Trainer Tom Amoss picked up where he left off last year at Indiana Grand Race Course, formerly known as Indiana Downs, which began its 2014 Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse meet May 6.
Amoss, who has led the track's trainer standings the previous three seasons, won three races on opening day with One Voice, Star At Five, and Vita Desiderata. One Voice, who took the first race of the meet, was claimed by owner/trainer Kim Hammond for $10,000.
In 2013 at Indiana Grand, located about 20 miles southeast of Indianapolis, Amoss won 81 races for $1.5 million in purse earnings.
"Last season is a pretty tough act to follow," Amoss said. "But we are always optimistic and will set our goals high."
Amoss will have 20-25 horses based at Indiana Grand and a larger group at the Churchill Downs Training Center in Kentucky. He trains for Maggi Moss, leading owner at Indiana Grand last year.
Jeremy Rose, who moved his tack to Kentucky this past winter, rode One Voice and Vita Desiderata for Amoss. Jockey Alberto Pusac also had a riding double on opening day.
"It's a good way to start off the meet," Rose said. "Every meet I hope to be a leading rider, but that doesn't mean I'm going to. Riding for Mr. Amoss means I have a shot."
The 10-race card, which included one Quarter Horse race, produced total handle of $901,689. Indiana Grand made several major improvements for the meet, including a total overhaul of the dirt racing surface.
Live racing is held beginning at 2:05 p.m. EDT Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and 5:50 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Thursday racing, with post time at 2:05 p.m., begins July 17.
