#USA #Houston #Sam Houston #Thoroughbred Racing #Live Racing

Sam Houston Race Park Reveals Exciting Racing Schedule for 2026

The anticipation is building as the Sam Houston Race Park gears up for another thrilling season of thoroughbred racing, set to commence on January 2, 2026. Marking its 32nd year of live racing, the park promises an exhilarating program with 21 stakes races during the 41-day season. With a total purse of $2 million, the stakes are high for both horses and their owners.

The opener is highlighted by the Darby’s Daughter and the My Dandy races, each offering a purse of $75,000. These races will feature talented three-year-old fillies and colts, setting the tone for an action-packed racing season. These events also mark the start of the Clarence Scharbauer Jr. Texas Stallion Series for the promising young contenders.

One of the key highlights of the season is the Houston Racing Festival, scheduled for January 24. This prestigious event will feature five major races, including the Houston Ladies Classic (G3) with a purse of $300,000 and the John B. Connally Turf, which will offer $200,000. Other exciting races include the Bob Bork Texas, Bara Lass, and Groovy, ensuring there is something for everyone.

Ahead of the much-anticipated Texas Champions Day on March 21, the park will present the Texas Preview Day on February 14. This day will serve as a crucial preparation for the champions with five races dedicated exclusively to Texas-bred horses, including the Jim's Orbit and Two Altazano, both boasting a purse of $75,000.

With the season kicking off, Bryan Pettigrew, the park's VP and General Manager, expresses his excitement for the upcoming year. “We are looking forward to a season filled with quality racing, enhanced promotions, and competitive events that cater to bettors of all experience levels,” he said. Live races are scheduled for Fridays at 6:30 PM and weekends at 1:00 PM (central time), aiming to attract families and seasoned gamblers alike.

In a bid to improve visitor engagement, the park will also unveil its Penn Play Rewards Program, delivering exclusive benefits to loyal patrons. Horse owners and trainers are reminded to submit their stall applications by October 31, as the barn area opens on December 1, with training set to begin on December 3. Interested riders can also sign up for text updates by texting “Updates” to 833-735-1022 to stay informed about registration deadlines and other essential information.

In conclusion, as the race season draws near, Sam Houston Race Park is poised to deliver a year full of excitement and entertainment. The park not only hosts racing events but also aims to provide a vibrant atmosphere with award-winning dining options ranging from casual to exclusive settings for guests to enjoy.

For more details on the upcoming events, racing schedules, and ticket purchases, please visit the official website or follow them on their social media platforms. Don’t miss out on the chance to witness extraordinary thoroughbred racing in the heart of Houston!