Sandy Ridge Opens Historic Quarter Horse Meet in Eastern Kentucky

A new chapter in Kentucky racing history began Wednesday as Sandy Ridge Racetrack officially opened in Boyd County, bringing live Quarter Horse racing to northeastern Kentucky for the first time in more than a century.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear joined state and local officials, racing industry representatives and community leaders for the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony ahead of the track's inaugural 11-race program.

"Today is the day," Beshear said moments before the noon post time. "Horse racing is back in eastern Kentucky."

Sandy Ridge is the culmination of a project launched after Revolutionary Racing was awarded Kentucky's ninth and final racetrack license by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission in 2022. The company selected Boyd County for its racing and gaming development near the Camp Landing Entertainment District.

The approximately $100 million investment is a partnership between Revolutionary Racing and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Principal Chief Michell Hicks represented the Eastern Band during Wednesday's grand-opening ceremony and expressed optimism that Sandy Ridge will enjoy long-term success.

Revolutionary Racing Chairman Larry Lucas said the project was designed to complement the entertainment and economic development already taking place in the region.

"It's great to see the mall (Camp Landing) and what's going on behind it with the sportsplex," Lucas said. "It's great to see everybody work together for a common goal."

The opening-day crowd filled the new facility as fans watched horses prepare in the trainer's area, visited local food trucks and gathered along the track to witness the first races over the Sandy Ridge surface.

The first winner in Sandy Ridge history came in dramatic fashion.

Jd Heza Paintedeagle, ridden by Gonzalo Gutierrez and trained by Fernando Lopez, prevailed in a photo finish in the 300-yard $66,000 allowance for 3-year-olds and up. Sent away at odds of 9-1, Jd Heza Paintedeagle earned the distinction of becoming the first race winner at the new Quarter Horse facility.

Christina Sowders, President of the Kentucky Quarter Horse Racing Association, described the opening as "a new day in Quarter Horse racing," while former Kentucky Senior Adviser Rocky Adkins said the development further strengthens Kentucky's standing as the "Horse Capital of the World."

The track also conducted six trials for the $125,000-added BOCA Futurity (see related story) and three trials for the $100,000-added Blue Grass Derby (see related story).

Boyd County Judge-Executive Eric Chaney said opening day exceeded his expectations and predicted the racetrack would provide another boost to the area's growing tourism economy.

"This track will take it to the next level," Chaney said.

The opening also represented the fulfillment of a timetable announced by Revolutionary Racing in 2024, when Lucas said live racing would begin in 2026. Sandy's Gaming, the project's gaming component located off U.S. 60, opened in 2023.

Lucas credited numerous state and local officials, business leaders and community partners with helping bring Sandy Ridge from concept to reality, describing the finished racetrack as a "fabulous beacon of hope."

For Sandy's Racing & Gaming General Manager Sara Ann Marlow, seeing the parking lot filled and families experiencing the new racetrack made years of planning worthwhile.

"I'm glad we're finally here," Marlow said. "It feels like a long time coming. You can only play so much in your mind of how it's going to go, and my mind has been completely blown."

Marlow said she hopes Sandy Ridge becomes more than simply a new racing venue and develops into a tradition for families throughout eastern Kentucky and the surrounding region.

"I want people to make this a tradition and keep coming back," she said.

Sandy Ridge will conduct an eight-day inaugural Quarter Horse meet. Following Wednesday's opener, racing continues Aug. 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28 before concluding Sept. 5 and 6.

The Sept. 6 closing-day program, beginning at 1:30 p.m., is scheduled to be televised nationally on FS1.

Admission to Sandy Ridge is free. Wagering is available at the racetrack and through Sandy's Gaming. For additional information, visit SandyRidge.com

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