Hoosier Park Racing & Casino launched its 64-day Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse meet Aug. 1 and will offer live racing through Oct. 27.
The Indiana racetrack has scheduled racing five days a week--Tuesdays through Saturdays--with a first post time of 5:30 p.m. EDT weekdays and 12:30 p.m. Saturdays. Track officials said they plan to build on the success of "family-friendly" events and activities offered during the recent harness meet.
"We are looking toward our 18th season of Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing with much anticipation and excitement," Hoosier Park vice president and general manager of racing Brian Elmore said. "We are going above and beyond expectations to provide everyone a better experience, and I'm confident that the horsemen and patrons will appreciate Hoosier Park's efforts and multiple facility enhancements."
The stakes schedule will have a mix of open and state-bred events. The big day of racing is Oct. 6, when the $500,000 Indiana Derby and $200,000 Indiana Oaks (both gr. II) will be raced along with multiple other stakes.
Last year's leading jockey and trainer--Leandro Goncalves and Gary Patrick, respectively--are back at Hoosier Park this year.
The Wednesday opening night card of nine races generated total pari-mutuel handle of $882,227, according to Equibase. Hoosier Park generally offers Quarter Horse races at the end of some of its Thoroughbred programs.
