BYE CORONA BYE CLINCHES HIS SECOND MAJOR CHAMPIONSHIP OF THE YEAR SCORING A VICTORY IN THE $649,710 SAM HOUSTON FUTURITY(G2) AT SAM HOUSTON RACE PARK

HOUSTON, TX – The richest race of the 2022 Sam Houston Race Park Quarter Horse meet, the $649,719 Sam Houston Futurity (G2), was contested on Saturday, June  4. Carlos Ponce’s Bye Corona Bye who is now a perfect 4-for-4 in his young career.

The son of Ivory James was a $22,000 purchase at the 2021 TQHA Yearling Sale, and was an impressive trial winner on May 14 under jockey Victor Urieta, Jr.  

With a very sharp effort, Bye Corona Bye defeated Jmg Apollitical Capo by half-a-length to take home the winner's purse valued at $259,884. The son of leading sire Ivory James completed the 330-yard task in :16.859 seconds, equaling a 96-speed index into a 3-mph headwind.

"He's a dream horse," said Urieta.  "He acted up a little in the gate, but has such a huge heart. The horse has so much talent and today ran even better than his trial win."

Trainer Juan Diaz, Jr, who won last year's edition of the championship with BH Inxs, saddled the talented juvenile, who  won the $217,250 West Texas Futurity(G2) at Sunland Park on April 3.

"We had high hopes for this horse," said Diaz. "Obviously anything can happen when 200 horses are trying to qualify for a futurity, but we knew if he broke well, that he could do it. We have a very good team and are happy he won this final."

William W. Reeder bred Bye Corona Bye in Texas from the Dashin Bye mare Bye N Pearls. 

Runner-up Jmg Apollitical Capo earned $129,942 for his second-place effort. Trainer Raul Rodriguez, Jr. saddled the son of multiple stakes sire Capo de Capi for owner-breeder Maria Solis. Seventh in the Louisiana Downs Futurity(G2) in March, Jmg Apollitical Capo has earned $154,692 in five starts. Jockey Luis Vivanco had the riding call aboard the colt out of Gold Ounce by Apollitical Jess.

Bumped at the start, Ponte Trucha, an $18,000 Heritage Place September Yearling, suffered his first career loss but earned $64,971 for the third-place effort. Racing for owner Armando Cortez and trainer Josue Huitron, the son of champion Duponte finished a neck back under jockey Heriberto Aguilar-Orozco.

Ponte Trucha three previous wins include the Grade 2 $324,288 Louisiana Futurity last March at Louisiana Downs. Rancho El Cabresto, Inc. bred the bay gelding in California from the Apollitical Jess mare Apollitical Dasher. He has earned $221,701.

Pink Kiss, Jlc Payaso Ed, Jess Sea Louisiana, Hotamale, Lj Luna Llena, Rinc and Mooning Deluxe completed the field.
 

Bye Corona Bye ($5.40) has now earned $376,332 in just four starts. Diaz was unsure as to the next start for his multiple stakes winner, but with the victory tonight, Bye Corona Bye joined a distinguished list of past winners, including 2014 AQHA Champion 2-year-old colt, Kiss My Hocks; Azoom; Snowy Alibi, Ivan James, Especially Tres and 2019 champion Trump My Record. 

Orbyson Captures the $72,190 Sam Houston Juvenile 

The $72,190 Sam Houston Juvenile, at 330 yards, was one of five undercard stakes on Saturday night’s Sam Houston Race Park card. The field comprised 10 2-year-olds that competed in trials for the Sam Houston Futurity three weeks ago but did not qualify in the top ten. 

Orbyson, a One Fabulous Eagle colt owned by TYKHE Racing, LLC and trained by Juan Diaz, Jr. won his trial in 17.336 in an impressive debut effort. In the final, he broke poorly from the six hole, was bumped, and had to make up ground to gain the lead and win by a neck. 

The break was stressful for the connections. Romeo Mireles of TYKHE Racing LLC, said, "We were expecting a better break, so we're very nervous. But he showed us how good of a horse he is. We are very happy and really enjoy this game."

Orbyson is paid into the TQHA Sale Futurity but the connections plan to pass that race and go to Ruidoso to compete in All American Futurity trials.

The final time for the Sam Houston Juvenile was :17.090 over a fast track and the winner earned an 89 speed index.

Bobby Cox bred Orbyson in Texas, out of the Shazoom mare Shazumba; Cox also bred Shazumbaout of the Ruidoso Futurity (G1) winner All About Ease. Orbyson is a half-brother to Expedyte, winner of the 2019 Sam Houston Juvenile.

Orbyson ($6.60) was the post-time favorite and is now undefeated in two starts. He earned $21,657 in Saturday’s win, bringing his career total to $30,657.

Tic It to the Dance and jockey Luis Vivanco leapt out to an early lead but lost by a neck to Orbyson at the wire for trainer Jose Camacho. Gone Grand, with Eliazar Vera up, finished in third place, followed by Eyeing a Goodtime, Lil Kevin, Feature Five Bar, Irish Vamoose, Sygnyfycant Impact, Lady Valiant and Valiant Lancer. 

About Sam Houston Race Park

Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s premier racing and entertainment facility, located just 15 miles from downtown Houston. Owned by Penn National Gaming. Inc., the racetrack, which opened in 1994, offers a variety of attractions including a Suite Level featuring luxurious suites overlooking the racetrack, The Pavilion Centre, and award-winning dining options at the Winner’s Circle Restaurant and the Jockey Club. For more information on upcoming live racing, shows, events and tickets, please visit www.shrp.com. 

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Photos:  Coady Photography