Tc Abanero, V Golden Game, And This Cowboys An Eagle Headline Stakes Action At Sam Houston Race Park
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June 8th, 2026
press release
TC abanero, v golden game, and this cowboys an eagle headline stakes action at sam houston race park
HOUSTON, TX–The second-to-last weekend of the live Quarter Horse meet at Sam Houston Race Park got underway with full racing cards on Thursday and Friday, June 4-5. The weekend concluded on Belmont Stakes Saturday, June 6, with attention turning to the Paint and Appaloosa divisions in the final three races of the afternoon, while fans also gathered for Belmont watch party festivities.
With just one weekend remaining in the 2026 Quarter Horse meet, total wagering for the comparable Thursday-Saturday period increased approximately 40%, rising from $1.13 million in 2025 to $1.58 million this year. Off-track handle surged to $1.40 million, an increase of more than 54% over last year's $904,637, while on-track wagering remained steady as fans continued to support live racing throughout the weekend.
“The momentum is strong going into our final weekend of the 2026 race meet here at Sam Houston Race Park,” said Sam Houston Racing Secretary Mike Acton. “I look forward to the amazing stakes races and finals that we have carded for next weekend, including the inaugural running of our Sam Houston Oaks along with our $655,100 Futurity. We have nine stakes events worth over $1,371,400 running Saturday, a must see for racing enthusiasts!”
The Paint and Appaloosa stakes action began in Race 9 on Saturday with the $20,000 Colors of Houston Juvenile, followed by the Grade 2 $30,000 Colors of Texas Paint Maturity in Race 10, and concluded with the Grade 2 $74,900 Colors of Houston Futurity in Race 11.
Rain throughout the day created a sloppy racing surface, and Race 2 was ultimately canceled due to weather conditions. However, the rain eased enough for the remainder of the card to proceed as scheduled. As part of Saturday's Belmont festivities, racing fans took a moment to watch Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo capture the Belmont Stakes.
Adding to the day's entertainment, 20 contestants competed for a chance to win $1 million in the Million Dollar Soccer Kick, held in celebration of the World Cup coming to Houston.
"I was glad to see the storms clear out and make for a great day of racing and festivities that showcased some very fast Paint horses and a soccer kick worth a million bucks,” Acton concluded.
A special bell was also placed on the grounds as part of the "Ring The Bell" campaign, allowing Quarter Horsemen to show support for the Bustamante family, who recently lost their horse training facility in a devastating barn fire.
Monetary donations are also being accepted through the "Ring The Bell" campaign at both Sam Houston Race Park and Retama Park throughout the summer. CLICK HERE to learn how you can help.
THIS COWBOYS AN EAGLE BREAKS MAIDEN IN $20,000 COLORS OF HOUSTON JUVENILE
This Cowboys An Eagle earned his first career victory from three starts in the $20,000 Colors of Houston Juvenile. The son of This Is An Eagle was the fastest qualifier to the Juvenile, finishing fifth behind Miss Chilitos in the futurity trials.
He made up for the late finish in the trials with a length victory over Flying G Litos. This Cowboys An Eagle has now earned nearly $9,000 for owner Jesus Molina. Bred by Sandra Garnett, he is out of the Awesome Chrome mare Camo Cowgirl. Trainer Joseph Manucy saddled the gelding for owner Jesus Molina, with Victor Urieta Jr. aboard from post six.
Runner-up Flying G Litos, ridden by Oliver Martinez, has yet to break his maiden. The son of Chilitos was bred in Texas by April Galindo out of Rc Smokin Hot by The Louisiana Cartel. Flying G Litos Partnership owns the sorrel gelding trained by Lewis Arnold.
Bred and owns by Guerras Racing Stables, Trillion placed third under jockey Alejandro Medina. Gilberto Gonzalez trains the son of Cartel Dragon. He is out of the Painted Turnpike mare Cl Painted Shadows.
Chilita Especial checked in fourth, followed by Cowboys Success, You Proof, Taken It Home, and La Chanel. Angel Is Loose was scratched from the field.
