(Sunday, July 13, 2003) - Tonight’s feature, the $52,429 Dixie Stallion Stakes (RG3) showcased the ten fastest qualifiers from trials run June 29. Ronas Cover Girl, the second fastest qualifier, prevailed at the wire, breaking her maiden and winning the first stakes of her career. The 2-year-old daughter of Ronas Ryon is owned by Bobby D. Cox and trained by John Buchanan. Rider Rodrigo Vallejo guided her to victory, completing the 350-yard stakes in a time of :18.250.

"She’s just green," said Buchanan. "We’ve only run her once and wanted to wait on her a little bit. She’s out of a half-thoroughbred mare, which Bobby really likes and he pointed her to this futurity and some later races in the year. She’s a Ronas Ryan and they do everything right."

The race was delayed almost ten minutes when First Countess, the fastest qualifier, flipped in the gate and was scratched from the race. She was held behind the gate and was walked back barn area, but her rider, J.R. Ramirez, suffered an injury to his right arm. He took off his mounts in the final two races and was driven to the hospital for x-rays and further evaluation.

Ronas Cover Girl ($6.00) nosed out JLS War Chief, ridden by Bill McClaran at the wire. Dashing And Cute Too ran third.

"The way we left there, I thought, 'they'll never catch me', " said McLaran. "Then I saw the horse on the outside and thought, 'oh man'. I thought I won it until I came back and saw the numbers. When they reloaded him, I think it helped him. He was a little anxious that first time. Usually, it takes away from you, but it helped him. He went back in quiet and not as anxious."

Buchanan and Cox will keep Ronas Cover Girl at Sam Houston Race Park and point her toward either the TQHA Sires’ Cup Futurity or the Sam Houston Futurity.

John Deere Distance Challenge Trial Results

In earlier action on the card, trials were run for the $15,000-added John Deere Distance Challenge, which will be one of the five stakes races as part of the Texas Summer Showdown at Sam Houston Race Park on Friday, July 25.

The fastest qualifier was last year’s champion, Wasting No Cash ($2.80) for owners Jerry Ann & Bob Gaston. The 5-year-old son of Takin On The Cash drew the rail and used that favorable inside post to complete the 870-yards in a time of 45.170. Wasting No Cash is trained by Heath Taylor and was ridden by Gilbert Ortiz.

Sam Houston Race Park
John Deere Texas Distance Challenge Trials
Trials: Sunday, July 13, 2003
Finals: Friday, July 25, 2003
THREE-YEAR-OLDS & UP - 870 Yards

Track Record: Traveling Legacy :44.70 - August 27, 1994.