1. Sam Houston Race Park's 2026 season opens January 2. 2. 21 stakes races with $2 million in purses scheduled. 3. Penn Play rewards program aims to enhance visitor experience. 4. Texas Preview Day and Houston Racing Festival features major stakes. 5. PENN is positioned for growth in horse racing and entertainment.
The announcement of a robust racing season and the introduction of the Penn Play program can enhance attendance and revenue, historically translating to increased stock value for PENN, similar to previous successful event seasons.
The strategic initiatives and scheduled events can significantly enhance PENN's market share and customer engagement in a growing leisure and entertainment sector, indicating a likely favorable investor sentiment.
The impact from heightened engagement in horse racing and successful promotion can lead to sustained revenue growth over multiple quarters. Historical data suggests similar promotions have positively influenced PENN’s financial performance over extended periods.
Opening Day for the Thoroughbred Meet Slated for Friday, January 2, 2026
HOUSTON, Oct. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sam Houston Race Park will kick off its 32nd live racing season on Friday, January 2, 2026. A total of 21 stakes with purses totaling $2 million will be run throughout the 41-day Thoroughbred meet, which continues through Saturday, April 4.
Supporting Texas-bred racing continues to be an important priority for the northwest Houston racetrack. Two stakes, the $75,000 Darby's Daughter for 3-year-old fillies and the $75,000 My Dandy Stakes for 3-year-old colts and geldings will be contested on opening weekend. These stakes kick off the Clarence Scharbauer Jr. Texas Stallion Stakes Series for 3-year-olds.
The annual Houston Racing Festival is set for Saturday, January 24 with a 1:00 pm first post. Five stakes will be contested, anchored by the $300,000 Houston Ladies Classic (G3) and the $200,000 John B. Connally Turf. The $100,000 Bob Bork Texas Turf Mile, $75,000 Bara Lass, and $75,000 Groovy Stakes will be included on the undercard.
Texas Preview Day follows with five stakes for Texas-breds on Saturday, February 14. The event serves as important preparation for Texas Champions Day, with seven stakes races on Saturday, March 21.
Bryan Pettigrew, Sam Houston Race Park's Vice President and General Manager, looks forward to a season filled with quality racing and an enhanced promotions, handicapping contests and special events. Live racing will take place on Fridays at 6:30 pm and on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00 pm (Central). "We're thrilled to kick off a new racing season designed to engage horseplayers of all experience levels, along with exciting promotions and family-friendly events. With the launch of our new rewards program, Penn Play, we're introducing enhanced amenities and exclusive benefits for our valued guests."
Sam Houston Race Park Racing Secretary Mike Acton shared, "We're excited to welcome back our returning owners for the 2026 season in Houston, as well as those joining us for the first time. We're pleased to see a few new faces in the mix this year, and we're looking forward to a strong season of competitive Thoroughbred racing."
Horsemen News
Stall applications for the upcoming Thoroughbred meet are due by Friday, October 31 and can be accessed on the Sam Houston Race Park Stall Application Page or by contacting Racing Secretary Mike Acton at mike.acton@pennentertainment.com or 405-886-6168. The Sam Houston Race Park barn area will open on Monday, December 1 with training hours set to commence on Wednesday, December 3. The first condition book will be available in mid-October and further information about the season can be accessed on the Horsemen's Page.
Horsemen interested in joining the Sam Houston Race Park Text Message program can text "Updates" to 833-735-1022 for the latest Sam Houston horse racing news. This new communications platform provides Entry Deadlines, Race Changes, and other important information for Horsemen and Horsewomen.
2026 Sam Houston Race Park Thoroughbred Stakes Schedule
Saturday, January 3 | |
$75,000 Darby's Daughter ** | 3yo F- 5.5 Furlongs |
$75,000 My Dandy Stakes ** | 3yo C&G- 5.5 Furlongs |
Saturday, January 24 | Houston Racing Festival |
$300,000 Houston Ladies Classic (G3) | 4&up F&M- 1 1/16 Mile |
$200,000 John B. Connally Turf | 4&up- 1 1/2 Mile (T) |
$100,000 Bob Bork Texas Turf Mile | 3yo- 1 Mile (T) |
$75,000 Bara Lass Stakes | 3yo Texas-bred Fillies- 6 Furlongs |
$75,000 Groovy Stakes | 3yo Texas-bred- 6 furlongs |
Saturday, February 14 | Texas Preview Day for Texas-breds |
$75,000 Jim's Orbit ** | 3yo C&G- 6 Furlongs |
$75,000 Two Altazano ** | 3yo F- 6 Furlongs |
$77,000 David E. Hooper Stakes | 4yo & up- 7 Furlongs |
$77,000 Miss Bluebonnet Turf | 4&up F&M- 1 Mile (T) |
$77,000 Sunlit Song Turf Stakes | 4&up- 1 1/16 Miles (T) |
Saturday, March 7 | |
$40,000 Texas-Six Shooter Arabian Stakes | 4& up Arabians -1 1/16 Miles (T) |
Saturday, March 21 | Texas Champions Day for Texas-breds |
$102,000 TTA Derby | 3yo C&G- 1 Mile and 70 yards |
$102,000 TTA Oaks | 3yo F- 1 Mile and 70 yards |
$75,000 Richard King | 4&up- 1 1/8 Mile (T) |
$75,000 San Jacinto | 4&up F&M- 1 1/16 Mile (T) |
$75,000 Spirit of Texas | 4&up- 6 Furlongs |
$75,000 Yellow Rose Stakes | 4&up F&M- 6 furlongs |
$75,000 Star of Texas | 4&up- 1 Mile |
Saturday, March 28 | |
$40,000 Yellow Rose Arabian Stakes | 4& up Arabians -1 Mile (T) |
** Clarence Scharbaurer, Jr. Texas Stallion Stakes Series
About Sam Houston Race Park
Sam Houston Race Park is Houston's premier racing and entertainment facility, located just 15 miles northwest of downtown Houston. Owned by Penn Entertainment Inc. (NASDAQ – PENN), the racetrack, which opened in 1994, offers a variety of attractions for businesses, group outings and families during racing and the off-season. The track is best known for its award-winning dining and features multiple areas for fans looking for casual to upscale dining options including its Winner's Circle Restaurant, Jockey Club, Luxury Suites and Pavilion Centre. For more information or tickets to upcoming live racing, concerts and events, please visit www.shrp.com or follow on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok or YouTube.
Photos: Jack Coady Photography
Media Contact:
David Palomo
david.palomo@pennentertainment.com
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SOURCE Sam Houston Race Park