Ponying Up: Houston Businessman Offers $2M For Horse Match Race

Exec Hopes Zenyatta, Rachel Alexandra Will Duel At Sam Houston In October

Houston-based Gallery Furniture Owner Jim McIngvale yesterday said that he will put up a $2M purse if horses Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra "come to Sam Houston Race Park for a duel tentatively set for Oct. 3," according to Hal Lundgren of the HOUSTON CHRONICLE. While McIngvale's date "isn't firm," his "commitment is." McIngvale: "Gallery Furniture would sponsor the race. The winner would receive $1.2[M]. The other would get $800,000." McIngvale added Sam Houston "has the best dirt course in the country." Lundgren notes the October 3 date is "five weeks prior to the Breeders' Cup, a certainty on Zenyatta's calendar," and the "location is central, too." Zenyatta would come from California, while Rachel Alexandra "has been campaigning to the east." Sam Houston President & COO Andrea Young said the track is "definitely interested." Young: "We'd love to have them race here." But Lundgren notes excitement "seemed less obvious in the Zenyatta camp." Reps for Rachel Alexandra could not be reached for comment (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 8/11).