V GOLDEN GAME WINS THE $30,000 COLORS OF TEXAS PAINT MATURITY (G2) FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW
Last year's reigning champion, V Golden Game, captured the 350-yard maturity again this year under jockey Oliver Martinez. It came down to a photo finish between him and runner-up Just An Eagle, who was outrun by a nose.
V Golden Game clocked a 91 speed index after leading the field from gate to wire in a time of :17.770. Running against a talented group of contestants, V Golden Game proved best once again.
Racing for owner Jorge Vega and trainer Oscar Nunez, the Oklahoma-bred gelding notched his third career stakes victory. He previously won the Grade 2 Colors of Texas Paint Maturity and the Colors of the Alamo Paint & Appaloosa Maturity while placing in several other stakes events.
Bred by Aubrey Garcia, the gelding is out of the Game Patriot mare Game Hi. He improved his record to 5-5-6 from 26 starts and increased his earnings to $117,995.
Just An Eagle finished a game second under Raul Hernandez Jr. for owner Jesus Molina and trainer Joseph Manucy. The gelding now sports a record of 12-2-1-3 with earnings of $27,765.
Already a stakes winner of the Grade 3 GCFA Paint & Appaloosa Juvenile, Just An Eagle was bred by Sandra Garnett. He is sired by This Is An Eagle and out of the stakes-winning Awesome Chrome mare Just Splashin.
Pasatiempo and jockey Ruben Delarosa Jr. completed the trifecta for trainer Janessa Muniz and owners JM Performance Horses and Ken Stewart.
The filly now has a race record of 17-2-3-1 with earnings of $32,898. Bred in Texas, Pasatiempo remains in pursuit of her first career stakes victory.
Rosario Tijeras finished fourth, followed by Jackson Davis 747, VP Gravel Pit Dancer, Hot Lota, VP Wired To Win, and VP Voladora. VP Dash For Texas was scratched at the gate.
TC ABANERO SCORES UPSET IN $74,900 COLORS OF HOUSTON FUTURITY (G2)
With eight of the 10 finalists sired by Chilitos, it was no surprise that the top three finishers were all by the leading third-crop APHA sire of money earners.
Second-fastest qualifier TC Abanero delivered a winning performance under jockey Leonardo Rodriguez. Trained by Zackery Rios, the son of Chilitos, dueled throughout before drawing clear to win by one-half length over Cholula H.
The bay colt stopped the clock in :15.434 while earning a 96 speed index for owner Chile Piquin Partnership.
Bred by Toribio Carillo, TC Abanero is a $12,000 TQHA Yearling Sale graduate out of the First Moonflash mare Take Of Helene FMF. Making just his second career start, he broke his maiden, earned the winner's share of $30,055, and increased his bankroll to $32,055.
Cholula H and jockey Jose Herbert finished second for owner Guerras Racing Stables and trainer Gilberto Gonzalez. The filly was a $16,000 repurchase at the TQHA Yearling Sale before later selling for $18,000 at the Heritage Place Winter Mixed Sale.
Bred by Jorge Hadadd, she is out of the FDD Dynasty mare Im Marbella. Cholula H has yet to break her maiden from three starts.
Fastest qualifier Miss Chilitos rallied for third under jockey Oliver Martinez for owner Edgar Rivera Hernandez and trainer Jose Martinez. Bred by Connie Nobles, the filly is a $13,500 TQHA Yearling Sale graduate out of the Stoli mare Tahiti Evening.
Miss Chilitos now owns a record of 2-0-1 in both APHA and AQHA races with earnings of $24,536 from four starts.
El Rey De Chilitos finished fourth. San Chilitas crossed the wire fifth but was disqualified and placed eighth following a stewards' inquiry for interference in the late stages. JVM Hot Victoria, Chilitos Suspect, and A Political Risk completed the order of finish. Chilitos Grande and Painted Cutarock were scratched.
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. It 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.
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Photos: Jack Coady Photography
• This Cowboys An Eagle, and jockey Victor Urieta Jr. score a maiden-breaking victory in the $20,000 Colors of Houston Juvenile.
