(Thursday, July 30, 2009) - Sam Houston Race Park will host the $15,000+ Sam Houston Maiden Classic on Saturday, August 1, 2009. Favored BT Special Game (3-1) will be racing to stay at the top after being the fastest qualifier in trials run on Thursday, July 18. The five-year-old gelding, trained by Kristian Galindo, won his trial race in a time of :17.608 and beat out seasoned racer Moonshine Memories (9-2).

“We are so pleased with this horse,” commented Galindo. “His first race out and he stuns the competition, just blowing by them down the stretch. Let’s hope he repeats this on Saturday, and we’ll make it two for two!”

BT Special Game is owned by Gerardo Ruiz, and taking the reins will be jockey Juan Molina, Jr., who guided him to his first place finish in the trial race.

The 350-yard race will feature 10 maiden horses. The field also includes Foxy Shazoom, Eye Of Shazoom, Fleet Hawk, Shazama Rama, Adrians Knockout, Crafty Dinero, Mr Teton Jess and Reva Gol.

In addition, to live racing events, The Park will continue to hold the popular Value Day and Party on the Patio in the Fun Zone every Saturday featuring outdoor patio seating on the Pavilion Apron area, hot food off the grill, $2 draft beer, misting fans and the Verizon Wireless misting tent, washer board games, Wii Guitar Hero challenge, giveaways and more. Value Day Racing Fun 4-Pack tickets are just $19 and include: (4) live racing admission tickets, (4) hot dogs and sodas, and (2) live racing programs.

The 2009 American Quarter Horse meet at The Park continues with live racing events Thursday, Friday and Saturday through August 29. In addition, the Verizon Wireless Summer Concert Series on the Bud Light stage at The Showgrounds continues in August with performances from the Counting Crows with special guests Augustana on August 1st, and Sublime tribute band Badfish on August 8th! Tickets start at $15. For more information, visit www.theshowgrounds.com.