(Saturday, May 9, 2009) - Sam Houston Race Park enjoyed its second weekend of live racing events, highlighted by the $18,750 Universal City Stakes on Saturday, May 9, 2009. The extended 11-race card featured several of the top American Quarter Horses including JC My Diamond Man, Blue Ribbon Dash and Heza Marquette Maker; however; the race ushered in a new star, Big Bad N Brown, who took top honors.

The 870-yard race, designated for horses ages three and up, featured Big Bad N Brown as the second favorite at morning line odds of 4-1. Owned by P.J. Schachle and trained by R.C. Mike Howell, the five-year-old gelding broke well from the start and kept a steady pace at the front guided by jockey Gaspar Garcia.

“I thought he ran a great race. We had a good spot being on the inside, and he really took off about midway through the turn,” commented Garcia.

Garcia is no stranger to the winner’s circle, taking home The Park’s Leading Jockey title in 2008, as well as taking the same title at Retama Park in Selma, Texas.

Big Bad N Brown finished in front of Blue Ribbon Dash by a head in a time of :45.372 and paid his betting fans $13.20. Jess Ina Bluedress finished third, followed by Rakin In Cyn, Heza Marquette Maker, JC My Diamond Man and Fasterthan a Bullet.

In addition to Saturday’s live racing event, the FREE Value Day Fun Zone area featured Bark’s 5th Avenue and the Disc-functional frisbee dog team, giant bounce houses for kids, hot food off the grill, Beers of the World and more! Following the afternoon’s events was a performance by Austin-based duo Ghostland Observatory, part of the 2009 Verizon Wireless Concert Series on the Bud Light Stage.

Live American Quarter Horse racing continues at The Park every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in May. For ticket information visit www.shrp.com.