Etc. . . .

Sam Houston Race Park recorded its first triple dead heat Thursday night when three Quarter Horses hit the wire at the same time to win the third race. The three horses credited with the win in the 250-yard starter allowance were Ew Streakin ($7.40), Red Ronas Express ($5.20), and Party Marti ($3.80). . . . The Hong Kong Jockey Club has announced a total handle of HK$78.2 billion (US$1.002 billion) for its 78-day 2001-2002 season, which concluded on June 16. That was a decrease of 4 percent from the 2000-01 season, a decline attributed by Board of Stewards chairman Alan Li to general economic decline and the activities of illegal and unauthorized bookmakers cutting in on the HKJC's action.