(Houston, Texas - Thursday, February 23, 2012) - Sam Houston Race Park will initiate a purse increase for the remainder of the 2012 Thoroughbred meet. An additional $1,000 will be added to each of the races, an increase of 6.5% for the final 12 days of the racing season, which concludes on Monday, March 12.

The purse increase in fueled by a 23% upswing in handle, compared to 2011.

"We are very excited about the early success of our meet," said Eric Johnston, vice president of racing. "The purse increase is our way of thanking the horsemen for their support. We look forward to three more great weeks of racing."

The 2012 Thoroughbred meet continues with post times set for Friday and Saturday (7 p.m.), Sunday (5 p.m.) and Monday (1 p.m.). The meet will feature special events including Ladies Night this Saturday February 25, the $150,000 MAXXAM Gold Cup on March 3 and Camel & Ostrich Races on March 10. The park will also host a 27-day Quarter Horse Meet from March 22 - May 19.