(Saturday, July 9, 2005) - It could be said that Silver Gol is making his way across Texas. He captured the $75,000 Manor Downs Futurity on April 24 and was the third fastest qualifier in trials for the $355,849 TQHA Sale Futurity (RG1) held on June 25.

The ten fastest qualifiers returned for the final tonight at Sam Houston Race Park. The annual race showcases 2-year-old American Quarter Horses that were purchased in the TQHA Yearling Sale, held each July at Sam Houston Race Park.

Sent off as the third choice in the wagering, Silver Gol, under a confident ride from Carlos Madeira, was gaining momentum with every stride and crossed the wire of the 350-yard stakes in a time of :17.721, much to the delight of his three owners, Gary Hartstack of Washington, Texas, Ben Butler and Johnny Bonds of Bryan, Texas. The trio collected $142,340 for Silver Gol’s victory tonight.

Their 2-year-old colt was bred in Texas by Sergio Vela Teran and was purchased at the 2004 TQHA Yearling Sale for $16,000. A list of notable champions have emerged from the annual sale held each July at Sam Houston Race Park including 2003 AQHA World Champion, Oak Tree Special and American Quarter Horse sensation, Azoom, who won 11 of his 14 starts in 2004. Last year’s sale set a new record with 385 yearlings passing through the sale ring, which accounted for the record purse of $355,849 for tonight’s exciting final.

"We had a great trip,” said Madeira. “I was worried about the outside horse (Shazoomer), but when we got away from the gate so well, I knew he had a good chance. It was difficult standing in the gate when the ten broke through the gate. My horse was sitting on tilt, so I just wanted to get away and do everything I could to win the race."

"It just shows you that a fast horse makes a good trainer,” added Bard. “He is a pleasure to train and super individual. He lay down in his stall this afternoon, got up to drink some water and lay down to rest again. He seems to get better the longer he goes; wait until the Sam Houston Futurity and you watch him go 400-yards."

Shazoomer, owned by Lou Phillips of Houston and trained by Janet Van Bebber, was the fastest qualifier in trials run two weeks ago. Sadly, tonight was not his best performance as he broke through the starting gate and had to be reloaded. Rider Alvin “Bubba” Brossette acknowledged that his pre-race behavior resulted in his disappointing sixth place finish.

"He got a little antsy in the gate,” said Brossette. “Tonight was just one of those unfortunate incidents. He broke in, but once I straightened him he just didn't have that desire we needed to win. There were good horses in this race. It was just unfortunate that he chose tonight to act fresh."

“He just didn’t handle the pressure tonight,” maintained Van Bebber. “He will learn from that experience, that is part of it. He’s in the Sam Houston and Texas Classic and we’ll keep him on schedule for those as long as he continues to progress.”

Rider Gilbert Ortiz and trainer Bobby Martinez teamed up with the second fastest qualifier, Wokatee. The 2-year-old filly ran a solid race tonight, but could not match strides with the winner.

“(Silver Gol) run real easy,” commented Ortiz. “He went by me at this end and just did it so easy. He looked like the best one today. My filly run a game race, but just got beat today.”

Silver Gol who earned a speed index of 94 in tonight’s effort, paid $9.80, $3.60 and $3.00 across the board. The 9-5 exacta paid $28.20 and the trifecta with Real Visions returned $19.20. Completing the order of finish were Ssthdladyisatramp, Featuring a Rockette, Shazoomer, Jodys Victory Pop, Blazing La Jolla and Runaway Sixes.

For the first time in the history of the TQHA Sale Futurity, a consolation final with a purse of $39,538 was run. Racing Zone ($4.00) was a convincing winner under G. R. Carter. The gray son of Runaway Winner is owned by Polly Coleman and trained by Tooter Jordan.