Owned by PENN Entertainment, the Sam Houston Race Park was established in 1994 and offers many attractions for businesses, group outings and families.
What to expect
Pettigrew said throughout the years, Texans have gained knowledge in horse racing, and as a result the Sam Houston Race Park is kicking off its 30th season promoting its thoroughbreds or first-class horses that are known to endure longer distance races.
Additionally, upon high demand, Pettigrew said concerts will be returning during the upcoming season.
“One of the things I'm most excited about is on Friday nights, we're starting to bring back concerts after the races,” Pettigrew said, adding that concert performances will start with local bands.
While Sam Houston Race Park’s biggest event is expected to be the annual Houston Racing Festival held Jan. 27, its ostrich, wiener dog and corgi races are expected to be the most popular events in 2024.
The venue will also hold Family Fun Days every Sunday during March, featuring face painting, petting zoos and other family-friendly activities.
Quarter horse racing will begin April 19 followed by the 150th Kentucky Derby Day, known as the biggest betting day at the race track, Pettigrew said.
2024 schedule of events
- Jan. 5-April 7: thoroughbred racing
- Jan. 27: Houston Racing Festival
- Feb. 10: wiener dog races
- Feb. 17: Texas Preview Day
- March 8-9: camel and ostrich races
- March 17: St. Patrick’s Day party
- March 23: Texas Champions Day
- March 3, 10, 17 and 24: Family Fun Days
- April 19-June 15: quarter horse racing
- May 3: corgi dog races
- May 4 and 5: Kentucky Oaks and 150th Kentucky Derby Day
- May 18: Preakness Stakes and Josh Ward concert
- June 8: Belmont Stakes—classic car show
Time: times vary
Location: 7575 N. Sam Houston Parkway W., Houston
www.shrp.com
