Construction continues at Sandy Ridge Quarter Horse Racetrack in Ashland, Kentucky, as the facility prepares to host its first Quarter Horse meet beginning August 19.

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By Leann Noguera, StallioneSearch

ASHLAND, KY–APRIL 26, 2026–Sandy’s Racing and Gaming in Ashland, Kentucky, is preparing to host its first Quarter Horse meet in mid-August, with construction crews working to complete new barns, paddocks, seating and fan amenities ahead of opening weekend.

The new Sandy Ridge Quarter Horse Racetrack in Boyd County is currently under construction and will be Kentucky’s only racetrack dedicated exclusively to Quarter Horse racing.

The gates are scheduled to open August 19-21. Additional race dates include August 26-28 and September 4-5. The KyQHRA plans to offer $250,000 in daily purses, with a total purse commitment of $3 million.

Sandy’s will also offer trainers a $200 per start bonus during the 2026 live meet, adding another incentive aimed at building strong participation and deeper fields.

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Featured stakes races include the $125,000-added BOCO Futurity and the $100,000 Bluegrass Derby, both with trials set for August 19 the finals on September 5.

The state-of-the-art facility is expected to significantly expand racing opportunities and economic impact in the region.

In an interview with WSAZ3, a television station based in Huntington, West Virginia, general manager Sara Ann Marlow said the project marks a major milestone for the facility and the community.

“Right now, crews are focused on building the oval track and racing surface, developing barns, a paddock area and operation area, finalizing guest spaces and infrastructure,” Marlow said. “It’s being designed as a full entertainment destination, not a temporary add-on.”

“Guests can expect something completely new for the region — fast-paced, high-energy racing paired with an entertainment experience,” Marlow said. “Quarter Horse races are short, explosive sprints. Think seconds, not minutes.”

Beyond the track itself, the project is expected to boost tourism and create new jobs.

“The goal is simple: come for the races, stay for a full night out,” Marlow said.

“Bottom line, it positions Boyd County as a destination, not a pass-through,” she added.

Kentucky has also created the Kentucky Quarter Horse Development Fund, which provides purse support, breeder incentives and registration programs to help grow the Quarter Horse racing industry in the state.

Administered by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, the fund is supported through pari-mutuel tax revenue and rewards breeders, owners and participants who invest in Kentucky-bred horses.

ABOUT THE KyQHRA
The Kentucky Quarter Horse Racing Association represents men and women throughout Kentucky and works closely with track partners to grow competitive opportunities, promote Kentucky-bred horses and strengthen the future of the sport. The association is dedicated to expanding racing access, supporting breeders and helping riders and owners take advantage of Kentucky’s incentive programs.