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BloodHorse.com Articles by James Platz

Breeders' Cup Chat: BC Wrap & HOY Debate

Breeders' Cup Chat: BC Wrap & HOY Debate

After an unexpected Classic result, who is the HOY front-runner?

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 Sunday, November 06, 2011
Jackson Bend, Uncle Mo Square Off in Kelso

Jackson Bend, Uncle Mo Square Off in Kelso

Uncle Mo will face older horses for the first time and tangle with the red-hot Jackson Bend in the $200,000 Kelso Handicap (gr. II), one of six graded stakes at Belmont Park Oct. 1.

 Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Biondetti Gives Godolphin Another Juvy Hope

Biondetti Gives Godolphin Another Juvy Hope

Godolphin will try to win a third consecutive Breeders' Cup Juvenile Nov. 6 when it sends out Biondetti at Churchill Downs.

 Wednesday, November 03, 2010
Hoosier Park Parent Files for Chapter 11

Hoosier Park Parent Files for Chapter 11

Centaur LLC, the owner of Hoosier Park Racing & Casino and saddled with significant debt and interest payments, has filed for bankruptcy.

 Monday, March 08, 2010

Hoosier Park Parent Misses Deadline on Loans

Indianapolis-based Centaur, which owns Hoosier Park Racing & Casino in Anderson, Ind., recently missed interest payments and has defaulted on loans in excess of $400 million.

 Friday, October 30, 2009
Indiana Downs Has Record-Setting Meet

Indiana Downs Has Record-Setting Meet

While business nationally continues to show double-digit declines, Indiana Downs once again bucked the trends during its recently-concluded 62-day race meet. The Shelbyville track, offering a slots-enriched program, enjoyed a record-setting Thoroughbred meet, with nearly all indicators showing growth. The Indiana Downs product generated nearly $61 million in total handle, an increase of 19.5% from 2008.

 Monday, July 20, 2009
Ellis Park, Others Squeezed by Indiana

Ellis Park, Others Squeezed by Indiana

Hoosier Park Racing & Casino and Indiana Downs have submitted requests for 2009 schedules that could significantly impact surrounding states.

 Monday, November 03, 2008

Hoosier Park Begins a Season of Change

Hoosier Park Racing & Casino kicks off a 14th season of Thoroughbred racing Aug. 29, and the 63-day meet will be one of change.

 Friday, August 29, 2008

Indy-Bred Purses Get $800,000 Bump

The Indiana Horse Racing Commission approved a plan Aug. 14 that calls for significant increases to purses offered through the Thoroughbred Breed Development program at the upcoming Hoosier Park meet.

 Wednesday, August 20, 2008
More Dates, More Bets at Indiana Downs

More Dates, More Bets at Indiana Downs

Despite downward trends in wagering nationwide, Indiana Downs bucked the trend by staying relatively flat during its 54-day Thoroughbred meet that ended July 8.

 Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Indy Tracks: $26M in Slots Revenue

Indy Tracks: $26M in Slots Revenue

The slots era in Indiana is off to a strong start as the casinos at both Hoosier Park and Indiana Downs combined to pull in a little more than $26 million in adjusted gross receipts during the first month of operation.

 Wednesday, July 09, 2008

Indiana Downs Opens Slots Facility

The temporary "Indiana Live!" slot-machine casino at Indiana Downs opened to the public June 9, ushering in a richer future for the state's horsemen. But purses won't be going up any time soon.

 Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Racetrack Slots Era Begins in Indiana

The slots era for Indiana horse racing officially began June 2 when Hoosier Park Racing & Casino opened its doors to the public.

 Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Indiana Extends Steroids Grace Period

Indiana Extends Steroids Grace Period

The Indiana Horse Racing Commission voted May 12 to extend the grace period for anabolic steroid positives at Hoosier Park and Indiana Downs to 90 days.

 Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Hot-Handed Mojica Bags 1,000th Winner

Jockey Orlando Mojica, one of the top riders at the recent winter/spring meet at Turfway Park, booted home his 1,000th career winner April 26 at Indiana Downs.

 Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Indiana Downs Begins Transition Meet

Indiana Downs Begins Transition Meet

Indiana Downs enjoyed a promising start to its 54-day Thoroughbred meet April 25-26, with large crowds and strong wagering. Indiana Downs will offer racing through July 8.

 Monday, April 28, 2008

With Slots on Way, Changes in Indiana

Steroids, new emergency rules for horse racing, and updates on racetrack casino construction at Hoosier Park and Indiana Downs dominated the discussion during the March 11 Indiana Horse Racing Commission meeting.

 Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Hoosier Park Has Deal to Purchase Land

Hoosier Park Has Deal to Purchase Land

Hoosier Park owner Centaur received approval Feb. 25 to purchase the 110 acres of land on which the Anderson, Ind., racetrack sits.

 Monday, March 03, 2008
Indiana Sticks With Steroids Plan

Indiana Sticks With Steroids Plan

Indiana is moving forward with plans to implement regulation and testing of anabolic steroids in racehorses April 1.

 Tuesday, February 05, 2008

Indiana Tracks to Offer 117 Thoroughbred Dates in 2008

The Indiana Horse Racing Commission has unanimously approved the Thoroughbred racing calendar for 2008, awarding 117 days for the state's horsemen at two racetracks.

 Tuesday, October 02, 2007

Indiana to Regulate Steroids; Questions Raised

Indiana has become the first state to adopt model rules for regulating use of anabolic steroids in racehorses, but horsemen and others believe the move could be premature.

 Sunday, September 30, 2007

Hoosier: No Slots Yet, But Racing Packs 'em In

Thoroughbred racing returned to Hoosier Park Sept. 1 for the Indiana track's 13th season in a big way--officials reported attendance of 7,203, the largest crowd in seven years.

 Sunday, September 02, 2007

Signals Restored in Indiana, But Questions Linger

The Indiana Horse Racing Commission's ban on the import of signals from Arlington Park and Calder Race Course turned out to be short-lived.

 Friday, August 24, 2007

Indiana Commission Bans Arlington, Calder Signals

The Indiana Horse Racing Commission voted unanimously Aug. 21 to ban the import of signals from Arlington Park and Calder Race Course at all wagering outlets in the state.

 Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Hoosier Park Gets OK to Build Slots Facility

Hoosier Park officials were given the green light Aug. 21 to break ground on a proposed 92,000 square-foot slot-machine casino.

 Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Indy Commission Could Rule on Simulcast Status

It appears the simulcast signals from Arlington Park and Calder Race Course could be pulled from other Indiana wagering outlets, this time at the urging of the Indiana Horse Racing Commission.

 Monday, August 20, 2007

Indiana Weighs Options After CDI Pulls Signals

Indiana Downs is weighing its options in the wake of a decision by Churchill Downs Inc. to pull its racing signals from an Indiana Downs-owned off-track wagering parlor.

 Thursday, August 16, 2007

Hoosier Park to Seek Permanent Slots Approval

Hoosier Park officials decided Wednesday to forgo a temporary slots facility and build a 92,696-square-foot casino with permanent slots at the Anderson, Ind., racetrack.

 Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Indiana Downs Posts 28% Hike in Total Handle

Indiana Downs Posts 28% Hike in Total Handle

Indiana Downs reported handle growth during its 2007 Thoroughbred meet, including a 28.71% increase in total wagering on the live product. Total handle has more than doubled since 2005.

 Thursday, July 12, 2007

Indiana Racetracks Buy Land With Expansion in Mind

Two Indiana racetracks are buying land for the purpose of expanding their operations given the advent of slot machines.

 Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Indiana Racetrack Slots Bill Headed to Governor

Indiana lawmakers advanced a bill to the desk of Gov. Mitch Daniels late April 29 that would permit slot machines at Hoosier Park and Indiana Downs, but each track must pay $250 million up front for a slots license.

 Saturday, April 28, 2007

Proposal Calls for Auction of Racetrack Slots Licenses

An Indiana legislator has proposed licenses to operate slot machines at two racetracks in the state be auctioned to the highest bidder.

 Thursday, April 19, 2007

Indiana Racetrack Slots Bill Advances Again

The Indiana Senate has approved legislation that would authorize slot machines at Hoosier Park and Indiana Downs. The measure now goes back to the House of Representatives, where changes made by the Senate can be approved or rejected.

 Friday, March 30, 2007

More Changes Made to Indiana Slots Legislation

Legislation to authorize slot machines at Hoosier Park and Indiana Downs continues to be reshaped in the Indiana legislature. The full Senate could determine its fate March 27.

 Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Indiana Slots Bill Progresses With Higher Fees

Legislation that would allow slot machines at Indiana's two pari-mutuel racetracks was endorsed by a Senate committee on a 9-3 vote March 20, but there are concerns about a $400-million license fee each track would have to pay for the right to operate slots.

 Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Indiana Rules Keep Suspended Trainers from Transferring Horses

The Indiana Horse Racing Commission has voted unanimously to endorse new rules that disallow a suspended trainer from transferring a horse to a spouse, immediate family member, or assistant trainer.

