(Friday, August 1, 2003)- The return of live horse racing to South Texas, boosted by a much sought after Seabiscuit photo/poster give-away, provided Friday night's crowd of 5,186 with exciting action and a cherished collector's item. The evening was a great start to the 2003 Thoroughbred Meeting.

“We are thrilled the night turned out like it did,” said Retama Park's General Manager Bob Pollock. “Horsemen responded with full fields of good horses. The racing was competitive, a bunch of fans turned out and the stake winner is a very nice horse,” Pollock added.

In a thrilling stretch duel, Front Nine hooked 3-5 favorite That Tat at the ¼ pole and finally surged to the lead inside the final 200 yards. That Tat reeled off eight straight races with Beyer Numbers over 100 coming into tonight's feature but was beaten by Front Nine for the second straight time. Running time for the six furlongs was a swift 1:09 and 2/5, four ticks off the track record.

Jeremy Beasley rode the winner for trainer Tommy Morgan. It was Beasley's third win of the night. Beasley is back to ride Retama Park for the first time since 1998.