From Sam Houston Race Park
Sam Houston Race Park will begin repairs to the roof of its grandstand, as well as additional construction to rebuild portions of the stable and track areas, weather permitting beginning Jan. 22.
As a result of Hurricane Ike, Sam Houston was forced to relocate to Retama Park its 2008-09 Thoroughbred meet due to damages sustained by the facility. In addition, simulcast operations were moved to the track’s Pavilion Centre to ensure the safety of patrons during the construction period.
The storm’s high winds and rainfall caused significant damage throughout the property, including the grandstand, stable area, and infield tote board.
The roof replacement, the largest and most complicated portion of the rebuilding project, will utilize a crane assist in the removal of the existing damaged roof, replace all insulation, and reinstall new sections of metal roofing back on the building. The roof, which weighs roughly 130,000 pounds, will require about 12 weeks’ time in order to completely renovate.
Sam Houston has retained Linbeck to oversee the construction project.
“We are ready to move forward with rebuilding our facility,” Sam Houston president and chief operating officer Andrea Young said. “We have partnered with one of Houston’s best firms, Linbeck, and have every confidence that the project will run smoothly and efficiently so we can open with a bigger and better facility this spring.”
Once the roof repairs are complete, Sam Houston will install new drywall, paint, carpet, ceiling tiles, and Silestone countertops throughout the building, including on the suite and club levels, as well as the private membership club, the Jockey Club. In addition, the current infield tote board will be replaced with a state-of-the-art LED video screen scoreboard. The new tote board is expected to be in place by the start of the live racing season.
Sam Houston in late January will begin construction in the stable area, including rebuilding about 115 dorm and tack rooms, and repairs to areas of the barns that were damaged as a result of the high winds and rain.
Sam Houston is scheduled to reopen for live racing May 1 for Quarter Horse racing.
