On Saturday, May 5, Sam Houston Race Park will simulcast the 133rd Kentucky Derby and offer Houston sports fans an exciting opportunity to earn $1,000,000. Sam Houston Race Park will host the 7th Annual Kentucky Derby $1,000,000 Challenge. The $1,000,000 Challenge is open to all patrons, 21 years of age and older, with no entry fee required. Each contestant will be asked to select the entire order of finish for the 133rd Kentucky Derby. If a contestant successfully places all of the Derby contenders in the exact order of finish, he or she will walk away with $1,000,000.

Sam Houston Race Park will open at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 5 for the simulcast of the 2007 Kentucky Derby. A free Kentucky Derby Handicapping Seminar with Sam Houston Race Park handicappers Martha Claussen and Michael Chamberlain will take place at 2:30 p.m. They will preview the field of Derby runners and offer race analysis and answer questions. Racing fans are also invited to enter the Kentucky Derby Hat Contest with prizes in several categories, including “most glamorous”, “funniest” and “most horsey” with a $500 Grand Prize for the Best Overall.

Dining will also be exceptional on Derby Day and Woodford Reserve Mint Juleps, the traditional Kentucky Derby cocktail, will be served in all the restaurants and bars beginning at noon at Sam Houston Race Park. The Winner’s Circle Restaurant will serve an elegant Kentucky Derby buffet designed by Executive Chef Francis T. Walters.

The schedule for Kentucky Derby activities at Sam Houston Race Park is as follows:

• 9:00 a.m. Main Grandstand opens
• 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Registration for the $1,000,000 Kentucky Derby Challenge
• 10:00 a.m. First race at Churchill Downs
• 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Kentucky Derby Hat Contest Registration
• 2:30 p.m. Kentucky Derby Handicapping Seminar
• 3:00 p.m. Judging of the Kentucky Derby Hat Contest
• 5:00 p.m. Running of the 133rd Kentucky Derby

For more information on the Kentucky Derby Hat Contest, $1,000,000 Kentucky Derby Challenge, or for a complete set of contest rules, visit the Sam Houston Race Park web site, shrp.com. Reservations are suggested for the Winner’s Circle Restaurant and can be made by calling (281) 807-8760. To schedule a group outing or to arrange a luxury suite for the day, call (281) 807-8750.

Trainer Steve Asmussen Has a Leading Kentucky Derby Contender

Steve Asmussen, who has won the Sam Houston Race Park training title a record five times, has a major contender in the 133rd Run for the Roses. Curlin, captured the $1,000,000 Arkansas Derby on Saturday, April 14 for the partnership of Stonestreet Stables, Padua Stables, George Bolton and Midnight Cry Stables and will make his next start on May 5 at Churchill Downs.

His victory in the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby in which he drew off by 10 lengths under rider Robby Albarado, established Curlin as the 7-2 favorite in the third and final Kentucky Derby Future Wager. The chestnut colt is undefeated since making his career debut at Gulfstream Park on February 3. Historically, Curlin would be the first Thoroughbred since Apollo in 1882 to win the Kentucky Derby without having made a start as a 2-year-old.

Asmussen, 42, stands atop the all-time trainer list at Sam Houston Race Park with 414 victories since the northwest Houston racetrack opened in 1994. He captured the training title here in 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005.

Road to the Kentucky Derby Contest Concludes Saturday at Sam Houston Race Park

Sam Houston Race Park’s “Road to the Kentucky Derby” Handicapping Contest is underway and the final week of competition is Saturday, April 21. The eight-week contest will offer $4,800 in cash prizes and is open to all racing fans, 21-years of age or older.

Contestants are required to make mythical $2 win and place wagers on all of the major prep races leading to the Kentucky Derby. The winners are determined by the highest cumulative bankroll from all $2 win and place bets from each week’s contest. The contest is not limited to VIP Club members, but the prize money is double for all winning finishers who are members. The winner, if a VIP member, will receive $1,000, second place finisher will receive $500, $300 will go the third place contestant and the fourth place participant will be awarded $200. Non-VIP Club members will receive $500 for first place, $250 for second, $150 for third and $100 for fourth. Weekly prizes will also be awarded to the three highest weekly bankrolls.

Registration begins every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. until the official deadline, which will be prior to the post time of the first contest race. To become a VIP Club Member, visit the Player’s Lounge in the Grandstand or call 281-807-8760. More information regarding the “Road to the Kentucky Derby” handicapping contest may also be obtained by calling 281-807-8760, or by visiting www.shrp.com.

April VIP Specials at Sam Houston Race Park

Live Thoroughbred racing concluded on April 7, but VIP Club members continue to receive perks, rewards and incentives at Sam Houston Race Park. In April all VIP Club members will enjoy free admission during simulcast hours, before gates open for live racing. Mondays will offer double points each time a member swipes their VIP Club card and members will also receive a $2 coupon good for a simulcast program each Wednesday. Each Friday, members are invited to participate in the $100 Showvivor Handicapping Contest. The Road to the Derby Handicapping Contest will continue each Saturday through April 21. The contest will offer $4,800 in cash prizes and require players to make mythical $2 win and place wagers on all of the major prep races leading to the Kentucky Derby.

There are many great incentives for joining the VIP Club, including free dinner in the Winner’s Circle Restaurant, complimentary Box Seats and many other great rewards.

To become a VIP Club member, visit the Players Lounge located at the North end of the Grandstand on the Paddock Level. For more information about the benefits of the VIP Club stop by the Players Lounge or call 281-807-8278.