Asmussen Earns 16th Sam Houston Leading Trainer Title

Sam Houston Race Park closed the curtain on its 30th anniversary Thoroughbred live racing season April 7. Competitive racing and excellent weather prevailed for the majority of the 43-day meet, which began Jan. 5.

Bryan Pettigrew, Sam Houston Race Park's vice president and general manager, was pleased with the season.

"In addition to our quality racing and marquee stakes days, we were pleased with the response from Houston sports fans on our events and promotions," said Pettigrew. "We brought back Friday Night live bands and stepped up our handicapping contests, which were both favorably received. Of course, we hosted an amazing crowd for our Houston Racing Festival and look forward to welcoming them back for each of the Triple Crown races coming up."

The leading owner, trainer, and jockey awards were presented on the final day of the meeting.

Asmussen Notches 16th Leading Trainer Title at Sam Houston

Steve Asmussen won his 16th training title at the northwest Houston racetrack where he was honored as top trainer in 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005; 2014-24.

Asmussen started 249 runners, finishing with a record of 48 wins, 36 seconds, 31 thirds, and earnings of $1,260,342. He added a record-setting fifth victory in the $300,000 Houston Ladies Classic (G3) with Kaleem Shah's Bellamore .

This season was extra special for Asmussen as his son Erik rode for him and earned his first career victory Jan. 5 aboard Cleat , owned and trained by his dad.

"His riding here for me made this meet very special," Asmussen said. "We are very proud of him!"

Asmussen once again thanked his longtime assistant, Pablo Ocampo, for overseeing the day-to-day operation in Houston.

"Pablo is the longest continuous employee for me and continues to do a wonderful job," said Asmussen of Ocampo, who will head next to Lone Star Park.

J. R. Caldwell was second in the standings with 28 victories, including back-to-back turf stakes victories by Singapore Flash . Trainer Ronnie Cravens won 22 races and Sarah Davidson rounded out the top four conditioners with 19 winners.

Elliott Locks Up Fourth Sam Houston Leading Rider Title

Jockey Stewart Elliott held off a stiff bid from several talented jockeys to claim his fourth title at Sam Houston. The nationally respected veteran rode 339 winners from 215 mounts, earning $1,123,500 and finishing in the money at 41%.

"It's been a good meet; everything has gone well," commented the experienced journeyman. "Rene Diaz, Fernando Jara, Floyd Wethey, and Jose Alvarez have won their share of races. It's been competitive and keeps me on my toes."

Elliott also acknowledged the support of his wife, Lilibeth, and agent Scott Hare. Elliott's teenage son, Christopher, is an aspiring jockey and is on track to begin riding at the upcoming Lone Star Park meet.

Elliott rode Asmussen's Bellamore to victory in the Houston Ladies Classic. For the past four years, Asmussen and Elliott have won titles together at Sam Houston, Lone Star Park, and Remington Park.

"Stewart brings professionalism and consistency in every race he rides," stated Asmussen.

Elliott, 59, will ride next at Lone Star Park. He began riding in 1981 and has a remarkable 5,665 career wins, including the victory aboard 2004 Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness (G1) winner Smarty Jones . Retirement talk will have to wait for now, as Elliott is truly enjoying this stage of his exceptional career.

"It's been great," he acknowledged. "I'm looking forward to Lone Star and hope to keep things going."

Floyd Wethey Jr. had an outstanding meet, winning 32 races to finish second in the standings. Fernando Jara, the regular pilot on three-time stakes winner Too Much Kiki , was a solid addition to the jockey colony with 31 firsts. Rene Diaz finished fourth with 30 trips to the winner's circle.

L and G Racing Stables Repeats as Leading Owner

For the second year in a row, L and G Racing Stables wrapped up owner of the meet honors. The ownership group, with principal owner Genesis Castillo, races in Texas as well as Louisiana, and took leading owner honors at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots in 2023.

L and G finished with a record of 17 winners from 195 starts and purses of  $376,723. Cesar Govea is their primary trainer. Their top earner this season at Sam Houston was Iberian Runner . The Texas-bred fared well at the stakes level, running second in the $75,000 Houston Turf and completing the trifecta in the very contentious $75,000 Richard King Turf on Texas Champions Day.

Asmussen finished second in the standings with 14 wins, followed by Henry Witt Jr. (13), and Carl Moore Management (11).