THE 2021 QUARTER HORSE SEASON AT SAM HOUSTON RACE PARK RESUMES ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23
Opening Day Features the $50,000 Friendship Stakes and La Villita Stakes
HOUSTON, TX – As previously reported, the Retama Park Quarter Horse live racing season, originally scheduled to begin June 24, will take place at Sam Houston Race Park. The transfer of dates was deemed necessary due to damage incurred by Retama Park as a result of the winter storm that affected Texas in February. Sub-freezing temperatures for a period of five days, along with subsequent damage from broken water pipes and sprinklers, caused significant damage to the grandstand, barn area and racing office. Repairs are underway but cannot be completed prior to the upcoming live Quarter Horse racing season.
The 20-day meet will begin on Wednesday, June 23 and conclude on Saturday, August 7. Post time for all dates is 6:45 pm (Central). The draw for opening night took place today and will feature ten races, including the running of the$50,000 Friendship Stakes for accredited Texas-bred 3-year-olds as well as the $50,000 La Villita Stakes for accredited Texas-bred fillies.
The $100,000-added TQHA Sale Futurity (RG2) will be contested on Saturday, July 31 as well as the $100,000-added Retama Park Derby. Texas Summer Showdown Night will take place on Friday, July 30 with six stakes saluting Texas-bred Quarter Horses.
The racing office is under the direction of racing secretary James Leatherman; phone (281) 807-8780 and fax (281) 890-5485.
“The interest is high for the continuation of the 2021 Quarter Horse live racing season at Sam Houston Race Park,” said Leatherman. “Our first day of entries went very well and we look forward to a successful meet.”
The stakes schedule and trial dates for the 20-day meet is as follows and a complete schedule of race dates and Quarter Horse Stakes is available on shrp.com.
Sam Houston Race Park Quarter Horse Stakes Schedule for Extended Meet
Wednesday, June 23, 2021
$50,000 The Friendship Stakes* 3 YO 330 yards
$50,000 La Villita Stakes* 3 YO Fillies 330 yards
Friday, July 2, 2021
$50,000 Tower of the Americas Stakes 3 YO & up 550 yards
$50,000 King William Stakes 3 YO & up 350 yards
$50,000 Selma Stakes 3 YO & up F&M 350 yards
$50,000 San Marcos Stakes 3 YO & up 870 yards
Friday, July 30, 2021
$50,000-added TQHA”550” Stakes(RG3)* 3 YO & up 550 yards
$30,000-added Jones Bloodstock Starter Stakes* 3 YO & up 350 yards
$50,000-added Miss Retama Stakes* 3 YO & up F&M 350 yards
$50,000-added Benny Pennington Memorial S.* 3 YO & up 870 yards
$60,000-added TQHA Classic Stakes(RG3)* 3 YO & up 400 yards
$50,000-added TQHA “250” Stakes* 3 YO & up 250 yards
Saturday, July 31, 2021
$100,000-added TQHA Sale Futurity (RG2) 2 YO 350 yards
$100,000-added Retama Park Derby 3 YO 400 yards
Friday, August 6, 2021
$30,000-added Texas Arabian Oaks(G3) 3& 4 YO Arabian F&M 1 Mile
$30,000-added Texas Arabian Derby G3) 3& 4 YO Arabians 1 1/16 Miles
Saturday, August 7, 2021
$50,000-added Sires Cup Derby 3 YO 350 yards
$75,000-added Sires’ Cup Futurity (RG3) 2 YO 350 yards
$50,000-added Bank of America TX Challenge 3 YO & up 440 yards
$35,000-added Colors of the Alamo Paint and 2 YO 350 yards
Appaloosa Futurity
$20,000-added Colors of the Wind Paint and 3 YO & up 350 yards
Appaloosa Stakes
*Accredited Texas-breds
2021 Quarter Horse Trial Dates
Thursday, July 8 Retama Park Derby Trials
Friday, July 9 TQHA Sale Futurity Trials
Thursday, July 15 Colors of the Alamo Paint & Appaloosa Futurity Trials
Thursday, July 15 Bank of America Texas Challenge Trials
Friday, July 16 Sires’ Cup Futurity Trials
Friday, July 16 Sires’ Cup Derby Trials
Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s premier racing and entertainment facility, located just 15 miles from downtown Houston. The Park offers a variety of attractions including a Suite Level featuring luxurious suites overlooking the racetrack, The Pavilion Centre, and award-winning dining options at the Winner’s Circle Restaurant and theJockey Club. For more information on upcoming live racing, shows, events and tickets, please visit www.shrp.com.
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Photos: Coady Photography
