Cruz, Valdivia, Todd and Denise Ray Earn Sandy Ridge Meet Titles

Roman Cruz, Samuel E. Valdivia and Todd and Denise Ray emerged as the leading jockey, trainer and owners, respectively, during the Sandy Ridge Racing Quarter Horse Meet that concluded Sunday following a run from August 19 through September 6.

Cruz captured the riding title with 15 wins from 58 starts while adding 16 seconds and 10 thirds. His mounts earned $488,637 during the meet, and he finished in the top three in 41 of his 58 starts, a 71% rate. Cruz won at a 26% clip.

Juan Pulido also enjoyed a strong meeting, winning nine of 26 starts with one second and six thirds. His mounts earned $160,251, and he finished among the top three in 62% of his starts.

Valdivia topped the trainer standings after saddling 12 winners from 58 starts. His runners added 14 seconds and five thirds while earning a meet-leading $435,679. Valdivia's stable finished among the top three 31 times and won at a 21% rate.

Samuel Mendoza recorded an impressive 10 victories from only 21 starts, good for a 48% win rate. Mendoza's runners also recorded one second and four thirds while earning $225,322. Fifteen of his 21 starters finished in the top three.

Tyler Cole Crawford saddled nine winners from 71 starts while adding 12 seconds and 11 thirds. His stable earned $296,868 and recorded 32 top-three finishes during the meeting.

Todd and Denise Ray earned the leading owner title after finishing the meet with two wins, two seconds and two thirds from 12 starts while earning $78,720. The Rays were among several owners with two victories, but their 2-2-2 overall record gave them the meet championship on the tiebreaker.

Whiting Ranch and Raymond A. Whitmire also won twice, going a perfect two-for-two while earning $117,825, the highest earnings total among the leading owners. Marisol Alvarado recorded two wins, one second and two thirds from nine starts while earning $82,257.

The Sandy Ridge Racing Quarter Horse Meet began August 19 and concluded September 6.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Would you like more industry news delivered directly to your inbox? Click here to sign up.