Multiple Grade 1 winning jockey will ride at the upcoming Sandy Ridge at the Red Mile Quarter Horse meet that starts Sunday in Lexington, Kentucky.

© Coady Photography

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY –MARCH 13, 2024–Multiple Grade 1 winning jockey and the #3 leading rider by earnings in the nation last year, will be seeking his first leading-rider title at the Sandy Ridge at the Red Mile Quarter Horse meet in Lexington that starts Sunday March 17, 2024.

The 19-year old Dallas, Texas native landed eight mounts on the eight-race card of opening day, including a mount aboard HH C J Shake for trainer Shawna Martin in the $45,000-Added Cherokee Overnight Stakes.  

The seven-year old Escondido Beach-gelding is a multiple stakes winner in his career of $431,979, including wins in both the Harley Greene Derby, QHRAI Stallion Service Auction Futurity,  and the Miss Roxie Little Futurity.

"My agent Donnie Stewart and I had decided to make a real run at the meet this year in Lexington," said Candanosa. "The entries for opening day look great, and I'm excited to get over to Sandy Ridge and get to work. My goal is to try to win as many as possible, as well as to come out of the meet safe and healthy.  It helps a lot when your agent is putting you on horses with a great shot to win."

Since making his debut at Evangeline Downs in November of 2018, Candanosa has recorded victories in the $1-Million Heritage Place Futurity(G1) and the Oklahoma Futurity(G2) aboard Tres Crystals, the $973,665 Remington Park Oklahoma-Bred Futurity(RG1) aboard PYC Avenue, the James Isaac Hobbs Stakes(G2) aboard Getthere Fast, and the Hobbs America Derby(G3) aboard Jess Good Wine, to name a few.

First post for opening of the 2023 Sandy Ridge at The Red Mile is at 1:30 p.m. (EDT) on Sunday, March 17, 2024.