A brand new stakes race for fillies and mares will be held at Sam Houston Race Park early in 2013. The racetrack announced Tuesday the creation of the $400,000 Houston Ladies Classic.

"Fillies and mares have been the superstars of the racing industry for the last three years," said Andrea Young, Sam Houston Race Park's president. "We are proud to bring Houston and Texas its richest race and we look forward to the Houston Ladies Classic anchoring an unprecedented day in Texas thoroughbred racing."

The Houston Ladies Classic will be conducted at 1 1/16-miles on the main track on Jan. 26, 2013. It's double the purse of the $200,000 John B. Connally Turf Cup which will held on the same program as the Ladies Classic.