Blown transformer forces cancellation of Texas Champions card

Sam Houston Race Park was forced to cancel its Texas Champions program after Saturday night’s second race due to a track lighting issue caused by a blown transformer, according to Frank Hopf, senior director of racing operations for Sam Houston.

“The transformer blew and we were unable to get all the track lights on to run safely,” said Hopf.

Sam Houston experienced wet weather Saturday, with the track rated sloppy and the races scheduled for turf moved to the main track.

The card featured seven stakes worth a total of $525,000, but none were run as the first of the stakes races was scheduled as the third on the 10-race card Saturday.

The Texas Champions stakes had not been rescheduled as of Saturday night.

“Sam Houston management will have additional information within the next day or so,” said Hopf.

The Texas Champions Night program was to have been the second richest card of the meet, which is seeing a 40 percent spike in average daily handle over the corresponding season in 2019.