With the countdown to the return of live harness racing at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino now measured in days, the entire property is abuzz with excitement as final preparations reach a crescendo. As the anticipation mounts, enthusiasts eagerly await the commencement of the 160-day race meet, scheduled to commence on Friday, March 22, coinciding with Harrah’s Hoosier Park’s highly anticipated Fan Appreciation Weekend. This weekend extravaganza promises a plethora of giveaways, enthralling racing contests, and an array of on-track promotions to delight racing aficionados.
In anticipation of the upcoming racing season, Hoosier Park Racing & Casino has meticulously crafted a schedule that promises to captivate audiences. Initially launching with a Friday and Saturday racing schedule for the first fortnight, the action will intensify with a Wednesday through Saturday calendar for the months of April and May. Post times for the weekday cards will once again commence at 6:15 p.m., while Saturday evenings will witness the thrill of racing under the lights, with post time set for 7 p.m.
As the barn area opened its gates to horsemen on Friday, March 1, those entrusted with stalls wasted no time in preparing for the season ahead, meticulously moving in their equine athletes and requisite equipment. The main track, a pivotal arena for training and conditioning, stands ready to welcome horses and horsemen, operating from Monday through Saturday between the hours of 6 a.m. and 1 p.m. throughout the entirety of the 2024 season, weather permitting. Additionally, the paddock and ship-in area have been primed to accommodate horsemen desiring to train, with strict adherence to all necessary paperwork requirements for entry.
The excitement peaks with the inaugural qualifier of the season slated for Saturday, March 9, featuring an enthralling lineup of 13 qualifying races set to commence at 10 a.m. This heralds the commencement of a regular schedule of qualifiers, scheduled every Wednesday and Saturday at 10 a.m., with the exception of Wednesday, March 20, when qualifiers will kick off at 5 p.m., serving as a pivotal "Dress Rehearsal" ahead of the grand opening night.
In an admirable collaborative effort between Harrah’s Hoosier Park and the Indiana Standardbred Association, a series of facility enhancements have been implemented to elevate the horsemen's experience at the track. Noteworthy enhancements include the installation of LED lighting above each individual stall in the barn area, enhancing visibility and safety for horsemen. Furthermore, water heaters in each barn have been equipped with boosters, ensuring optimal functionality. The main racing paddocks have undergone upgrades, including the integration of tankless water heaters and the expansion of the radiant heater system, providing added comfort during the early and late racing seasons. Additionally, Wi-Fi accessibility has been extended throughout the barn area, racing admin building, paddocks, dormitory, and driver's lounge, further enhancing connectivity and convenience for all stakeholders.
Rick Moore, Vice President and General Manager of Racing, expressed enthusiasm for the collective vision driving these capital projects, emphasizing their pivotal role in enhancing the overall barn area experience for horsemen and horsewomen alike.
With the dawn of the 2024 racing season, Harrah’s Hoosier Park eagerly anticipates another season of record-breaking success, following three consecutive seasons of unprecedented handle. A stellar stakes schedule awaits, boasting over $6 million USD in purse money, headlined by marquee events such as the $300,000 USD Dan Patch Stakes presented by Indiana Standardbred Breed Development on Friday, Aug. 9, and the illustrious $200,000 USD Caesars Trotting Classic presented by KountryLane Standardbreds on Friday, Sept. 20. Additional highlights include the highly anticipated returns of the Jim Doherty and Peter Haughton Memorials on Sept. 13, along with the esteemed Hoosier Champions card on Oct. 11.
As the countdown to the 2024 racing season draws to a close, the excitement continues to mount at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino, promising an electrifying season of unparalleled racing action and unrivaled entertainment.