 Monday, March 19, 2007

Indiana Slots Bill Clears Another House Committee

Legislation to authorize slot machines at Indiana's two pari-mutuel racetracks has cleared a second House committee.

 Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Changed Model

By James Platz - While not a surprise, Churchill Downs' decision to sell Hoosier Park reflects on the health of the Indiana racing industry.

 Wednesday, January 03, 2007

Star Dabbler's Connections Drop Indiana Derby Protest

A protest filed by the connections of Star Dabbler involving the finish of the $513,200 Indiana Derby (gr. II) has been withdrawn.

 Friday, December 01, 2006

Commission Awards Live Racing Dates in Indiana

The Indiana Horse Racing Commission has unanimously approved a 2007 racing calendar for the state's Thoroughbred horsemen that offers 109 dates at Indiana Downs and Hoosier Park

 Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Owners of Baghdaria Get Their Shot at Churchill

Owners Clinton and Susan Atkins had hoped to watch their 3-year-old filly Baghdaria race under Churchill Downs' famed twin spires on the first Friday in May. The filly didn't compete in the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I), but they have a second chance to compete at Churchill with a berth in the Breeders' Cup World Championships.

 Thursday, November 02, 2006

Decision on Indiana Derby Protest Expected Soon

A decision could be made the week of Oct. 29 regarding the protest of a dead-heat decision in the $513,200 Indiana Derby (gr. II) held Oct. 7 at Hoosier Park. The protest was filed by owner Barry Schwartz after his colt, Star Dabbler, was placed first in a dead heat with Cielo Gold in the 1 1/16-mile contest.

 Monday, October 30, 2006

Indiana HBPA Conducting Special Election for All Seats

The Indiana Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association is conducting a special election to fill the office of president and each of 10 board seats. The election comes in response to dissention among the membership after four elected officials were removed last November for allegedly violating the organization's bylaws.

 Monday, October 30, 2006

Protest Filed Over Finish of Indiana Derby

The connections of Star Dabbler have filed a protest with the Indiana Horse Racing Commission centering around the 3-year-old colt's dead-heat victory in the $513,200 Indiana Derby (gr. II) Oct. 7. Owner Barry Schwartz and trainer Michael Hushion, who feel their entry hit the wire first, faxed the protest to the IHRC Oct. 9.

 Thursday, October 12, 2006

Bright One Seems OK; Classic Remains Option

Despite a seventh-place effort in the $513,200 Indiana Derby (gr. II) at Hoosier Park Oct. 7, the connections of West Virginia Derby (gr. III) winner Bright One have not ruled out the $4-million Breeders' Cup Classic - Powered by Dodge (gr. I) as the next stop for their colt.

 Monday, October 09, 2006

Star Dabbler, Cielo Gold Finish in Dead Heat

Star Dabbler and Cielo Gold could not be separated at the wire, finishing in a dead heat for victory in the $513,200 Indiana Derby (gr. II) before a crowd of 5,134 at Hoosier Park Saturday night.

 Saturday, October 07, 2006

Baghdaria Surges to Indiana Oaks Triumph

Clinton and Susan Atkins' Baghdaria settled behind a four-horse duel on the front before making her bid for the lead and drawing clear at the wire to win the $402,800 Indiana Breeders Cup Oaks (gr. III) Friday night at Hoosier Park.

 Saturday, October 07, 2006

Miraculous Miss Seeks 4th Straight in Indiana Oaks

A field of 10 sophomore fillies will contest the $400,000-added Indiana Breeders' Cup Oaks (gr. III) Friday evening at Hoosier Park. Puglisi Stables and Steve Klesaris' Miraculous Miss has been selected as the 5-2 favorite for the 1 1/16 miles event.

 Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Bright One Hopes to Continue Roll in Indiana Derby

West Virginia Derby (gr. III) winner Bright One has been tabbed the 5-2 morning-line favorite for Saturday night's grade II, $500,000 Indiana Derby at Hoosier Park. The track's signature Thoroughbred event, for 3-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles, has attracted a full field of 12.

 Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Top 3-Year-Olds Nominated to Hoosier Park Stakes

The $500,000 Indiana Derby (gr. II), Hoosier Park's signature event, has attracted 34 nominations, including West Virginia Derby (gr. III) winner Bright One, millionaire and multiple graded-stakes winner Brother Derek, and Kent Breeders' Cup Stakes (gr. IIIT) winner Brilliant.

 Thursday, September 28, 2006
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