man and Quick Sand AA in the $54,500 HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup - Amethyst Jewel
A talented group of ten colts and geldings went postward in the Hundred Years HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup. In one of the most exciting finishes of the respected championship, a photo finish was required to determine the winner. Officials declared a dead-heat between the heavy favorite Easter Man and Quick Sand AA. Both are sons of Burning Sand, bred and owned by Betty and Joseph Gillis. It was a momentous evening for the couple and their trainer, Jerenesto Torrez, who saddled both winners as well as RB Nash, who ran third. The winners crossed the wire in 1:32.19.
“I wondered if maybe it was a dead-heat, said Torrez. “Easter Man ran second last year (to Paddy’s Day) and it was a great finish for Quick Sand AA.”
Rudy Guerra guided Easter Man ($2.80) who picked up his tenth career win and Quincy Hamilton ($5.40) rode Quick Sand AA. Keiber Coa piloted RB Nash for owners Rosebrook Farm and longshot RB Hocus Pocus rallied for fourth.
Uptown Sandy Girl Game Winner of the $41,500 HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies IFAHR Cup
A field of ten Arabian fillies competed in the $41,500 HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship IFAHR Cup. The race featured an international group of female jockeys as has been the tradition of the annual event.
It was Swedish rider, Tina Henrikkson who guided Uptown Sandy Girl to a resounding six-length victory. The 4-year-old daughter of Burning Sand is bred by Krista Hennningsgard and owned by her husband, Jon. The couple, who live in Waller, Texas, had a large group of friends and family cheering on their talented filly. Trained by Lynn A. Ashby, the gray filly was sent off as the favorite and did not disappoint.
“She was a dream to ride,” said Henrikkson “They told me that she likes to be forwardly placed and she did it easily.”
This was fourth win from nine starts for Uptown Sandy Girl ($5.20), as the betting favorite, who covered seven furlongs in 1.32.70. RB Kinkie Boots owned by Rosebrook Farm closed for second with Pams Masquerade running third and Burning Vaz, completing the superfecta.
Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s premier racing and entertainment facility, located just 15 miles from downtown Houston, and offers a variety of attractions including our Suite Level, The Pavilion Centre, and award-winning dining options at the Winner’s Circle Restaurant and the Jockey Club. For more information on upcoming group events, racing events, shows and tickets, please visit www.shrp.com.
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Photos: Coady Photography