• Defending champion V Golden Game, ridden by Oliver Martinez, holds off Just An Eagle by a nose to capture the Grade 2 Colors of Texas Paint Maturity.
• TC Abanero and jockey Leonardo Rodriguez deliver an upset victory in the Grade 2 Colors of Houston Futurity.
With just one weekend remaining in the 2026 Quarter Horse meet, total wagering for the comparable Thursday-Saturday period increased approximately 40%, rising from $1.13 million in 2025 to $1.58 million this year. Off-track handle surged to $1.40 million, an increase of more than 54% over last year's $904,637, while on-track wagering remained steady as fans continued to support live racing throughout the weekend.
“The momentum is strong going into our final weekend of the 2026 race meet here at Sam Houston Race Park,” said Sam Houston Racing Secretary Mike Acton. “I look forward to the amazing stakes races and finals that we have carded for next weekend, including the inaugural running of our Sam Houston Oaks along with our $655,100 Futurity. We have nine stakes events worth over $1,371,400 running Saturday, a must see for racing enthusiasts!”
The Paint and Appaloosa stakes action began in Race 9 on Saturday with the $20,000 Colors of Houston Juvenile, followed by the Grade 2 $30,000 Colors of Texas Paint Maturity in Race 10, and concluded with the Grade 2 $74,900 Colors of Houston Futurity in Race 11.
Rain throughout the day created a sloppy racing surface, and Race 2 was ultimately canceled due to weather conditions. However, the rain eased enough for the remainder of the card to proceed as scheduled. As part of Saturday's Belmont festivities, racing fans took a moment to watch Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo capture the Belmont Stakes.
Adding to the day's entertainment, 20 contestants competed for a chance to win $1 million in the Million Dollar Soccer Kick, held in celebration of the World Cup coming to Houston.
"I was glad to see the storms clear out and make for a great day of racing and festivities that showcased some very fast Paint horses and a soccer kick worth a million bucks,” Acton concluded.
A special bell was also placed on the grounds as part of the "Ring The Bell" campaign, allowing Quarter Horsemen to show support for the Bustamante family, who recently lost their horse training facility in a devastating barn fire.
Monetary donations are also being accepted through the "Ring The Bell" campaign at both Sam Houston Race Park and Retama Park throughout the summer. CLICK HERE to learn how you can help.
THIS COWBOYS AN EAGLE BREAKS MAIDEN IN $20,000 COLORS OF HOUSTON JUVENILE
This Cowboys An Eagle earned his first career victory from three starts in the $20,000 Colors of Houston Juvenile. The son of This Is An Eagle was the fastest qualifier to the Juvenile, finishing fifth behind Miss Chilitos in the futurity trials.
He made up for the late finish in the trials with a length victory over Flying G Litos. This Cowboys An Eagle has now earned nearly $9,000 for owner Jesus Molina. Bred by Sandra Garnett, he is out of the Awesome Chrome mare Camo Cowgirl. Trainer Joseph Manucy saddled the gelding for owner Jesus Molina, with Victor Urieta Jr. aboard from post six.
Runner-up Flying G Litos, ridden by Oliver Martinez, has yet to break his maiden. The son of Chilitos was bred in Texas by April Galindo out of Rc Smokin Hot by The Louisiana Cartel. Flying G Litos Partnership owns the sorrel gelding trained by Lewis Arnold.
Bred and owns by Guerras Racing Stables, Trillion placed third under jockey Alejandro Medina. Gilberto Gonzalez trains the son of Cartel Dragon. He is out of the Painted Turnpike mare Cl Painted Shadows.
Chilita Especial checked in fourth, followed by Cowboys Success, You Proof, Taken It Home, and La Chanel. Angel Is Loose was scratched from the field.
V GOLDEN GAME WINS THE $30,000 COLORS OF TEXAS PAINT MATURITY (G2) FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW
Last year's reigning champion, V Golden Game, captured the 350-yard maturity again this year under jockey Oliver Martinez. It came down to a photo finish between him and runner-up Just An Eagle, who was outrun by a nose.
