Since opening as the first Class 1 racetrack in Texas, Sam Houston Race Park has played a pivotal role in the careers of many accomplished horsemen and women. In 1994, Bret Calhoun was one of the young trainers in the inaugural live racing season.
“Sam Houston Race Park marked my first time running a string on my own,” said Calhoun. “They opened with a great purse structure, and I will never forget the crowds there on opening day!”
Born in Dallas, Calhoun is a second generation trainer as his father, William “Buddy” Calhoun, owned and trained Thoroughbreds. Just shy of his 30th birthday, Calhoun was fully committed to his profession and the challenges starting out on his own.
“I slept in the backside dorm at Sam Houston Race Park as I felt I had to be with my horses 24 hours a day and seven days of the week,” admitted Calhoun. “The only help I had was my mom and dad.”
His father gave him some valuable advice as he watched his son walk his horses to the saddling ring and accompany them back to the barn following their races.
“He told me that I had better start spending more time with my owners as other trainers were up in the suite trying to get their business,” recalled Calhoun.
That proved to be sage counsel as attracting quality owners has propelled Calhoun to excellence in Texas and major racetracks in North America. Since his first career victory with Ramjet on April 1, 1994, at Trinity Meadows, his operation has grown significantly. As 2022 winds down, Calhoun's stats on Equibase reflect that he has won 3,464 races and his horses have earned $99,791,958.
“I am straight up with my owners and offer honest and real assessments on each of their horses,” he said. “Sometimes it's hard to swallow, but fortunately, my owners and I have mutual respect.”
Calhoun's hard work has paid off with a growing number of graded stakes winners, led by My Standards ($2,294,430); Chamberlain Bridge ($1,866,259); Dubai Majesty ($1,407,547) and Mr Money ($1,360,430).
His many Sam Houston highlights include a victory by Chamberlain Bridge in the 2011 Railsplitter Stakes, just two months after the intrepid son of War Chant won the Grade 2, Breeders' Cup Sprint at Churchill Downs. Calhoun won many Texas Champions Day stakes with Clarence Scharbauer Jr. homebreds, including Coyote Legend, Gold Coyote, Swift Shock and Fiftyshadesofgold.
Next month, Calhoun is hoping to add another Sam Houston stakes victory with Hidden Connection in the Grade 3, $300,000 Houston Ladies Classic. The Kentucky-bred filly, sired by Connect, won the 2021 Pocahontas Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs, before finishing fourth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) for owners Hidden Brook Farm and Black Type Thoroughbreds.
“She showed up early and was very talented, with a high cruising speed and the ability to carry it,” stated Calhoun. “Following the Oaks, we gave her time off and she has bounced back well.”
Calhoun ran the dark bay filly in a mile and one-sixteenth allowance on December 16 at Fair Grounds and she rallied gamely under Rey Gutierrez, winning by a margin of 7 ½ lengths. That victory provided plenty of options for her 4-year-old campaign. Calhoun's goal for Hidden Connection is the Grade 1, Apple Blossom at Oaklawn Park. Several key stakes preps are logical for fillies and mares aiming for the prestigious stakes, including the $300,000 Houston Ladies Classic on January 28. The rich history of HLC winners emerging victorious in the Apple Blossom include Forever Unbridled, and millionaires Midnight Bisou and Letruska.
“I liked the way Hidden Connection won at Fair Grounds and feel she is at a peak level of fitness,” said Calhoun. “We are absolutely considering the Houston Ladies Classic for her next start; I would say it's a 90 percent chance that she will run at Sam Houston.”
Longtime assistant Hernan Zamudio, known as “Pancho,” will oversee Calhoun's Sam Houston Race Park's 32-horse barn for the upcoming live racing season.
Calhoun's ascent into the very competitive world of Thoroughbred racing has been impressive. He was asked about eclipsing the $100 million dollar earnings mark with horses running at Fair Grounds and Delta Downs over the remaining days of 2022.
“It's certainly mind blowing,” admitted Calhoun on reaching that milestone. “I'm very grateful to so many owners who have supported me and hope to win my 4,000th race. This business has been very good to me.”
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