Son of Tapiture earns third Sam Houston stakes triumph in resounding score
March 22, 2026
march 22, 2026
Press release
mikel w scores powerful wire to wire win in spirit of texas
When race favorite Too Much Action broke slowly, Mikel W was driven towards the lead by jockey Jose Alvarez. He contested a strong pace before pulling clear on the far turn and holding sway late, eventually registering a five and a half-length win in the Spirit of Texas. The final time was 1:10 and was the gelding’s first stakes win for trainer Carlos Padilla and owners Rodney Fleenor and Lynn Haverkamp.
Padilla long believed in the strapping son of Bradester’s ability, running him three times in stakes races to begin his career. He finally broke his maiden in his fourth career start and earned a stakes placing in last fall’s David Vance at Remington Park.
“We had all the confidence in him from the very beginning because of how he was brought up,” Padilla said. “We’ve always had high hopes and just needed him to put it all together. The whole team is really happy about this win!”
Mikel W raced on his left lead in mid-stretch while holding a sizable advantage and maintained it through the finish. He ran his career earnings to just shy of $200,000 with the victory and will be pointed to the series of sprint stakes at the upcoming meet at Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie.
Turn North, who had been second in the David E. Hooper on Texas Preview Day, rallied to be second once again. While never threatening the winner, he made the only meaningful off the pace move in the field of seven. Bobby Brinkley rallied up the inside to be third at odds of 14-1.
Tizabling finished fourth and Too Much Action had to settle for fifth. Josh’s Dream and Unbridled Bling rounded out the field.
About Sam Houston Race Park
Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s premier racing and entertainment facility, located just 15 miles northwest of downtown Houston. Owned by Penn Entertainment Inc. (NASDAQ – PENN), the racetrack, which opened in 1994, offers a variety of attractions for businesses, group outings and families during racing and the off-season. The track is best known for its award-winning dining and features multiple areas for fans looking for casual to upscale dining options including its Winner’s Circle Restaurant, Jockey Club, Luxury Suites and Pavilion Centre. For more information or tickets to upcoming live racing, concerts and events, please visit www.shrp.com or follow on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok or YouTube.
Padilla long believed in the strapping son of Bradester’s ability, running him three times in stakes races to begin his career. He finally broke his maiden in his fourth career start and earned a stakes placing in last fall’s David Vance at Remington Park.
“We had all the confidence in him from the very beginning because of how he was brought up,” Padilla said. “We’ve always had high hopes and just needed him to put it all together. The whole team is really happy about this win!”
Mikel W raced on his left lead in mid-stretch while holding a sizable advantage and maintained it through the finish. He ran his career earnings to just shy of $200,000 with the victory and will be pointed to the series of sprint stakes at the upcoming meet at Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie.
Turn North, who had been second in the David E. Hooper on Texas Preview Day, rallied to be second once again. While never threatening the winner, he made the only meaningful off the pace move in the field of seven. Bobby Brinkley rallied up the inside to be third at odds of 14-1.
Tizabling finished fourth and Too Much Action had to settle for fifth. Josh’s Dream and Unbridled Bling rounded out the field.
About Sam Houston Race Park
Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s premier racing and entertainment facility, located just 15 miles northwest of downtown Houston. Owned by Penn Entertainment Inc. (NASDAQ – PENN), the racetrack, which opened in 1994, offers a variety of attractions for businesses, group outings and families during racing and the off-season. The track is best known for its award-winning dining and features multiple areas for fans looking for casual to upscale dining options including its Winner’s Circle Restaurant, Jockey Club, Luxury Suites and Pavilion Centre. For more information or tickets to upcoming live racing, concerts and events, please visit www.shrp.com or follow on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok or YouTube.