(January 4, 2003)- A highly competitive field of eleven runners were entered in tonight’s feature, the $50,000 Sam Houston Sprint Handicap at Sam Houston Race Park. The winner was Term Sheet, owned by the Ackerley Brothers Farm of Houston, and trained by Steve Asmussen. Jockey Glen Murphy was in command, guiding Term Sheet to a three-length victory in the seven furlong contest. Sent off as the favorite, he drew clear in the stretch, crossing the wire in a time of 1:22.76.

Term Sheet, a 5-year-old Texas-bred gelding, has performed well in Texas. He holds the track record for 5 ½ furlongs at Lone Star Park (1:02.78) and has won at several distances. Trainer Asmussen continues to be impressed with his versatility and desire to win.

"He ran a very good race tonight; it’s the best race he’s run so far for us," commented Asmussen. "He’s had a very good meet this fall and coming into the New Year, hopefully it will continue."

"He’s been preparing great for this race, and Steve and Shawn (Talbot) have been doing super with him," said Murphy. "He was at his best today; he just flew."

Agrivating General, winner of the $30,000 Magnolia Stakes on December 14, closed gamely for second. Trained by Danny Pish, the 4-year-old gelding, bred and owned by Lonnie O. Bates, was making just the fourth start of his career. Rider Terry Stanton had the call.

"My horse ran a good race," said Stanton. "I think I got beat when I went wide. There wasn't any room and when I committed myself to the outside, I looked over and [Glen Murphy] got through. For him to come back in two weeks and run that race is a big deal."

Padlock from the barn of James Jones was third. Owned and bred in Kentucky by Adele Dilschneider, Padlock has run well at Sam Houston Race Park, winning two of his six starts. Rider Curt C. Bourque was in from Louisiana to ride.

"I had a great trip," stated Bourque. "James did a good job of having this horse right. He is a 'sometimes on sometimes off' horse and tonight he was 'on'. He responded when I moved him out from behind horses and gave me everything he had."

Term Sheet returned $5.60, $3.40 and $2.80 across the board. The 1-12 exacta paid $24.00 and the 1-12-3 trifecta returned $177.20. The complete order of finish included Dust On The Bottle, Won C C, Doc’s Allowance, Solingen, Lights On Broadway, Le Numerous, Shanna’s Viper and Coldiron Slew. Wudantunoit was an early scratch.

The victory capped a successful day for Asmussen, who flew into Houston this evening. He was in New Orleans this afternoon saddling his talented filly, Lady Tak, who coasted to victory in the $75,000 Thelma Stakes at the Fair Grounds.

Steve Asmussen Honored Tonight at Sam Houston Race Park

Officials at Sam Houston Race Park paid tribute to trainer Steve Asmussen this evening. The 37-year-old trainer was the 2002 leading trainer in the nation in wins. Asmussen completed the year with a total of 407 wins, surpassing Scott Lake who had a total of 399 victories. He was presented with a basket of gifts including a Palm Zire address book, Sam Houston Race Park jacket and cap and jacket, polo shirt, cap and two books, "Finished Lines" and "Champions" courtesy of the Daily Racing Form.

"We feel very fortunate to be in this position," said Asmussen. "We’re appreciative of all our help, too numerous to mention. Texas racing, and our many owners from Texas. (Bill Heiligbrodt, Nelson Bunker Hunt, the Ackerley Brothers and James Cassels and Bob Zollars) have had everything to do with the success of the stable as it has grown and developed."

Riders Recovering from Injuries in Friday Night Spill

Four riders were injured in a spill in Friday’s sixth race. Buck Harris was aboard Dr. Donsky who went down at the top of the stretch of the one-mile $14,000 maiden special weight race. Three other horses could not avoid the fallen horse and went down, unseating riders Josh Vaid, Bobby Walker, Jr. and Sidney LeJeune. Harris suffered a collarbone injury and LeJeune was diagnosed with a shoulder separation. Both were sent home from the hospital on Friday evening. Vaid sustained a fracture in his elbow and physicians set his arm in a cast. He will be evaluated on Monday by an orthopedic surgeon and will be out for 8-12 weeks. Walker, was able to walk off the track, but took off his Saturday evening mounts due to soreness in his back.

Dr. Donsky was euthanized on the racetrack, but the other three horses involved, Itron Junior, Split Aces and Border Raider were not injured in the mishap.