StallioneSearch BOCO Futurity and Bluegrass Derby Trial Recap Coverage (VIDEO)
By StallioneSearch.com Staff
ALBUQUERQUE, NM — August 21, 2026
—August 10, 2026–StallioneSearch.com begins its webcast coverage from Sandy Ridge Racetrack in Ashland, Kentucky, featuring the trials for the $266,250 BOCO Futurity, as well as the $165,600 Bluegrass Derby.
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, as 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.
The track also conducted six trials for the $266,250 BOCA Futurity and three trials for the $165,600 Blue Grass Derby.
Shesainnocentpiloto turned in the fastest qualifying time Wednesday afternoon as six trials were contested for the $266,250 BOCO Futurity at Sandy Ridge.
The two-year-olds competed at 350 yards over a fast track, with Shesainnocentpiloto leading the qualifiers after winning the fourth trial in :17.645 for a 106 speed index.
Ridden by Adrian Morales, Shesainnocentpiloto broke sharply from post five, immediately took command and held her advantage to the wire, winning by a half-length.
AJ Remember Me continued his winning streak Wednesday afternoon, posting the fastest qualifying time from four trials for the $165,600 Blue Grass Derby at Sandy Ridge.
The three-year-olds competed at 400 yards over a fast track, with AJ Remember Me winning the third trial in :19.758 for a 110 speed index. The heavy favorite broke on top from the inside and maintained his advantage throughout, defeating Bandita by three-quarters of a length.
Juan Pulido rode AJ Remember Me for owner Corinna Sosa and trainer Waylan Melton. Bred by Rancho El Cabresto Inc., the colt is a $120,000 Heritage Place Yearling Sale graduate. He is sired by world champion Apollitical Jess and out of the Tres Seis mare Remember Robyn. His second dam is Dam of Distinction Lotta Love For Robyn ($238,696).
Stallionesearch.com will be on-site providing webcast recap coverage for both the finals of the BOCO Futurity and the Bluegrass Derby at Sandy Ridge on Sunday September 6, 2026.
Coverage of the trials on StallioneSearch.com is sponsored by the Kentucky Quarter Horse Racing Associaton (https://kyqhra.org)
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