Thoroughbred racing at Sam Houston Race Park returns Jan. 6, 2023, with several changes planned for its 43-day Thoroughbred meet.
The Thoroughbred meet will feature afternoon racing on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 1 p.m CT. Holiday Monday racing, also at 1 p.m., will take place on Martin Luther King Day and President's Day.
Thoroughbred racing in Texas stopped being exported for simulcast this July at Lone Star Park when Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority oversight began over much of the country.
The Houston Racing Festival highlights the stakes schedule on Jan. 28. The 2023 edition will offer five stakes, anchored by the $300,000 Houston Ladies Classic (G3) and the $200,000 John B. Connally Turf Cup (G3T). The $100,000 Bob Bork Texas Turf Mile, $100,000 Bara Lass stakes, and $100,000 Groovy Stakes will be included on the undercard.
Frank Hopf, Sam Houston Race Park's assistant general manager, looks forward to welcoming Houston horseplayers and new fans to the northwest Houston racetrack.
"The new schedule and start times present an opportunity to engage with our loyal simulcast guests and attract new fans with daytime racing," said Hopf. "Moving our stakes races and promotions to the afternoons will provide new opportunities for everyone."
The 2023 Sam Houston stakes schedule can be viewed online.
Bart Lang will serve as director of racing for the 2023 live racing season, including the 25-day Sam Houston Race Park Quarter Horse meet from April 21-June 17.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
