2 arrested in theft of Kentucky Derby-winning horse statue in Sacramento
The sudden disappearance of a seven‑foot bronze tribute to Ben Ali, the 1886 Kentucky Derby winner, has left a hollow spot on Del Paso Boulevard in Sacramento. Police say two suspects, Joshua Hughes and Aushajuan Hardy, are linked to the theft, and while one has been released, the other remains in custody.
The statue, installed in 2007 with city and grant funding, commemorated the region’s deep ties to thoroughbred racing through the historic Rancho Del Paso. Its loss not only represents an $80,000 artwork but also a tangible reminder of the area’s equestrian heritage.
Residents expressed shock as only a lone bronze hoof remained at the site, turning the missing monument into a symbol of communal identity. Investigators continue to appeal for tips, hoping to recover the piece and restore a piece of Sacramento’s cultural landscape.