Sandy’s Racing Brings Big City Energy with Small Town Hospitality to The Tri-State
Sasha Bush
The Ashland Beacon
Rebirth, according to the Merriam Webster’s Dictionary, is defined as a renewed existence, activity, or growth. There is no greater physical manifestation of the word rebirth than that of the uncapped growth we witness daily happening right here in Boyd County. New businesses, new job opportunities, and new recreation to occupy our time are being introduced to us almost daily. One such business is about to change the face of Boyd County forever. Thanks in part to Revolutionary Racing, Boyd County is on the brink of opening its doors to one of the most unique entertainment experiences that this area has ever witnessed.
Construction has been in full swing with crews working day end and day out to bring you an entertainment experience not only driven by historic racing machines but also serving as the nation’s newest quarter horse racetrack. Sandy’s Racing and Gaming promises to be a world-class facility that will bring with it memorable races, rodeos, livestock shows, family festivals, and other special events. This state-of-the-art facility will be the Tri-State’s newest and most exciting entertainment destination the state of Kentucky has ever seen.
With this massive 74,000 square foot build underway, Sandy’s Racing invited media and special guests out to take a first look at the progress that has been made. A total of 40,000 square foot has been dedicated to gaming space. Within that gaming space, Sandy’s Racing will start out with a total of 672 HHR machines, which stands for Historic Horse Racing Machines, with plans to expand that number to 750 within the first three months of opening. With so many HHR machines, there is sure to be a game that everyone will enjoy. Among those will be fan favorites such as Waken Bacon, Wheel of Fortune, and Buffalo Gold just to name a few.
Sandy’s Racing will feature both smoking and non-smoking areas to game. The non-smoking area will consist of 190 HHR machines and has its own dedicated HVAC unit to ensure that no smoke can get within the confines of the non-smoking area. These historic horse racing machines will bring with it a new age of producing races and entertainment to our area. Sandy’s Racing will also house three cinema-sized screens, which will be used to watch the horse races and other sports. In addition, two stages will be used for live entertainment.
Located at 10699 U.S. 60 Ashland, Ky 41102, in the old Sears building of what is now known as Camp Landing-The Entertainment District, Sandy’s Racing will redefine the face of horseracing and gaming as we know it. “We march to our own beat. We’re a gaming parlor where the horses dash; the games, cash, and drinks splash. We’re the place where locals can escape the everyday and tri-staters feel at home. The place where the bourbon flows, toes tap in unison to live music, and hands high five in the sports book when the Wildcats are covering. And when it’s post time… WATCH OUT. Our OTB gets wild when the horses hit the stretch. Sandy’s has big city energy with small time hospitality. Adrenaline is often served next to a good burger and fries. So, grab your adventurous spirit and head on over.” claimed Sandy’s Racing website.
Sara Ann Marlow, Sandy’s Racing Player Services Manager, led small groups of media and special guest on a tour throughout the facility. Marlow stated, “We (Sandy’s Racing) are really excited to be able to bring so much to this area in terms of entertainment and jobs. It makes us happy to be able to not only bring jobs to the area but to also support local businesses.” One such business will be local cigar shop, Fat Ash Cigars. Fat Ash Cigars is proud to be able to partner up with Sandy’s Racing to bring the area’s best cigars to this area’s biggest and most iconic entertainment destination yet.
Rocky Adkins, senior advisor to Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and former Democratic floor leader in the state House of Representatives, was also present for this first look tour. Adkins believes that this 60-million-dollar investment has now turned into a 75-million dollar investment. Sandy’s Racing is just the beginning, and this 60-million-dollar investment is the tip of the iceberg. The sky is the limit on what this area can bring in terms of other industries and businesses. “This is going to be a very enjoyable destination. It is a place that will undoubtedly be ran in a first-class way and will bring with it a real uplifting energy. To be able to see real progress taking place here right before our eyes is going to create a real momentum for this area. The only reason anyone should ever leave this area is because they want to and not because they feel that they have to.” Adkins explained.
With the addition of over 200 permanent jobs brought to this area, the economic impact alone is astronomical. It is estimated that Sandy’s Racing will generate $11 million in state tax revenue and will put Boyd County on the map. The sheer volume of patrons who will come from near and far to enjoy the entertainment that Sandy’s Racing provides will not only generate revenue for the Sandy’s Racing but for all surrounding restaurant businesses. As tourists come in to play, they will need to stay in our hotels, dine and shop at our stores. All of this puts money back into our economy and makes this area thrive and prosper.
Sandy’s Racing is set to have its soft opening sometime in October. Shortly after that, construction on phase two will begin. Sandy Ridge will be Kentucky’s first quarter horse racetrack and equestrian center and is set to be built on 182 acres adjacent to the gaming facility. Sandy Ridge hopes to host its first quarter horse race in the Spring of 2025.
