HOUSTON, TX – Live Thoroughbred racing resumes at Sam Houston Race Park on Friday, January 6 and will continue through April 8.Officials recently announced a transition to afternoon racing each Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 pm (Central). Holiday Monday racing, also at 1:00 pm, will take place on Martin Luther King Day and President’s Day. Admission will be $5.00on all live racing days for the upcoming season.
The slogan for the upcoming season is “Houston’s Best Bet!” and fans will be able to enjoy the excitement of live racing with three major Festival events as well as a variety of promotions, special events and food and beverage offerings.
In addition to the popular Winner’s Circle Restaurant, the upcoming season will feature new food and bar outlets. The Finish Line Bar will offer fans great views of the track and a high-end drink experience. Those with a sweeter tooth will enjoy the new Whole Scoop, offering a variety of dessert favorites. Happy Hour will be offered each Friday from 3:00- 5:00 pm during the thoroughbred meet.
The Thoroughbred racing season will run for 43 days. The marquee racing event of the season, the Houston Racing Festival is set for Saturday, January 28 with a 1:00 pm first post. The complete stakes schedule is available on shrp.com.
2023 Sam Houston Race Park Promotions and Event Schedule
Friday, January 6 Opening Weekend- Thoroughbred Meet
Saturday, January 28 Houston Racing Festival
Five stakes, including the $300,000 Houston Ladies Classic (G3)
NHC Handicapping Contest- 2 seats to the final in Las Vegas
Best Dressed Contest
Saturday, February 18 Texas Preview Day
Five stakes for Texas Thoroughbreds
Sundays in March Family Fun Days (Every Sunday in March)
Petting zoo and Entertainment for young fans
Local Breweries onsite (one per Sunday)
Saturday March 11 Camel and Ostrich Racing
Sunday, March 12 Popular family-friendly event with 100-yard races with Camels
and Ostriches in between thoroughbred races
Friday, March 17 St. Patrick’s Day
Drink Specials during live racing
Sunday, March 19 Wiener Dog Races
The 14th Annual event moves to Sunday
Saturday, March 25 Texas Champions Day
Seven stakes for Texas Thoroughbreds
Sunday, March 26 Inaugural Astronaut Run
Dress as an astronaut and be a part of the largest astronaut run in H-Town!
Friday, April 21 Opening Weekend- Quarter Horse Meet
Friday, May 5 Cinco De Mayo
Biggest Pre-Derby and Cinco De Mayo Party in Houston
Saturday, May 6 Live Racing and Simulcast of the Kentucky Derby
Mint Juleps and Kentucky Derby Hat Contest
Saturday, May 20 Corgi Dogs Racing
Live racing and simulcast of the Preakness Stakes
Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s premier racing and entertainment facility, located just 15 miles from downtown Houston. The Park offers a variety of attractions including a Suite Level featuring luxurious suites overlooking the racetrack and accommodating groups from 10 to 100 people,The Pavilion Centre, and award-winning dining options at the Winner’s Circle Restaurant and the Jockey Club. For more information on upcoming live racing, shows, events and tickets, please visitwww.shrp.com.