-photo by Coady Photography

Houston, Texas (April 24, 2004) - The 2004 American Quarter Horse season kicked off this weekend at Sam Houston Race Park. The northwest Houston racetrack hosted its tenth anniversary celebration this evening as well as the running of the first stakes of the 95-day meeting, the $15,000 Harris County Stakes.

A field of nine fillies and mares went to the gate and under a confident ride from Issac Chapa, Miss Cash Streak captured the first stakes of her career. Owned and bred by Isidro Hinojosa, the 4-year-old filly broke well and surged to the wire of the 350-yard stakes in a time of :17:900 over a muddy track.

"She was a little hesitant in the gate but got away well," said Chapa. "She got the lead in no time and was much the best."

"This mare has always run tough," said Hinojosa. "We gave her a little time off and when we back off and rest her, she does a little bit better."

Shakem Cash, trained by 2003 Sam Houston Race Park leading trainer, Janet Van Bebber, ran second with John Hamilton aboard. The daughter of Royal Shake Em has been racing at Los Alamitos since last October.

" That was the first time I ran that mare," commented Van Bebber. "I call it an 'educational outing.' That's how I find out how she's going to do. Naturally, I wanted to win. And it was a close race - a game effort. I was pleased."
Joyalty, another filly sired by Royal Shake Em, was bumped at the star, but rebounded for third. Trainer "Tooter" Jordan was concerned with the start of the race.

"I thought she might have been bothered by the 5 a bit and I called the stewards but looked like she broke out a bit and it was just a brush with the 5," said Jordan. "She was closing ground at the end. Jose has been working for me for two years and he broke most of my babies this year. He may not be as experienced as some of the others, but he tries hard and rides one all the way. We're here for the duration and I think having an opportunity to run over the same ground, especially a surface as kind to horses as this one, could mean more longevity for those running here. I'll have 30 here and move some back and forth to keep fresh ones running. Maybe next time (Joyalty) will have a little better racing luck."

Miss Cash Streak returned $29.90, $8.40 amd $6.40 across the board. The 2-5 exacta paid $92.20 and the 2-5-6 trifecta was worth $540.40. Mary Cartel, part of the entry that went off at even money, ran fourth. Sixes Ms Perry, Zip Forth, Dancing Beth, Loves Easter Bunny, Shady Sign and Confederate Snow completed the order of finish.

Turfinator Returns to the Winner's Circle Tonight at Sam Houston Race Park

The 8-year-old Turfinator remains a formidable presence on the racetrack as he scored a victory in tonight's sixth race, a $7,400 allowance. Owned by Kathleen O. Matey and trained by Jesse Yoakum, Turfinator made his 52nd career start this evening. Rider Mark Page rode the son of Runaway Winner and he covered the 250-yard sprint in a time of :13.441. Turfinator won $4,440 tonight, increasing his lifetime earnings to $189,193

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