- Coady Photography

MS RIPTIDE TRIUMPHS IN THE $30,015 MERIAL TEXAS DISTAFF CHALLENGE AT SAM HOUSTON RACE PARK

Houston, TX - April 2, 2011 - A talented field of fillies and mares went to the starting gate for the $30,015 Merial Texas Distaff Challenge at Sam Houston Race Park.

For the second year in a row, Judd Kearl trained the winner and this year it was Ms Riptide, who ran a sensational race under Sam Houston leading jockey, David Alvarez. Bred by her owner, James Cordell of Crockett, Texas, Ms Riptide is a 4-year-old daughter of Ocean Runaway out of the Mr Jess Perry mare Sixes Ms Perry. She was the second fastest qualifier in trials run on March 19, covering 400 yards in :20.321. She bested that effort in the final, drawing off to victory in :20.137.

Kearl saddled Wowzer Won in the 2010 Merial Texas Distaff Challenge, but she was unable to compete in the final at Fair Grounds. Kearl was asked about the significance of winning the stakes two years in a row.

“It means a lot,” said Kearl. “Our filly last year had some problems and we had to retire her. This mare is pretty sound and she’ll be going to Los Alamitos. She needed the race (in her trial). I knew if she got away like she did tonight, that the other mares could not catch her.”

“I want to thank Judd Kearl,” said Cordell. “He did a great job and our jockey, Alvarez rode her well. I think this mare is getting better with age.”

Dashmetothemoon ran second under rider Cody McDaniel.

“She’s an awesome filly,” said McDaniel. “She didn’t break all that well, but she came running at the end.”

Surviving Success was third, followed by fastest qualifier Zoomin On By, Fittin To Fly, Pelirrojo, Don’t Bac Down Lucy, Valuable Vision and Love First Cartel. Flyin Deanie broke through the starting gate and was scratched.

Ms Riptide was sent off as the second betting choice and returned $6.40 for the win. With her victory this evening, Ms Riptide earned a berth into the $125,000 Merial Racing Distaff Championship (G1) at Los Alamitos Race Course on October 29.

“We look forward to going there and bringing the trophy back,” said Cordell.

The 2011 American Quarter Horse continues through Sunday, May 15th with races every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. For the full calendar of Sam Houston Race Park’s 2011 live race dates, visit www.shrp.com . 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, Verizon Wireless and Champion Energy Services. For more information on upcoming shows, events and tickets, please visit www.shrp.com .