Houston's very own Sam Houston Race Park is revving up for a rip-roaring 30th season of high-energy horse racing mixed with a generous dose of eclectic events, including races featuring both wiener dogs and corgis, and even camels and ostriches. This year's extravaganza of equine sports started on Jan. 5 and will run until June 15, offering a lively slate of activities appealing to individual racing enthusiasts and families alike.
The season schedule, unveiled during a Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce luncheon by Bryan Pettigrew, vice president and general manager of Texas Racing Operations for PENN Entertainment, is jam-packed, with events that cater to both traditional thoroughbred aficionados and those looking for an oddball twist on racing. Keeping with past traditions, Fridays will also feature live music right after the races, starting with local bands,
The Houston Racing Festival on Jan. 27 is touted to be the highlight of the season, while the inclusion of the camel and ostrich races on March 8-9 is expected to draw considerable crowds, a testament to their rising popularity over the years. While these quirky contenders are sure to steal the show, it doesn't end there. Sticking to its roots, thoroughbred racing commenced in early January and will switch gears to quarter horse racing starting April 19, right up until mid-June, as reported by Community Impact.
The park's schedule features a variegated range of events indeed tailor-made for every stripe of race-goer. For the family-oriented, Sundays in March are designated Family Fun Days, complete with face painting and petting zoos. The 150th Kentucky Derby Day on May 4-5 is expected to reel in the biggest betting crowd of the season, as thoroughbreds sprint for the roses, and fans sprint for the bets. Adding a cherry on top of the derby, the May 18 Preakness Stakes will feature a live concert by Josh Ward, providing something for music and horse racing enthusiasts alike, according to Houston Chronicle.
The race park, located at 7575 N. Sam Houston Parkway W., Houston, is owned by PENN Entertainment since its establishment in 1994. True to its legacy, it continues to evolve and offer a venue that serves up more than just racing; it's a cultural hub where various entertainments coalesce. It's clear, with an action-packed lineup from January to June, Sam Houston Race Park stays true to its objective: racing, fun, and an experience unique to Houston's vibrant community.
