(Monday, September 1, 2008) - JC My Diamond Man capped off an excellent racing season at Sam Houston Race Park with his third consecutive trip to the winner’s circle. The three-year-old gelding, owned by Clem D. Nava, III, of Victoria, Texas, defeated seven rivals in Sunday’s feature at Sam Houston Race Park, the $18,500 Sam Houston Distance Derby.

The three-year-old son of Streakin La Jolla beat the favored Jack Pudding, winner of the $15,000 Woodlands Stakes, in a time of :46.112 for 870 yards. Trained by Brian Stroud and ridden by jockey Luis Ramirez, the brown gelding started the race prematurely, breaking through the starting gate early and dismounting his rider.

“We were lucky we didn’t get away good because the inside horse carried everybody wide, and if we’d broke good, we’d have been carried wide, too,” said Stroud. “Luckily, they left us a hole down the inside, and we took advantage of it.”

After the faulty start, Ramirez called on JC My Diamond Man around the turn, and he responded, drawing off by 1 ¾ lengths in the 870-yard stakes.

“I was a little worried after the false start,” said Ramirez. “But he’s a nice horse and he made up for it, running a real good race.”

Ramirez has been aboard JC My Diamond Man three times and finished in the winner’s circle all three of those trips.

“We’re pleased with our choice in putting Luis on him. He’s won every race on him so far, so we’ll leave him on,” commented Nava. “They make a very good team.”

JC My Diamond Man was sent off as the second favorite, paying betting fans $6.00 for the win. Rallying for second was favorite Jack Pudding, followed by Count Nix, Ivegotaneyeforjess, Mr American Leader, Gol Meter, and Shakin Politely.

Stroud indicated that JC My Diamond Man will be off to Lone Star following Sunday’s race.

Live Quarter Horse racing continues every Friday and Saturday through September 13.