Sam Houston Race Park and Daktronics (Nasdaq-DAKT) have partnered to enhance The Park’s live racing events with the installation of a new, state-of-the-art LED video tote board score board system which will debut for the 2009 American Quarter Horse meet on Friday, May 1, 2009.

The Park selected Daktronics, the leader in large screen video displays, electronic scoreboards, computer-programmable displays, digital billboards and control systems, to design, manufacture and install the 19-foot high by 38-foot wide video display system in the infield area of the race track. The system includes a custom tote board and features the Daktronics PS-23 light emitting diode (LED) video display with the capabilities to present real time video, recorded video images, colorful animation, vivid graphics and race information with incredible brightness and wide-angle visibility.

The Park’s original tote board, which was installed nearly 15 years ago, consisted of 1500 light bulbs denoting Win, Place & Show information as well as basic racing statistics, all of which were destroyed by heavy rain and high winds during Hurricane Ike.

“The new tote board will provide a completely new experience our racing fans and sponsors,” stated Andrea Young, President and Chief Operating Officer, Sam Houston Race Park. “The board is at the heart of the racing action and will provide guests with every detail of live racing, no matter where they are seated, with brilliant images visible even in the brightest sunlight.”

Young continued, “We are excited to be working with an industry leader like Daktronics. Their technology will allow us to increase our field size and greatly enhance our race day presentation.”

Daktronics LED technology offers a long lifetime with minimal maintenance and low power consumption, providing value and excitement for years to come. The board uses the latest in red, green and blue LED technology to present live and recorded video images, animation and graphics with wide-angle visibility. The new display system will be controlled by the proven Venus® 7000 display controller and V-Link® 4500 video processor.

“Daktronics is a proven leader in providing integrated display systems and we’re pleased to be able to bring this enhanced experience to Sam Houston Race Park and their patrons,” said Bo Ivers, Daktronics Pari-Mutuel Sales Manager. “We are proud to have been chosen by The Park to supply the new integrated LED video display and tote board system.”

The Park is set to re-open almost eight months after Hurricane Ike forced the cancellation of the last weekend of American Quarter Horse racing and the entire 2008/09 Thoroughbred meet. In addition to the new installation of the Daktronics tote board, The Park will debut a new roof system, renovated stable and barn areas and various interior upgrades including a new members-only Jockey Club when it opens for the 2009 American Quarter Horse meet which runs May through August 2009.

As part of the promotional calendar for the summer meet, The Park will feature: a National Anthem Singing Contest (April 16); Mother’s Day Diamond Dig and Brunch (May 12); Preakness Triple Crown Simulcast Event (May 16); 15 yr Anniversary Celebration Prize Giveaways (May 31, June 25, July 30 & Aug 20); Belmont Triple Crown Simulcast Event (June 6); Weiner Dog Races (June 13); Wine Tasting (June 25); Dollar Days (May 25 & July 2); July 4th Celebration; and an Epicurean Night (Aug 21).

The Showgrounds 2009 concert season will include performances from: Fall Out Boy (April 18); The 5th Annual “A Day in the Country” festival (April 25); Joan Jett & The Blackhearts with special guests The Smithereens (May 2); Ghostland Observatory (May 9); Jason Aldean (May 16); The Point Birthday Bash featuring The 80s Lost Tour: Flock of Seagulls, When in Rome, Dramarama & Gene Loves Jezebel (May 23); Kevin Fowler (May 30); America with special guest Christopher Cross (June 13); Eddie Money with special guest Lou Gramm (June 20); Eli Young Band (July 11); Cross Canadian Ragweed (July 18); Counting Crows (August 1); and Badfish (August 8). Additional performances will be announced soon.