Dust off your hats and raise a toast with your mint juleps—tomorrow is Kentucky Derby Day, but the party starts with Oaks Day at Sam Houston Race Park. This is Houston’s largest and most thrilling Derby celebration, with a weekend of fun activities planned.

Houston Life's Melanie Camp recently caught up with Bryan Pettigrew, Vice President and General Manager of Texas Racing Operations, to discuss the exciting launch of the 31st season of live thoroughbred racing at Sam Houston Race Park. The season kicked off on January 3 and promises a thrilling lineup of events every Friday through Sunday, with afternoon and night racing.

At Sam Houston Race Park, the buzz of horse racing is not just confined to the tracks. Behind the scenes, a dedicated team works tirelessly to ensure the park's smooth running and the well-being of its equine stars.