Hoosier Park Racing & Casino has announced the names of four charitable organizations that will serve as official beneficiaries for the 34th edition of the Breeders Crown held on Friday, October 27 and Saturday, October 28. The Standardbred Retirement Foundation, the Harness Horse Youth Foundation, New Vocations Racehorse Adoption, and the Animal Protection League have been selected to benefit as Hoosier Park launches a special campaign in support of these organizations during the 2017 Breeders Crown.

The Breeders Crown is harness racing’s annual series of 12 championship events valued at $6 million. The series is returning to the Midwest for the first time in more than three decades, and for the very first time on Indiana soil at Hoosier Park.

In conjunction with all Breeders Crown activities in October, Hoosier Park will work to raise awareness and funding to assist in the mission of these four charities through promotions, donations and a very special equestrian-themed silent art auction. Racing fans attending the Breeders Crown will have the opportunity to make contributions and learn about each of the organizations.

While Hoosier Park continues to raise funds and awareness for many important causes throughout the year, the focus on the Breeders Crown event is to elevate equestrian and animal-related charities. Included is the Standardbred Retirement Foundation, selected for their dedication to the saving, rehabilitation, care, and focus on lifetime adoption of non-competitive racehorses.

Also designated as a recipient, the Harness Horse Youth Foundation is devoted to providing educational opportunities to the next generation of harness horse participants and fans. Another vital foundation that will share in the funds raised is New Vocations Racehorse Adoption, an organization ascribed to providing retired racehorses a safety-net through rehabilitation, education, and placement in caring homes.

Additionally, the Animal Protection League (APL) is committed to making second chances possible through the human and animal connection with a compassionate and humane treatment for all types of animals. APL is central to the rescue and care of homeless domestic animals in the Madison County area.

“Since being selected as host for the 34th edition of the Breeders Crown, our entire team at Hoosier Park and Centaur Gaming has worked diligently to prepare for this historic event as we welcome thousands of racing fans and members of the horse racing industry to our facility,” said Rick Moore, Hoosier Park’s vice president and general manager of racing.

Moore also noted, “A big part of this event is recognizing the charitable organizations who dedicate their time and effort to the admirable cause of caring for retired and often forgotten animals in need of compassionate and loving homes. These wonderful organizations deserve our support and acknowledgment, and we are proud to recognize them during the 2017 Breeders Crown. We appreciate each of these caring organizations for all that they do on a daily basis.”

(Hoosier Park)