On January 2, Sam Houston Race Park (SHRP) announced the promotion of Eric Johnston to Vice President of Racing. Johnston, who previously served as the Director of Racing, will manage mutuels, simulcasting and player’s services operations for SHRP and unite them with the racing department, which he will continue to direct. He will assume his new role effective immediately.

“I look forward to the opportunity to unite all racing efforts and operations in my new role at Sam Houston Race Park,” said Johnston. “Streamlining these departments in order to facilitate growth of our racing operations and increase The Park’s presence in the racing industry, as well as to the public, is a priority for me; I look forward to the challenges and opportunities this will provide.”

Johnston’s focus will include upgrading racing products through improved customer service for all Sam Houston Race Park customers; manage industry relations with owners, trainers and breeders; and continue to attract national attention for the organization with marquee annual events like the Connally Breeder’s Cup Turf Festival, Texas Champions Day and the Summer Showdown.

Johnston has worked at The Park since 1994 and provided valuable racing insight and direction on matters ranging from compiling stakes schedules and writing condition books to filling races with daily entries for both Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse meets. He was directly responsible for bringing the Connally Breeders’ Cup Turf Festival (Gr. IIIT) to The Park in 1995, and continues to work with the racing and executive staff in the on-going development of the event each year. Johnston also works closely with the breeder’s associations to develop Thoroughbred programs such as the TQHA Yearling Sale, the Summer Showdown and the annual Texas Champions Day racing event.

“Eric Johnston is a vital part of the growth and development of our organization,” stated Andrea Young, Chief Operating Officer. “I greatly value his contributions to our racing department as well as his dedication and drive to positively impact our horse racing business.”

Johnston’s career in racing includes tenures at notable racing establishments Penn National, Laurel and Pimlico prior to joining The Park. He currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Houston Equine Research Organization (HERO) and AQHA Racing Committee, in addition to his professional duties.