Jessies First Down rallies again to win Sam Houston Classic

Trainer Judd Kearl felt no doubt as his horse labored to the finish of Saturday’s $50,000 Sam Houston Classic at Sam Houston Race Park.

“Not a bit of doubt,” Kearl said. “I knew he’d win it.”

Jessies First Down did just that. He rushed past Fly Thru the Fire in the final yards to earn the $30,000 first prize.

“That’s how he wins, coming from behind,” Kearl said. “He always does it that way.”

Ted Abrams’ 5-year-old gelding has finished first or second in 15 of his 22 starts.

Abrams’ daughter Heather “raised” the horse and identified him as a competitor long ago.

“He was also special to me because he was the last horse I raised before I went off and married,” she said. “You could tell he was going to be a runner. He had that killer look.

“Very relaxed. But he knows when it’s time to race. He’s never antsy in the paddock. His muscles aren’t all tightened up. You can tell some horses are nervous before a race. They’re expending a lot of energy. Not this horse. He prepares himself to run without getting all edgy before the race.”

Jessies First Down had a reason be unsettled before the Classic.

Quemados Version refused to enter the starting gate. That colt caused a ruckus that delayed the start.

When the starting bell finally rang, Fly Thru the Fire surged into what appeared to be a safe lead. As they neared the wire, Jessies First Down proved that lead wasn’t safe enough.

A strange event marked a secondary feature, the $25,000 Governors’ Cup Marathon. Just before the start, jockey Francisco Ramirez opted to dismount from Jess Cash Twice and request a substitute rider.

He offered no reason for pulling out of the race. Texas Racing Commission rules permit a rider to withdraw without explanation.

Julio Rodriguez substituted for Ramirez. It was a timely decision.

He urged his horse past EC Cartel near the finish and won by two yards.