(Friday, August 8, 2008) - Sam Houston Race Park will host the annual $25,000+ TQHA Sires’ Cup Derby (RG3) as part of the evening’s 10-race card on Saturday, August 9, 2008.

The Texas Quarter Horse Association (TQHA) trial races, which took place on July 26 at The Park, landed Panther Purr in the top slot as the fastest qualifier with a final qualifying time of :19.888. Panther Purr won the Silestone Stakes, a 350-yard race at The Park, on July 4. The field of ten competitors for the final features Im a Special Run and Panther Purr as the morning line co-favorites at 5-2. The next favored horse, according to the morning line odds, is Rapid Fire Jess at 4-1.

The 2007 TQHA Sires’ Cup Derby was claimed by the only filly in the field, Jess a Lil Bit More, who won by 1 ¾ lengths, covering the distance of 400-yards in :19.985. The course record, :19.574, was set on September 24, 2004, by Azoom.

Immediately following live racing events at The Park, The Showgrounds (www.theshowgrounds.com) will continue with the Verizon Wireless post-race concert series on the Bud Light stage with a performance from one of Houston’s most popular country music stars, Clint Black. Clint Black will be joined by special guest Shake Russell.

Sam Houston Race Park
$25,000 + TQHA Sires’ Cup Derby Trials 2008 (RG3)
Trials: Saturday, July 26, 2008
Final: Saturday, August 09, 2008
Three Year-Olds 400 Yards

*Track record: Azoom :19.574 – September 24, 2004