Zebras to Race at Sam Houston Race Park for the First Time

Camel and ostrich races return this weekend, joined by the debut of zebra racing at the Texas racetrack.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Sam Houston Race Park is hosting its 15th annual camel and ostrich races this weekend, but this year they are adding a new animal to the mix - zebras. The park's marketing director, David Palomo, says they've been considering adding zebras for the past two years, and this year they were able to work it out with a traveling vendor to bring the zebras in for the races. Palomo expects the zebra races to be an exciting new addition, though he notes the animals can be unpredictable and may not always want to race that day.

Why it matters

The addition of zebra racing to the already unique lineup of camel and ostrich races at Sam Houston Race Park is an attempt to draw more visitors and provide a novel entertainment experience. Exotic animal racing is a niche attraction, and the park is hoping the zebras will help set their event apart and attract both returning and new fans.

The details

The camel and ostrich races have been an annual tradition at Sam Houston Race Park for 15 years. This year, they are partnering with Hedrick's Promotions, Inc., a traveling vendor that brings these types of exotic animals to racetracks around the country. The zebras will be joining the camels and ostriches, and Palomo says it will be exciting to see how the unpredictable zebras perform on the racetrack.

  • The races will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026 starting at 6:30 p.m. and on Saturday, March 7, 2026 starting at 1 p.m.
  • This marks the 15th annual camel and ostrich races at Sam Houston Race Park.

The players

Sam Houston Race Park

A racetrack located in Houston, Texas that hosts various horse and exotic animal racing events throughout the year.

David Palomo

The marketing director for Sam Houston Race Park, who has been with the venue for about two years and has been considering adding zebra racing to the event lineup.

Hedrick's Promotions, Inc.

A traveling vendor that brings exotic animals like camels, ostriches, and now zebras to racetracks around the country for special racing events.

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What they’re saying

“It's not every day you get to see camels, ostriches and zebras race on a racetrack.”

— David Palomo, Marketing Director, Sam Houston Race Park (Houston Chronicle)

“Zebras are almost like cats. They either want to do it or they don't. They maybe don't want to race that day, or they will. It's gonna be fun and just something new that we can give back to our guests.”

— David Palomo, Marketing Director, Sam Houston Race Park (Houston Chronicle)

What’s next

The races this weekend will determine if zebra racing is a successful new addition to the annual camel and ostrich events at Sam Houston Race Park. If the zebras prove to be a popular attraction, the park may look to continue featuring them in future years.

The takeaway

Sam Houston Race Park is embracing unique and exotic animal racing as a way to differentiate its annual event and draw in new crowds. The addition of zebras to the camel and ostrich races is an innovative attempt to provide an exciting and novel entertainment experience for attendees.