Sam Houston Race Park announces 2026 stakes schedule with $2M in purses, starting Jan. 2.

Sam Houston Race Park has unveiled its 2026 Thoroughbred stakes schedule, with live racing set to run from January 2 to April 4, featuring 21 stakes races and $2 million in purses. The season opens with two Texas-bred stakes and launches the Clarence Scharbauer Jr. Texas Stallion Stakes Series. Key events include the $300,000 Houston Ladies Classic (G3) and $200,000 John B. Connally Turf on January 24, along with Texas Preview Day and Texas Champions Day. Races will be held Fridays at 6:30 pm and weekends at 1:00 pm Central Time. The track introduces a new rewards program, Penn Play, and enhanced promotions. Stall applications are due October 31, with training beginning December 3.