H HSheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival in Texas
3/11/2012

Press release: Sam Houston Race Park - Kyle Brown

ARABIAN FLAT RACING FESTIVAL INCLUDING FIRST ALL-FEMALE RIDER STAKES PRODUCED EXCITING FINISHES AT SAM HOUSTON RACE PARK

Sam Houston Race Park hosted two prestigious Arabian stakes on Saturday, March 3. The $30,000 Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup and $27,500 HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies IFAHR Cup were the first races of the year in a seven-race series as part of the Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival.

TM Junior Johnson was an impressive winner of the $30,000 Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup, defeating a top-caliber field of 11 Arabians. The 4-year-old son of Burning Sand is a full brother to TM Fred Texas, nominated as Horse of the Year as part of the 2012 Darley Awards

. TM Junior Johnson won the $30,000 Texas Six Shooter for owner and breeder Todd Moak on February 18. Rider Jose Figueroa controlled the race from the opening bell, crossing the finish line of the seven furlong stake in 1:33.35. Trained by Jerenesto Torrez, TM Junior Johnson has won five of his career starts. 
Sent off as the second betting choice, TM Junior Johnson paid $7.60 for the win. Status Symboll was a game runner-up as a 69-1 longshot. Its Far From Over was third and defending champion, Grilla completed the superfecta.

While Grilla’s breeder and owner, Bill Waldron might have been disappointed, he quickly rebounded with a victory by Sanddpiper ($6.60) in the $27,500 HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies IFAHR Cup. The 5-year-old gray mare, also a daughter of Burning Sand, won the 2011 Yellow Rose Stakes at Sam Houston and proved that she has an affinity for the Houston oval this evening.

The all-female jockey race featured an exciting international roster of riders. Fatma Al Manji was the winning jockey, dueling with early pacesetter TM Super Bird, before drawing off to a two-length victory. Rich Kingha finished third and Lori Anne was fourth.

THE HH SHEIKH MANSOUR BIN ZAYED AL NAHYAN GLOBAL ARABIAN FLAT RACING FESTIVAL IS ORGANISED BY THE ABU DHABI AUTHORITY FOR CULTURE AND HERITAGE (ADACH) AND CO-ORDINATED BY ABU DHABI SPORTS COUNCIL IN ASSOCIATION WITH EMIRATES ARABIAN HORSE SOCIETY WITH SUPPORT FROM INVEST AD, AREEJ AL AMEERATLA, SIRENE,THE UAE'S GENERAL WOMEN'S UNION, ABU DHABI INTERNATIONAL HUNTING AND EQUESTRIAN EXHIBITION 2011,WATHBA STUD FARM AND ABU DHABI EQUESTRIAN CLUB. EMIRATES AIRLINES IS THE OFFICIAL CARRIER.

Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s premier racing and entertainment facility, located just 15 minutes from downtown Houston, and offers a variety of attractions including 19 luxury suites overlooking the race track, The Pavilion Centre, and award-winning dining options at the Winner’s Circle Restaurant and the Champion Energy Services Jockey Club. Sam Houston Race Park Platinum Partners include Bud Light and Champion Energy Services. For more information on upcoming shows, events and tickets, please visit www.shrp.com.

photos courtesy Coady Photo

For more photos and articles visit  www.texasarabianbreeders.com and www.sheikhmansoorfestival.com and www.ifahr.net