Here and There...

Hoosier Park at Anderson, Ind. has increased purses by $1,000 per race, effective with the racing program of Wednesday, Sept. 22. According to a statement from the track, the increase reflects an adjustment stemming from conservative purse account management at the beginning of the meet. Also, fewer high-purse races have been carded each night due to increased competition for horses. As a result, purses paid have been lower than anticipated." Track general manager Rick Moore said Hoosier Park's wagering has declined during the meet, but that the purses are being increased to enable the track to be competitive in attracting horses to fill races... Jockey Chuck Lopez, who won the riding title at Meadowlands last year, will miss the meet and the rest of the 2004 racing season. Lopez, who dislocated his right shoulder when he was thrown during a race at Monmouth Sept. 11, will undergo surgery for a torn rotator cuff. Lopez expects to return in January or February at Gulfstream Park.