NICK TAMMARO WILL SERVE AS THE VOICE OF SAM HOUSTON RACE PARK WHEN THE 2022 LIVE RACING SEASON COMMENCES ON JANUARY 6

(Houston, TX) –Sam Houston Race Park is pleased to announce that Nick Tammaro will assume the role of track announcer when the 2022 live racing season gets underway on January 6.  The Houston native will call races for the 50-day Thoroughbred live racing season as well as the 25-day Quarter Horse meet, which runs from April 22-June 18.

Tammaro, 37, has been a racing fan since childhood, making his first trip to Fair Grounds in New Orleans with his father when he was just six.  He attended races at Trinity Meadows regularly growing up in the Dallas area and was hooked on the game by the time he went to the 1993 Belmont Stakes. He has been involved in the racing industry for over 13 years as  public handicapper, speed figure maker and odds maker. His handicapping skills have earned him eight trips to the National Handicapping Challenge in Las Vegas as well as a top 5 finish in the Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge.

Born in Houston, Tammaro has been an enthusiastic supporter of  Sam Houston Race Park for over two decades.

“I was there the second day that Sam Houston opened in 1994,” said Tammaro. “I have always loved horseracing; it’s in my blood and I still feel the excitement every time I walk into the track.”

He credits track announcer Travis Stone for giving him the opportunity to call his first race at Louisiana Downs twelve years ago. When Sam Houston Race Park’s previous announcer Chris Griffin departed for Parx, Tammaro was given the opportunity to call races for six weeks during the Quarter Horse season.

“It was a lot of fun and I am excited to join the fraternity of announcers,” he added. “Racing is on the upswing at Sam Houston Race Park and the sky is blue as we head into 2022.”

Tammaro, who earned in B.A. at the University of Dallas and M.B.A. at the University of Houston, resides in Pearland, a growing suburb south of downtown. He and his wife, Norma, are proud parents of a 2-year-old daughter, Alessandra.

 “Nick has been a part of the Sam Houston Race Park team for many years as our morning-line oddsmaker and guest handicapper,” said Sam Houston Race Park’s Senior Director of Racing Operations Frank Hopf. “He did a tremendous job calling races during our Quarter Horse meet. His passion for the sport of horseracing is contagious and will be a major asset to our team.” 

Handle Increases Noted for the 2021 Quarter Horse Meet 

Sam Houston Race Park’s 2021 live racing season ended on August 7 and officials reported that handle numbers, previously announced following the Thoroughbred meet, continued on a high note throughout the 42-day Quarter Horse racing season.

2021 Total:  $26,641,427                 42 Days                $619,568 Average per Day

2019 Total:  $9,012,707                   20 Days                $450,635 Average per Day

“We were pleased to see the increases in handle continue into our Quarter Horse meet,” said Sam Houston Race Park’s General Manager Dwight Berube. “Our goal heading into 2021 was to offer a quality racing program for both breeds. We are grateful for the support from our horsemen and women as well our loyal horseplayers who responded strongly to our industry-low takeouts and full complement of wagering opportunities.” 

About Sam Houston Race Park

Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s premier racing and entertainment facility, located just 15 miles from downtown Houston. Sam Houston Race Park offers a variety of attractions including 16 luxury suites overlooking the racetrack, The Pavilion Centre, and award-winning dining options in the Winner’s Circle Restaurant and Jockey Club.  For more information on upcoming shows, events and tickets, please visit www.shrp.com.

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