Earlier today, officials from Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino and Indiana Grand Racing & Casino presented the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department’s Mounted Patrol Unit a $50,000 contribution to aid a capital fund for a new equine facility. Following today’s donation, the unit has raised nearly $200,000 towards a goal of $1 million.

The presentation took place at the IMPD’s Mounted Patrol headquarters, located on the west side of Indianapolis, with remarks from Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, IMPD Chief of Police Randal Taylor, IMPD Operations Department Chief Josh Barker, IMPD Horse Patrol Sergeant Allan Whitesell, Mounted Horse Patrol Association Board President and Executive Director Chris Golightly, Indiana Grand Racing & Casino SVP and GM Mike Rich, and Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino SVP & GM Trent McIntosh.

Pictured from left to right – Indiana Grand Racing & Casino SVP and GM Mike Rich, IMPD Horse Patrol Sergeant Allan Whitesell, Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino SVP & GM Trent McIntosh, Mounted Horse Patrol Association Board President and Executive Director Chris Golightly, IMPD Chief of Police Randal Taylor, IMPD Operations Department Chief Josh Barker, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett.

“We’re here to keep our community safe and improve relationships,” said Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett. “There are no better ambassadors than the horses I stand in front of today. One day soon you’ll see a state of the art location at this site.”

I want to thank Mike and Trent of Indiana Grand and Harrahs for this $50,000 contribution,” added Mayor Hogsett. “These officers and these animals deserve it.”

The IMPD Mounted Patrol Unit currently operates out of a small barn and three small construction trailers on the former grounds of the Central State Hospital. The current facilities were not intended for long-term use. The $1 million capital fundraising project will provide a new equine facility on 20 acres on the same grounds.

“When you tour the grounds, you see a new facility is needed,” noted Indiana Grand Racing & Casino SVP & GM Mike Rich. “We’re thrilled to be able to help kickstart this campaign.”

Both Harrah’s Hoosier Park and Indiana Grand teams toured the IMPD Mounted Patrol Unit’s facility in January, and met with Sergeant Whitesell and members of the board to learn more about the capital initiatives.

“Our teams are passionate about finding ways to work on projects we believe are impactful to communities,” said Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino SVP & GM Trent McIntosh. “These equine athletes help the IMPD do their jobs every day.”

(Hoosier)