Harness racing will once again take center stage at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino as the 24th season is set to get underway on Saturday, April 1. With a new, daily post time of 6:30 p.m., the 163-day season will be the most lucrative stakes program in the track’s history culminated by hosting the Breeders Crown events in October. A total of 14 races have been carded for Hoosier Park’s opening night that will be highlighted by full fields and quality racing.
“The start of each racing season brings about its own sense of rebirth and renewal,” Hoosier Park’s Vice President and General Manager of Racing Rick Moore noted. “But no more so than this year with the coveted Breeders Crown event looming on the horizon in late October. This season will be one of the most memorable racing seasons in Hoosier Park history and our team will be focused on making sure we bring the best in racing, gaming, dining and entertainment each and every night all the while keeping a sharp concentration on the last weekend of October.”
All of Hoosier Park’s familiar betting options are back, with a few exciting additions. New for 2017, Hoosier Park is proud to offer the Hoosier High-5 with an industry low takeout of 12 percent and a minimum wager of 20 cents. The Hoosier High-5, which requires a bettor to select the first five finishers in a race in exact order, will be offered on the last race each night, provided there are at least seven entrants. If there are no winning tickets sold, the net money wagered that day will be carried over to the next day’s Hoosier High-5 pool.
In partnership with the Unites States Trotting Association Strategic Wagering program and the Indiana Standardbred Association, Hoosier Park will also feature a $20,000 Guaranteed Trifecta in race 10 on Wednesday nights and a $10,000 Guaranteed Pick-4 pool on Thursday nights in races 3-6.
Hoosier Park has once again partnered with TwinSpires.com and will be pulling out all the stops for opening night. Building on the successes of 2016, TwinSpires is giving TSC players the opportunity to compete for their share of 1 million points. Racing fans are encouraged to visit TwinSpires.com for more information. Hoosier Park has also renewed its partnership with Australian racing broadcaster, Sky Racing and will be sending the signal to Australia four nights a week.
Hoosier Park will once again place an emphasis on an expanded social media campaign to raise awareness and engagement around this year’s racing season. Racing fans will have the ability to ask questions, post comments and participate in promotions using social media. Utilizing the hashtag #PlayHP, racing fans and participants are encouraged to follow Hoosier Park on Facebook and Twitter for up to date information and promotions.
Hoosier Park will welcome fans back to the track with Fan Appreciation Days –- a series of promotions, contests, food specials, and giveaways on Saturday, April 1, Friday, April 7, and Saturday, April 8. Hoosier Park’s ‘Family Fun Days’ return this Saturday and will continue each weekend throughout the entirety of the harness racing meet. Activities will include face painting, live entertainment, games and winner’s circle giveaways.
Saturday’s Fan Appreciation will kick off Hoosier Park’s new Saturday Night Life program, featuring a themed night of fun every week. On Saturday, April 1, the first 1,000 guests who are members of Club Centaur Rewards will receive a free Hoosier Park t-shirt at Trackside Club Centaur beginning at 11 a.m. Guests can also enjoy mystery race wager giveaways, $1 Fast and Furious shooters at Pegasus Lounge all day, $10 in free wagering with new FastBet Mobile memberships, and free childrens’ activities including face painting and cotton candy. Following live racing, The Hootz will perform a free show in The Terrace Showroom.
After opening night, Hoosier Park will host an abbreviated racing schedule with racing taking place Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The following week racing will resume a Tuesday through Saturday schedule throughout the end of the season on November 17, 2017.
(with files from Hoosier Park)