(Houston, Texas - Saturday, April 28, 2012) - It was a family celebration this evening at Sam Houston Race Park as Bok Man captured the $22,500 Red Cell Texas Distance Challenge. The 4-year-old son of Boknaai, made his seventh start at the distance of 870-yards, and closed gamely to win the first stakes of his career.

Owned by Cynthia A. Jerman and trained by her husband, Jerry, Bok Man was ridden by their son, Jeff, who arrived just moments before the race. He had ridden the third race at Delta Downs, jumped in his truck and made the two-hour drive to Sam Houston. He may have faced traffic on I-10, but navigated a flawless trip on the track, covering 870-yards in :45.791.

"I really didn't think I was going to make it on time, but God willing, it worked out," said winning rider Jeff Jerman. "I hadn't had a chance to ride this horse since last year. Dad sent him out to Sunland, but I watched his races. I felt that he wasn’t close enough, so that was what I tried to do tonight. He really has a good finish to him."

It was a jubilant celebration for the Jerman family as the striking gray entered the winner's circle.

"I have to give all the glory to God," said Cynthia Jerman following the race. "He's an awesome horse and part of our family. We've been hoping for something like this for a long time."

"Jeff did it for us; gave him a great ride," said Jerry Jerman. "I want to thank everyone involved. Our groom, Jose, broke the horse and did a wonderful job with him. It all came together."

Morning-line favorite Kite Flyer drew the coveted rail post and had the lead under rider Santos Carrizales, until Bok Man slipped by at the wire. 

"Unfortunately, he hadn't run this year and needed an out," said Carrizales. "We thought he was ready with the work we put into him. He's a nice horse."

Mysterious Streaker ran third, followed by Kudos for Quick Dash, Midnight Bushwhacker and Im A Grand Believer.   

Bok Man left the gates as the third betting choice and paid $10.80 for the win. He will represent Texas in the $125,000 Red Cell Distance Challenge Championship (G2) on October 27 at Prairie Meadows. Jerman indicated that he might make one more start this meet in the $25,000 Governor's Cup Marathon on May 19.

Allure Sr Fastest Qualifier in $42,300 Bank of America Texas Maiden Trials

Four trials for the $42,300 Bank of America Texas Maiden at Sam Houston Race Park were contested on Thursday evening.

Allure Sr recorded the fastest qualifying time, covering 350-yards in :17.714 under jockey David Alvarez. The 4-year-old California-bred mare is owned by Gilberto Flores and trained by Janet VanBebber. Second-fastest clocking went to Im Jess A Cowgirl for owner Renee Verette and trainer Tara Smith. Jockey Luis Martinez guided the Feature Mr Jess filly to the wire in :17.779.