On Saturday, July 26, Harrah’s Hoosier Park will host the sixth annual Empire of Hope Day. The Empire of Hope event is dedicated to raise 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.

Through a variety of promotions, donations, and activities, 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 as well as get up close and personal with the equine athletes. In 2024, a record amount was raised in the event with over $56,000 USD donated to the Standardbred Transition Alliance.

Beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 25, guests can donate $5 at the Caesars Reward Center in the casino, and in turn receive $5 free slot play through Hoosier Park’s Give $5, Get $5 promotion. The Give $5, Get $5 promotion will continue Saturday at the Caesars Rewards center on property from 10 a.m.-midnight.

On Saturday, July 26, guests can donate $5 to the Standardbred Transition Alliance to receive a mystery voucher. The mystery vouchers will vary in worth, with the top prize being $100. The mystery vouchers will be available at a table across from the Pegasus Lounge from 5-7pm or while supplies last.

Available now through July 26, guests will have the opportunity to purchase an official Empire of Hope T-shirt at the Programs Stand for a donation of $10. 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 Hoosier Park are also giving back by committing a percentage of their nightly racing earnings to support the Empire of Hope cause. In addition, there will also be an Empire of Hope silent auction on the Hoosier Park backside from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Hoosier Park horsemen can place their bid on a multitude of gifts and prizes, with the silent auction winners being contacted at the conclusion of the auction.

Guests will also have the opportunity to hop in a jog bike and take a lap around the Hoosier Park oval behind a racehorse as part of Charity Chariots. Located in the Front Paddock from 4 p.m.-6 p.m., guests can secure their ride alongside a Hoosier Park horseman for a $20 donation.

Additionally, the Indiana Standardbred Association will provide a virtual reality station set up in the lower level of the Grandstand during live racing where guests can hop in the bike for a virtual race to experience the thrill of harness racing.

Saturday, July 26 will also mark the first Family Fun Saturday of the season at Hoosier Park. The activities will include rock walls, bungee jump trampolines, inflatable obstacle courses and more. The outdoor activities will take place in The Yard located on the track apron from 5-9pm. Additionally, guests can enjoy free music from Jeff Phipps as part of the Hop Be-Bop concert series on the Hoosier Outdoor Patio located on the track apron from 6 p.m.-8 p.m.

All proceeds from the evening’s charitable activities will be earmarked for the Standardbred Transition Alliance who will provide grants in funding of 501(c)(3) groups serving standardbreds and ensure they utilize best practices for equine care and financial management through an accreditation process.

Live racing action on Saturday will get underway at 5:30 pm.

(Hoosier Park)