Sam Houston Race Park has announced its highly anticipated 2026 Thoroughbred Stakes Schedule, promising one of the strongest lineups in recent memory. The 32nd live racing season begins Friday, January 2, 2026, and continues through Saturday, April 4. Over the 41-day meet, 21 stakes races will be held with total purses of $2 million, showcasing Texas’s ongoing dedication to quality racing and the development of homegrown talent.
Opening Weekend Sets the Pace
Opening weekend will feature two $75,000 stakes races exclusively for Texas-bred horses. The Darby’s Daughter for three-year-old fillies and the My Dandy Stakes for three-year-old colts and geldings kick off the Clarence Scharbauer Jr. Texas Stallion Stakes Series. These early contests often serve as a launching pad for young horses making their mark in Texas racing.
Houston Racing Festival Returns January 24
The centerpiece of the meet, the Houston Racing Festival, takes place Saturday, January 24, with a first post of 1:00 p.m. Five stakes races headline the day, including the $300,000 Houston Ladies Classic (G3) and the $200,000 John B. Connally Turf. Additional races include the $100,000 Bob Bork Texas Turf Mile, the $75,000 Bara Lass, and the $75,000 Groovy Stakes. It’s a festival that consistently draws attention from top trainers and owners across the region.
Spotlight on Texas-Breds
Texas Preview Day follows on February 14 with five stakes designed for Texas-bred horses, including the Jim’s Orbit, Two Altazano, David E. Hooper Stakes, Miss Bluebonnet Turf, and Sunlit Song Turf Stakes. These serve as a lead-up to Texas Champions Day on March 21, when seven major Texas-bred races will be run. That day’s card includes the TTA Derby, TTA Oaks, Richard King, San Jacinto, Spirit of Texas, Yellow Rose Stakes, and Star of Texas.
Full 2026 Thoroughbred Stakes Schedule
Saturday, January 3
- $75,000 Darby’s Daughter – 3yo F, 5.5 Furlongs **
- $75,000 My Dandy Stakes – 3yo C&G, 5.5 Furlongs **
Saturday, January 24 – Houston Racing Festival
- $300,000 Houston Ladies Classic (G3) – 4&up F&M, 1 1/16 Mile
- $200,000 John B. Connally Turf – 4&up, 1 1/2 Mile (T)
- $100,000 Bob Bork Texas Turf Mile – 3yo, 1 Mile (T)
- $75,000 Bara Lass Stakes – 3yo Texas-bred Fillies, 6 Furlongs
- $75,000 Groovy Stakes – 3yo Texas-bred, 6 Furlongs
Saturday, February 14 – Texas Preview Day
- $75,000 Jim’s Orbit ** – 3yo C&G, 6 Furlongs
- $75,000 Two Altazano ** – 3yo F, 6 Furlongs
- $77,000 David E. Hooper Stakes – 4&up, 7 Furlongs
- $77,000 Miss Bluebonnet Turf – 4&up F&M, 1 Mile (T)
- $77,000 Sunlit Song Turf Stakes – 4&up, 1 1/16 Miles (T)
Saturday, March 7
- $40,000 Texas-Six Shooter Arabian Stakes – 4&up Arabians, 1 1/16 Miles (T)
Saturday, March 21 – Texas Champions Day
- $102,000 TTA Derby – 3yo C&G, 1 Mile and 70 yards
- $102,000 TTA Oaks – 3yo F, 1 Mile and 70 yards
- $75,000 Richard King – 4&up, 1 1/8 Mile (T)
- $75,000 San Jacinto – 4&up F&M, 1 1/16 Mile (T)
- $75,000 Spirit of Texas – 4&up, 6 Furlongs
- $75,000 Yellow Rose Stakes – 4&up F&M, 6 Furlongs
- $75,000 Star of Texas – 4&up, 1 Mile
Saturday, March 28
- $40,000 Yellow Rose Arabian Stakes – 4&up Arabians, 1 Mile (T)
** Clarence Scharbauer, Jr. Texas Stallion Stakes Series
Comments from Race Officials
Sam Houston Race Park Vice President and General Manager Bryan Pettigrew said the new season will offer more than just races—it’s about creating a complete entertainment experience. He emphasized the mix of high-quality racing, handicapping contests, and family-oriented promotions. Pettigrew also introduced the new Penn Play rewards program, which adds new perks and benefits for guests throughout the season.
Racing Secretary Mike Acton expressed enthusiasm about returning horsemen and the addition of new participants. “We’re pleased to see familiar names back in the barns and excited to welcome a few new faces,” he said. “This season should bring a strong, competitive atmosphere to Houston.”
Information for Horsemen
Stall applications are due by Friday, October 31. The barn area opens on Monday, December 1, and training begins Wednesday, December 3. The first condition book will be available by mid-October. For further details, horsemen can visit the Horsemen’s Page or reach out to Mike Acton at [email protected] or call 405-886-6168.
To receive real-time updates, horsemen can text “Updates” to 833-735-1022 to join the Sam Houston Race Park Text Message Program. This service provides entry deadlines, race changes, and other vital announcements throughout the meet.
Live racing will be held on Fridays at 6:30 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00 p.m. (Central). Fans and families can expect an energetic mix of racing, food, and entertainment throughout the season.
As the 2026 Thoroughbred meet approaches, Sam Houston Race Park continues its mission to spotlight Texas racing on a national stage. With a mix of tradition and fresh energy, the new season promises fierce competition, community engagement, and plenty of reasons for fans to be trackside come January.