A brand new season started at Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Friday, March 14 with familiar faces dominating the proceedings.
Ten-time consecutive leading driver Trace Tetrick went on to steer six winners on the 14-race card, while Tyler George started the meet with five winners in search of his fifth consecutive training title.
The duo combined for four wins on the evening, starting with a victory in the first race of the season with the classy veteran pacer, General Dolan. Leaving from the outside post six in the $22,857 conditioned pace, General Dolan surged to grab command through a first quarter of :27. General Dolan remained a loose leader to the half in :55.2 while Anotherstatement A (John De Long) raced in the pocket at 26-1 to three-quarters in 1:23.4. General Dolan gave the field the slip turning for home, opening by four lengths before coasting to a 2-3/4-length victory in 1:51.1.
The 10-year-old homebred gelded son of Rockin Image-Townes Party Girl is owned by Illinois' John and Robert Esposito. A 53-time career winner, General Dolan now boasts a career bankroll of $737,018.
George and Tetrick also joined forces to win with On Time Ted ($4.20, 1:53.3), Bundoran N ($3, 1:51.3) and Turbo Hill ($2.80, 1:53.2).
George teamed up with Kyle Wilfong to score the fifth of his victories, with Anna Love N ($2.20, 1:53).
Tetrick’s other victories on the evening were with Hold My Halo ($3.80, 1:55.3) for trainer Charlie Stewart and Southwind Cherry ($3, 1:56.4) for trainer Jeff Cullipher.
From a handle perspective, Hoosier Park got off to a strong start for the 2025 meet. Handle was up year-over-year, even with a 15-race card in 2024 versus a 14-race card in 2025. Overall, just shy of $1 million USD was pumped through the wagering windows.
Racing continues at Hoosier Park on Saturday, March 15 with a 14-race card slated to get underway at 6:15 p.m.
(With files from Hoosier Park)