Twenty-two leading Quarter Horse stallions are being offered in an online auction, with 100 percent of proceeds going directly to injured jockey Cruz Mendez as he begins rehabilitation and recovery.

© Sam Thompson Foundation

By Leann Noguera, StallioneSearch

LOS ALAMITOS, CA- FEBRUARY 15, 2026–The Sam Thompson Memorial Foundation has stepped forward once again to support one of the Quarter Horse industry’s own.

Beginning February 15 at 11:30 a.m. PST and continuing through February 19 at 6:00 p.m. PST, the Foundation will host a special online Stallion Service Auction with 100 percent of the proceeds going directly to longtime jockey Cruz Mendez.

The initiative is designed to help offset mounting medical and living expenses as Mendez begins the long road toward establishing a new normal following a devastating on-track accident.

The 22 stallions available in the auction are A Tempting Proposal, Cyber Attack, Dash To Follies, Dasha Dynasty, Dasha Good Reason, Easy Perry Cartel, Electrifying Cowboy, Ethics Aside, First Down Dash, Gold Heart Eagle V, Jess Being Valiant, Juice Is Loose, Mr Jess Perry, Open Me A Corona, Pa Cha Ching, Paint My Pilot, Pyc Prize Time, Rr Lotta Runforrobyn, Tell Cartel, Tlc Willie Cartel, and Walk Thru Fire (3).

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AND START BIDDING

Mendez, 40, underwent spinal surgery after suffering a spinal cord injury in a spill at Los Alamitos on Saturday, January 24, 2026. According to race reports, he was aboard the 3-year-old filly Imm Relentless in the fifth race when the filly “lost action” and fell. Mendez was transported to Long Beach Memorial Hospital, where he underwent surgery the following day.

A respected veteran of the Quarter Horse ranks, Mendez has compiled 1,184 career victories since launching his riding career in 2010, including 17 Grade 1 triumphs. He has captured five Quarter Horse riding titles at Los Alamitos, most recently in 2023, and in 2024 he was honored as the recipient of the prestigious Sam Thompson Memorial Jockey Award—an accolade that reflects both talent and character within the sport.

In a recent update, Mendez is expected to be transferred to the Craig Institute in Colorado to begin rehabilitation. At this time, he has no feeling in his legs, though doctors remain hopeful—based on recent testing—that sensation could return over time. The path ahead will demand strength, faith, and substantial financial resources.

The Sam Thompson Memorial Foundation has made it clear: the goal is simple—raise as much as possible to support Cruz Mendez and his family during this critical chapter. Every dollar generated through the stallion service auction, along with direct donations, will go straight to Mendez to assist with medical costs, rehabilitation, and the expenses associated with adapting to life after his injury.

Participants must register in order to bid in the online auction. Supporters who prefer to contribute directly may do so through the Foundation’s donation portal.

In moments like these, the Quarter Horse community has always stood shoulder to shoulder. This auction is more than a fundraiser—it is the industry rallying around one of its own.

If you would simply just like to make a donation, you can CLICK HERE.

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