#USA #Houston #Sam Houston Race Park #Thoroughbred Racing #Houston Racing Festival

2026 Thoroughbred Racing is Just Around the Corner at Sam Houston Race Park

As the anticipation builds for the 2026 Thoroughbred racing season, Sam Houston Race Park is ready to host one of the most thrilling racing schedules yet. Kicking off on January 2, 2026, this marks the start of the park's 32nd live racing season and is set to offer a total of 21 stakes with impressive purses aggregating to $2 million. The season will run for a total of 41 days, ending on April 4, 2026.

A highlight of the opening weekend includes two $75,000 stakes races: the Darby's Daughter for three-year-old fillies and the My Dandy Stakes for three-year-old colts and geldings. These races are part of the Clarence Scharbauer Jr. Texas Stallion Stakes Series, which supports Texas-bred racing—a significant focus for the northwest Houston racetrack.

When one thinks of racing excitement, the Houston Racing Festival comes to mind, which will take place on January 24, 2026. This event is set to feature five stakes, including the notable $300,000 Houston Ladies Classic (G3), which is anticipated to be a thrilling contest for even the most seasoned racing fans. Additionally, the $200,000 John B. Connally Turf race will add to the excitement, alongside other engaging competitions such as the $100,000 Bob Bork Texas Turf Mile, the $75,000 Bara Lass, and the $75,000 Groovy Stakes.

Following the Houston Racing Festival, fans can look forward to Texas Preview Day on February 14, 2026, featuring five stakes dedicated to Texas-breds, setting the stage for the important Texas Champions Day scheduled for March 21, 2026. This event will showcase seven stakes races, bringing an exhilarating atmosphere to the park.

Bryan Pettigrew, the Vice President and General Manager of Sam Houston Race Park, expressed his enthusiasm about the upcoming season, highlighting a year filled with competitive racing. Alongside the races, fans can expect an array of engaging promotions, handicapping contests, and special events designed to enhance the experience for everyone, from novice horseplayers to experienced veterans.

“We’re thrilled to kick off a new racing season designed to engage horseplayers of all experience levels,” Pettigrew stated. He also indicated the launch of a new rewards program called Penn Play, which will offer enhanced amenities and exclusive benefits to loyal guests, further enriching their time at the racetrack.

Mike Acton, the Racing Secretary, echoed this excitement, mentioning the anticipation of welcoming back returning owners while also expecting new faces joining the racing community this season. The barn area is set to open on December 1, 2025, with training commencing on December 3, 2025, creating an encouraging buzz in the lead-up to the opening day.

This year, the preparations for horsemen are crucial, including stall applications due by October 31. Those interested can find the application on the Sam Houston Race Park’s website or can directly text to establish themselves on their new communication platform, offering timely updates about entries, race changes, and other crucial information.

Upcoming Stakes Schedule:

• - January 3, 2026:

- $75,000 Darby's Daughter (3yo F - 5.5 Furlongs)
- $75,000 My Dandy Stakes (3yo CG - 5.5 Furlongs)

• - January 24, 2026: Houston Racing Festival

- $300,000 Houston Ladies Classic (G3)
- $200,000 John B. Connally Turf
- $100,000 Bob Bork Texas Turf Mile
- $75,000 Bara Lass Stakes
- $75,000 Groovy Stakes

• - February 14, 2026: Texas Preview Day for Texas-breds

- $75,000 Jim's Orbit (3yo CG - 6 Furlongs)
- $75,000 Two Altazano (3yo F - 6 Furlongs)
- $77,000 David E. Hooper Stakes (4yo up - 7 Furlongs)
- $77,000 Miss Bluebonnet Turf (4up FM - 1 Mile)
- $77,000 Sunlit Song Turf Stakes (4up - 1 1/16 Miles)

• - March 21, 2026: Texas Champions Day for Texas-breds

- $102,000 TTA Derby (3yo CG - 1 Mile and 70 yards)
- $102,000 TTA Oaks (3yo F - 1 Mile and 70 yards)
- $75,000 Richard King (4up - 1 1/8 Mile)
- $75,000 San Jacinto (4up FM - 1 1/16 Mile)
- $75,000 Spirit of Texas (4up - 6 Furlongs)
- $75,000 Yellow Rose Stakes (4up FM - 6 furlongs)
- $75,000 Star of Texas (4up - 1 Mile)

About Sam Houston Race Park:
Located just 15 miles northwest of downtown Houston, Sam Houston Race Park is renowned for its premier racing and entertainment offerings. Owned by Penn Entertainment Inc., the facility opened its doors in 1994 and has since grown to be a favorite destination for racing enthusiasts and families alike, serving up a wide range of dining options and engaging events throughout the year. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.shrp.com and follow on social media platforms.