Bronze Ben Ali Horse Statue Stolen in Sacramento
The historic horse statue was removed from its mount outside the local youth center on Del Paso Boulevard.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Equestrian
Live Poll
Do you trust that your local government does enough to protect historical monuments in your neighborhood?
Police confirmed the theft of a bronze statue commemorating the racehorse Ben Ali, which was taken from the 1900 block of Del Paso Boulevard. The monument had stood outside the Sacramento Youth Center since its dedication in May 2008.
Why it matters
The theft removes a local historical landmark that honored the 1886 Kentucky Derby winner. Authorities are currently canvassing the area to recover the bronze piece and identify the suspects involved.
The stolen bronze sculpture honored the thoroughbred Ben Ali, winner of the 12th Kentucky Derby in 1886. The horse was a historic figure associated with the local Rancho Del Paso.
The players
Sacramento Youth Center
This community organization serves local young people and provided the public space where the Ben Ali statue was mounted.
Ben Ali
The thoroughbred was a legendary racehorse who famously secured victory at the 1886 Kentucky Derby.
The details
Authorities discovered the statue had been forcibly removed from its mounting on Del Paso Boulevard earlier this week. Officers have since canvassed the neighborhood and are actively following investigative leads to track the missing property.
Timeline
Ben Ali won the 12th Kentucky Derby in 1886.
The statue was dedicated on the boulevard in May 2008.
Police received a report regarding the theft on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
Officers followed up on investigation leads on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The removal of the monument disrupts a long-standing historical marker in the local community that stood for over 18 years. This loss changes the landscape of the Del Paso Boulevard corridor, where the statue served as a link to the city's equestrian heritage.
The theft leaves a prominent mounting base empty outside the Sacramento Youth Center, potentially leading to increased security patrols in the area. Residents with information regarding the missing statue are encouraged to assist police with their ongoing canvassing efforts.
The takeaway
The disappearance of the statue highlights the vulnerability of outdoor public monuments in urban settings. Residents should remain observant and report any suspicious activity around public installations to help preserve community landmarks.
Further reading
Learn more about the city's history with the sport on our Equestrian page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Sacramento Bee.
Live Poll
Do you trust that your local government does enough to protect historical monuments in your neighborhood?
