The 2007 Sam Houston Race Park Quarter Horse meet will kick off on Friday, June 29, and the first three days will be filled with exciting racing and the first two performers in the Verizon Wireless Concert Series.

The opening night racing card features trials for the Red Cell Texas Distance Challenge (G3), the Bayer Legend Texas Derby Challenge (G3) and the John Deere Texas Distaff Challenge (G3). Snowy Alibi, 2006 Sam Houston Race Park Horse of the Meeting, is entered in the second Bayer Legend Derby trial. Alfonso Lujan will ride the Texas-bred colt, who will be making his 2007 debut for trainer Janet Van Bebber.

Snowy Alibi, was a superstar last summer at Sam Houston Race Park, winning both the $343,305 TQHA Sale Futurity on July 28 and the $316,000 Sam Houston Futurity (G1) on September 8. The son of This Snow Is Royal was purchased at the 2005 TQHA Yearling Sale for $38,000 by D. D. Lightsey of Caldwell, Texas and with his victory in the TQHA Sale Futurity and the Sam Houston Futurity became only the third horse in Sam Houston Race Park history to win both premier races. War Colors in 1999, trained by the late Steve Van Bebber and Azoom, conditioned by Frank Cavazos in 2004 are the only other 2-year-olds to accomplish this impressive feat.

The sorrel gelding made two more starts in 2006, winning a futurity trial at Lone Star Park on October 14 and placing third in the $300,000 Southwest Juvenile Championship at Zia Park on December 3.

“We cleaned up his joints earlier this year,” said Van Bebber. “I like to do that with all my good older horses. He has been training well and I considered running him in the Firecracker Derby (this weekend at Delta Downs), but the horse loves Sam Houston Race Park, so we thought the Bayer Derby would be his best spot.”

Van Bebber reported that Snowy Alibi is a character in the barn, but is always focused on the racetrack.

“He can be kind of cantankerous,” commented Van Bebber. “He’ll slap his feet on the ground like a cocky teenager.”

Lujan has been riding many of the Van Bebber horses at Delta Downs and piloted Snowy Alibi on four occasions last summer, including his win in the TQHA Sale Futurity.

“He is one of those rare people whose work ethic is matched by his talent,” added Van Bebber of the 29-year-old jockey.

Racing begins at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Following the tenth race, rising country music artist Jason Aldean will take to the Bud Light Stage in the Infield as the first performer in the Verizon Wireless Concert Series at Sam Houston Race Park.

Post time for the Saturday, June 30 card has been set for 5:00 p.m. as there will be trials for the Bank of America Texas Challenge Championship (G1) and the TQHA Sires’ Cup Futurity (RG2) as well as the running of the first stakes of the 2007 American Quarter Horse Meeting, the $20,000-added Stephen F. Austin Stakes. Country music legend, Merle Haggard will perform in the Verizon Wireless Concert Series after Saturday’s final race. The first weekend of the meeting will conclude with a Sunday afternoon racing program which will begin at 1:30 p.m. The 2007 Sam Houston Race Park American Quarter Horse Meeting will conclude on Saturday, September 8.

Sam Houston Race Park Presents the TXU Energy July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza

Sam Houston Race Park is pleased to host the TXU Energy July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza, presented by Verizon Wireless and KHPT The Point on Wednesday, July 4. The all-American Independence Day celebration begins with a special day of American Quarter Horse racing, music, children’s activities and an unforgettable fireworks display.

Post time for live Quarter Horse racing on Wednesday is 5:00 p.m. and Dean Seltzer will perform on the South Apron stage and Flint Thompson will entertain in the Infield. The 25-minute Fireworks Extravaganza which promises to be the most exciting and patriotic fireworks display in the track’s history, will follow live racing at approximately 9:30 p.m. The Infield offers a fabulous view of the colorful show over the lake and families are welcome to lounge on the grassy area, which also features the children’s activities, concession stands and mutuel clerks for wagering on the live Quarter Horse races.

“We look forward to a great day of racing and entertainment on Wednesday, July 4,” said Andrea Young, executive vice president and chief operating officer. “The addition of TXU Energy as title sponsor of this exceptional event is wonderful for us and our fans. The combination of live American Quarter Horse racing, family activities and a spectacular fireworks display has become one of our most successful days of the year.”

Admission to the park is only $4 for adults, $2 for Senior Citizens and children 12 and under are free. For more information or to make reservations, call 281-807-8760. For parties of ten or more, contact group sales at 281-807-8750.

Extended Racing Weekend Set for July 4-8, 2007

As July 4 falls on Wednesday this year, Sam Houston Race Park will present five days of American Quarter Horse racing next week. Post times are:

Wednesday, July 4 - 5:00 p.m.

Thursday, July 5 - 6:00 p.m.

Friday, July 6 - 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, July 7 - 6:00 p.m.

Sunday, July 8 - 1:30 p.m.