-photo by Sandra Beck/Coady Photography

-photo by April Layland/Coady Photography

-photo by Sandra Beck/Coady Photography

Houston, Texas (October 23, 2004) - The $191,233 Graham Paint Futurity (G1), featuring a field of nine 2-year-old Paints, was held tonight at Sam Houston Race Park. Flashin Dee Cash finished first, but was disqualified from first and placed sixth for interference. The winner was Calista Corona, owned by Sammy Hester and Charles Trochta of Oklahoma City. Bred and trained by Hester, the 2-year-old son of Corona Cartel was ridden by Gilbert Ortiz and picked up a check for $66,932 for tonight’s victory. The fastest qualifier in trials held on October 8, Corona Cartel was sent off as the favorite and returned $2.80 for the win. Dennis the Menace ran second and Linda Lajolla was third. The final time of the 350-yard race was :17:751.

Comments From Winning Trainer, Sammy Hester:
"We didn’t run the first part very well and I thought we were in trouble. He ran a big race and I’m thankful for all the people that helped along the way. I’ve said many times that God takes care of drunks and idiots and I don’t drink!"

Comments From Winning Jockey, Gilbert Ortiz:
"My horse had a lot of trouble today. He didn’t get out of the gate, but when he got to running, he finished well. I’ve been blessed today as I won two stakes at Shreveport (including a win on Vals Fortune) and here. I’d like to thank Sam and (jockey) Larry Payne. He said he had a bunch of paints to ride and asked me to run one or two. Larry said this colt could really run, but had a lot of trouble leaving the gates. He always runs well in the last 50 yards."

Comments From Winning Owner, Charles Trochta:
"I want to add my thanks to Charles Graham. He’s done so much Paint horses."

Comments From Martin Rubalcava, Rider of Second Place Finisher, Dennis the Menace:
"He is so immature. He gets in trouble every time. He ran some then stopped then ran some. If he ever decides to run his best he will really be something."