On Saturday (July 31), Harrah’s Hoosier Park will host their second annual Empire of Hope event.

Empire of Hope is dedicated to raising funds for the after care of retired racehorses, with all proceeds directly benefitting the Standardbred Transition Alliance to assist efforts to relocate, rehabilitate and repurpose retired Standardbred racehorses.

“Standardbreds 'lay it on the line' every time they race,” said Hoosier vice president and general manager of racing Rick Moore. “Whether a veteran racehorse or a high-calibre stakes horse, these horses give their all whenever they line up behind the starting gate. Now it is time for us to 'lay it on the line' for them, to raise funds to ensure they have loving homes or even second careers to go to after their racing days are over.

“I encourage everyone to join us on Empire of Hope Night to celebrate these great animals and contribute monetarily towards the aftercare that they have most deservedly earned.”

This year’s event at Harrah’s Hoosier Park will take place on Saturday (July 31) and is one of the highlights on the racing calendar. Through a variety of promotions, donations and activities, Harrah’s Hoosier Park will work to raise awareness and funding to assist in the mission. Racing fans attending the event will have the opportunity to make contributions and learn more about aftercare efforts.

Beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday (July 30), guests can donate $5 at the Caesars Rewards Center in the casino and in turn receive $5 free slot play or race wagering through Harrah’s Hoosier Park’s "Give $5, Get $5" promotion, which will continue Saturday at both Caesars Rewards Centers on property from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

On Saturday, guests who donate $5 to the Standardbred Transition Alliance will receive a mystery voucher. The mystery vouchers will vary in worth, with the top prize being $100. The mystery vouchers will be available to the first 100 Caesars Rewards members who donate beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Trackside Caesars Rewards.

On Friday and Saturday, guests may also purchase an official Empire of Hope T-shirt for a minimum donation of $10 at the Harrah’s Hoosier Park program stand. T-shirts will be sold while supplies last. Racing fans are encouraged to wear their Empire of Hope T-shirts to the event.

Also located throughout the property are official Empire of Hope donations boxes. Guests are encouraged to donate cash, coins or Tito Tickets into the donation boxes.

Drivers, trainers and owners racing at Harrah’s Hoosier Park are also giving back by committing a percentage of their nightly racing earnings to support the Empire of Hope cause. In addition, the track kitchen will be hosting a charity cookout on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Horseshoe Café on the backside. For a donation of $10, Harrah’s Hoosier Park horsemen can enjoy a barbecue lunch and drink with all proceeds benefitting Empire of Hope.

(Harrah's Hoosier Park)