Sandy Ridge at Red Mile to feature some of nation’s fastest horses
For the first time in more than a decade, Kentucky will once again be home to world-class quarter horse racing.
Sandy Ridge at Red Mile takes place April 1-6 at the Lexington track. Featuring horses from Kentucky and around the country, more than $1.2 million in purses will be awarded over the six days. It is free admission for all ages and races begin each day at 2 p.m.
“We couldn’t be more excited to re-introduce quarter horse racing in Kentucky,” said John Marshall, President of Sandy’s Racing | Gaming. “The speed of quarter horse racing is invigorating - we know that Kentucky fans will love it.”
Unlike thoroughbred races, quarter horses race a straight-away before crossing the finish line. A series of races will take place throughout each day, ranging from 110 yards to 330 yards, and generally last between 20 and 45 seconds, a fraction of the time of a typical thoroughbred race.
Horses will begin arriving at Red Mile on March 25, with the first training sessions occurring on March 26.
Fans can watch at Red Mile, while races will also be available to watch from your favorite track or OTB, the RTN Network, Q-Racing Video and the Cowboy Channel. Wagers can be placed via twinspires.com, xpressbet.com, nyrabets.com, and tvg.com.
This is the first time that races sanctioned by the American Quarter Horse Association have occurred in Kentucky since 2010. Last year, the Kentucky Quarter Horse Racing Association and Revolutionary Racing Kentucky worked together to secure the Commonwealth’s ninth and final horse racing license.
Revolutionary Racing Kentucky is investing $55 million to build a racetrack and gaming facility in Eastern Kentucky. While that track is under construction, they are investing millions more into racing at Red Mile, including recently unloading 7,000 tons of soil to ensure the turf exceeds AQHA quality standards. New railing has also been installed, among other features, ensuring safety remains the top priority at a world-class event.