(Saturday, August 29, 2009) - Sam Houston Race Park held its final day of live racing for the 2009 American Quarter Horse meet, along with Fan Appreciation Dollar Day, on Saturday, August 29. The evening featured the $18,750 Sam Houston Distance Derby and the $19,500 Blue Bonnet Stakes highlighting the evening’s 10-race card.

The Sam Houston Distance Derby, the 8th race of the night, featured seven horses running a distance of 870 yards. DM Traffic (9-2) did not have the quickest start out of the gate, but a late outside rush proved enough to hold off Tsunami Wind at the wire, winning in a time of :46.465. The three-year-old gelding is trained by Kie Mushinski and owned by Donna Mushinski. The Park’s 2009 American Quarter Horse Meet top jockey, David Alvarez, was the first-choice mount, but the reins ended up in the hands of Ray Mayo, who proved he knew how to win.

“I’m thankful I got the chance to ride this horse in the Distance Derby,” commented Mayo. “He didn’t have the start I was hoping for, but he comes on late and gives a strong finish, which is why we were able to hold off the leader, Tsunami Wind.”

DM Traffic posted a speed index of 87 and paid his betting fans $7.20 for the win.

Final placement featured DM Traffic in first, Tsunami Wind in second, and Dont Mess With Bart in third, with Manifold, Coups De Ville, Realquiet Effort and Im Willie Jazzed traling past the wire.

The Blue Bonnet Stakes, the 9th race, showcased eight horses sprinting a distance of 400 yards. Eye Be Swift acted up in the starting gates and prematurely broke through the gate, causing a late scratch for this race. The Dwayne “Sleepy” Gilbreath-trained Shadaisy 123 (5-1) ended up smashing the field in a time of :19.926, topping out with a speed index of 98.

“She won here earlier this month and finished third in the Texas Derby Challenge,” commented Gilbreath. “I’m proud of her. She runs a good race and always tries really hard no matter the distance or the field of competitors. She’s a hard worker.”

Gilbreath also added Shadaisy 123’s next stop might be in the Dash For Cash Derby at Lone Star Park in Dallas, Texas.

Shadaisy 123 is owned by T. Bill Stables, Inc. and Carolyn C. Bay. Riding the three-year-old filly to victory was jockey Jose Alvarez.

Final placement featured Shadaisy 123 ($6.80) in first, Executive Looks finishing second, followed by Tearful in third, Send Me A Perry, Dashin Chick, Rump Shakin, Southern Pretense and La Jolla Suspect.

In addition to the live stakes races, Vice President of Racing Eric Johnston awarded David Alvarez the 2009 Jockey of the Meet award and Bobby Touchet the 2009 Trainer of the Meet award. The Park’s 2009 Owner of the Meet award standings ended in a tie between Jorge Haddad and A.D. Maddox.

Among other events for the evening, which included a Fan Appreciation Dollar Day with $1 parking, admission, live racing programs, hot dogs, sodas and draft beer, was The Park’s first-time “Rody Races” where four trials featuring a total of 16 patrons participated in a bounce toy race on the dirt track for a variety of prizes. As part of the closing day celebration, The Park handed out a variety of SHRP goodies to patrons including T-shirts, koozies, party beads and more.

Live racing will return to The Park with the 2009/2010 Thoroughbred meet beginning Friday, November 27, 2009. For more information on upcoming simulcast events, live racing updates and the 2009 Ziegfest Music Festival, please visit www.shrp.com.