Jockey Sasha Risenhoover rode many horses for Stroope and, like so many in the Texas racing community, was devastated by his passing.

“I just can't believe it,” she said. “I just worked horses for him last week. Larry and I made a great team; he was not only an excellent trainer, but had a heart of gold. He was always a supporter of female jockeys and riding Bonjour Baby meant so much to me.”

Memorial services for Stroope have not been announced.

The post Trainer Larry Stroope, Longtime Texas Racing Supporter, Passes appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

“We were very pleased with our handle as our traditional opening nights have been on a Friday or Saturday,” said Frank Hopf, assistant general manager. “Our thanks to the horsemen and our loyal horseplayers for their enthusiastic support.”

Friday night's handle totaled $2,234,868, but an intense thunderstorm on Saturday evening forced the cancelation of the final two races on the card.

Live racing continues Thursday, Jan. 13, with a 4 p.m. (Central) post time. The 2022 Thoroughbred meet runs through Saturday, April 9.

A full schedule of post times and special racing events is posted on shrp.com.

The post Record Opening Night Wagering Paces Solid Start To Sam Houston Meet appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

All main track overnight purses will be increased by $6,000 and turf purses will be boosted by $1,000. The first purse increase was made on February 17 due to an extremely successful beginning of the meet. Sam Houston Race Park noted a handle increase of 40% in the five weeks of the season, bolstered by a record-setting handle of $5.3 million on its Houston Racing Festival card, which took place on January 31.  Over the last four weeks, horseplayers have supported the four-day live racing schedule and continue to laud the racetrack's industry-low takeout of 12% on multi-race wagers.

One additional race day has been added to the 2021 Thoroughbred season. The Texas Racing Commission approved Sam Houston Race Park's request to add Wednesday, March 31 to the schedule. The meet. which began on January 8, will conclude on April 3 with live racing each Wednesday and Thursday at 4:00 pm (CT) and Friday and Saturday night card beginning at 6:45 pm.

“We are pleased to offer an additional day of racing and a second purse increase this meet,” said Frank Hopf, Sam Houston Race Park's senior director of racing operations. “After we announced our first increase, we cancelled four days of racing due to the winter storm in February that deeply affected Texas. Since then, we have been supported very well by our horsemen and horseplayers who continue to respond to our racing product.”

Texas Champions Day, which will take place on March 20, is the next premier racing night of the season. Each of the purses for the seven stakes saluting Texas-breds have been increased from $75,000 to $100,000.

Sam Houston Race Park is Houston's premier racing and entertainment facility, located just 15 miles from downtown Houston.  The Park offers a variety of attractions including a Suite Level featuring luxurious suites overlooking the racetrack, The Pavilion Centre, and award-winning dining options at the Winner's Circle Restaurant and the Jockey Club.

For more information on upcoming live racing, shows, events and tickets, please visit www.shrp.com.

The post Sam Houston Boosts Purses For Second Time, Gets Additional Racing Day appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post