Sam Houston Race Park will kick off its 2002/2003 Thoroughbred meeting on Friday, November 1 and the racing season will feature many special events and exciting days of racing. The northwest Houston racetrack is pleased to announce that reservations are being accepted for the NTRA Great State Challenge on Saturday, December 7.

Sam Houston Race Park was selected as host site for the inaugural six-race, $1.6 million event that will bring some of the finest Thoroughbred racehorses in the country to Houston. The racing program, which will include six NTRA Great State Challenge races worth $275,000 each, gets underway on December 7 with a special afternoon post time of 1:00 p.m. NTRA-member racetracks and state breed organizations from all around the nation will be supporting this stellar day of racing. Top horses, representing various racing divisions, will be shipping in to Sam Houston Race Park from states including California, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey and New York.

"Sam Houston Race Park is proud to be the host of what promises to be one of the most exciting sporting events of the year," said Robert L. Bork, the track's president and general manager. "The NTRA Great State Challenge will be a tremendous opportunity for local race fans to see some of the best Thoroughbreds in the country. We also look forward to hosting owners, trainers and guests from states across the country and look forward to making December 7 a day to remember."

Racing fans are invited to attend the NTRA Great State Challenge and advance reservations are recommended for reserved seating and dining. General admission is just $3.00; senior citizens admission is $1.00 and children 12 and under is welcome and admitted free. Reserved seating and dining options include the following:

Player’s Lounge
The Player’s Lounge is located in the north end of the main grandstand and resembles a Las Vegas-style sports book. It is equipped with 300 television screens and 175 private betting carrels. Patrons can utilize a personal wagering terminal from their carrel and watch and wager on the NTRA Great State Challenge races as well as simulcasting from tracks across the country.
Cost: $3.00 carrel rental

Main Grandstand
There is no charge for seating in the Paddock level of the main grandstand which has a multitude of concessions, a Food Court, television screens and a state-of-the-art bar and entertainment center.

On the second level of the grandstand, Sam Houston Race Park has free theater seats on a first-come basis but patrons can purchase reserved counter and box seats in advance.
Cost: Counter Seats $3.00
Box Seats $5.00 per seat; purchase of a 4 or 6 seat box is required

Pavilion Centre Restaurant
The Pavilion Centre is located directly adjacent to the main grandstand and will have a special dining area for the NTRA Great State Challenge. Racing fans can watch and wager on the races and enjoy the delicious Grand Buffet prepared by Executive Chef, Chad Stroup.
Cost: $22.95 per person, plus tax and gratuity

Sam Houston Race Park Infield
For racing fans that enjoy watching the races from inside the racetrack, the Sam Houston Race Park infield will be open for the NTRA Great State Challenge. The infield will have mutuel lines, concessions, additional seating areas and a playground for children.
Cost: No additional fee

Sam Houston Race Park has obtained hotel rates for the NTRA Great State Challenge at many fine area hotels in close proximity to the racetrack and Bush International Airport. For further information on the NTRA Great State Challenge or other events at Sam Houston Race Park, call (281) 807-8760 or visit the Sam Houston Race Park web site, www.shrp.com.