V Golden Game clocked a 91 speed index after leading the field from gate to wire in a time of :17.770. Running against a talented group of contestants, V Golden Game proved best once again.
Racing for owner Jorge Vega and trainer Oscar Nunez, the Oklahoma-bred gelding notched his third career stakes victory. He previously won the Grade 2 Colors of Texas Paint Maturity and the Colors of the Alamo Paint & Appaloosa Maturity while placing in several other stakes events.
Bred by Aubrey Garcia, the gelding is out of the Game Patriot mare Game Hi. He improved his record to 5-5-6 from 26 starts and increased his earnings to $117,995.
Just An Eagle finished a game second under Raul Hernandez Jr. for owner Jesus Molina and trainer Joseph Manucy. The gelding now sports a record of 12-2-1-3 with earnings of $27,765.
Already a stakes winner of the Grade 3 GCFA Paint & Appaloosa Juvenile, Just An Eagle was bred by Sandra Garnett. He is sired by This Is An Eagle and out of the stakes-winning Awesome Chrome mare Just Splashin.
Pasatiempo and jockey Ruben Delarosa Jr. completed the trifecta for trainer Janessa Muniz and owners JM Performance Horses and Ken Stewart.
The filly now has a race record of 17-2-3-1 with earnings of $32,898. Bred in Texas, Pasatiempo remains in pursuit of her first career stakes victory.
Rosario Tijeras finished fourth, followed by Jackson Davis 747, VP Gravel Pit Dancer, Hot Lota, VP Wired To Win, and VP Voladora. VP Dash For Texas was scratched at the gate.
TC ABANERO SCORES UPSET IN $74,900 COLORS OF HOUSTON FUTURITY (G2)
With eight of the 10 finalists sired by Chilitos, it was no surprise that the top three finishers were all by the leading third-crop APHA sire of money earners.
Second-fastest qualifier TC Abanero delivered a winning performance under jockey Leonardo Rodriguez. Trained by Zackery Rios, the son of Chilitos, dueled throughout before drawing clear to win by one-half length over Cholula H.
The bay colt stopped the clock in :15.434 while earning a 96 speed index for owner Chile Piquin Partnership.
Bred by Toribio Carillo, TC Abanero is a $12,000 TQHA Yearling Sale graduate out of the First Moonflash mare Take Of Helene FMF. Making just his second career start, he broke his maiden, earned the winner's share of $30,055, and increased his bankroll to $32,055.
Cholula H and jockey Jose Herbert finished second for owner Guerras Racing Stables and trainer Gilberto Gonzalez. The filly was a $16,000 repurchase at the TQHA Yearling Sale before later selling for $18,000 at the Heritage Place Winter Mixed Sale.
Bred by Jorge Hadadd, she is out of the FDD Dynasty mare Im Marbella. Cholula H has yet to break her maiden from three starts.
Fastest qualifier Miss Chilitos rallied for third under jockey Oliver Martinez for owner Edgar Rivera Hernandez and trainer Jose Martinez. Bred by Connie Nobles, the filly is a $13,500 TQHA Yearling Sale graduate out of the Stoli mare Tahiti Evening.
Miss Chilitos now owns a record of 2-0-1 in both APHA and AQHA races with earnings of $24,536 from four starts.
El Rey De Chilitos finished fourth. San Chilitas crossed the wire fifth but was disqualified and placed eighth following a stewards' inquiry for interference in the late stages. JVM Hot Victoria, Chilitos Suspect, and A Political Risk completed the order of finish. Chilitos Grande and Painted Cutarock were scratched.
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. It 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.
###
Photos: Jack Coady Photography
• This Cowboys An Eagle, and jockey Victor Urieta Jr. score a maiden-breaking victory in the $20,000 Colors of Houston Juvenile.
• Defending champion V Golden Game, ridden by Oliver Martinez, holds off Just An Eagle by a nose to capture the Grade 2 Colors of Texas Paint Maturity.
• TC Abanero and jockey Leonardo Rodriguez deliver an upset victory in the Grade 2 Colors of Houston Futurity.