Trainer Janet Van Bebber will likely remember the closing day of the 2001 Sam Houston Quarter Horse for many years to come. With just one night remaining, Van Bebber had already captured the training title at the northwest Houston racetrack. She led all trainers with 56 wins, but tonight set another milestone as she tied the all-time record for wins by a trainer in a single American Quarter Horse meeting at Sam Houston Race Park.

Van Bebber tied the record of 58 wins in a meeting, which was set by Janet's late husband, Steve Van Bebber, in 1997. In addition, she presented the trophy for the Steve Van Bebber Stakes to longtime friends and neighbors Don and Jamie Bradford. Their 6-year-old mare Special Lassie won the inaugural edition of the race.

"Setting a record was never my goal for this meet," said Van Bebber. "My goal from the onset was to establish that in the first year that Van Bebber racing could continue to meet the level of success that it had with Steve at the helm. I am very proud of our effort here."

Van Bebber was joined in the winner's circle by several of her owners, including Betty Jane Burlin, Teddy Abrams, Jr. and Mike Mitchell as well as members of the Van Bebber racing team.

"I call her "the rock", said Mike Mitchell, who along with his grandfather Gober Mitchell, own Drip Dry Dash. "Through all that she has been through, she has stayed so strong, and is an inspiration, not only as a trainer, but as a mother and a friend to so many."

"I am so proud of her," said Betty Jane Burlin. "She has worked so hard. I maintain that she runs on determination and adrenaline and is a phenomenal trainer and human being."

"The statistics show what type of trainer she is," commented Teddy Abrams, Jr. "There is no way to describe what a special person she is. This has been an extremely emotional year for Janet, but she has held it together and done an unbelievable job. Those of us who know her agree that it is a privilege to be part of Van Bebber racing."

The final evening of the 2001 Sam Houston Race Park American Quarter Horse meeting featured the presentation of the End of The Meeting Awards. Alvin "Bubba Brossette was honored as leading rider. He finished the meet with 75 winners. Two owners received Owner of the Meet honors as Betty Jane Burlin from Navasota, Texas and Darlene Jones and Doyle Shamblin from Elkhart, Texas were tied with ten wins each.