In an effort to introduce more of the Derby Day crowd to harness racing, Harrah’s Hoosier Park will have a special post time of 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 4.
The decision to move up post time for the day was made in partnership between Harrah’s Hoosier Park, the Indiana Standardbred Association and Indiana Horse Racing Commission.
Harrah’s Hoosier Park will conduct its first six races beginning at 4 p.m. before taking approximately a 90-minute break for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs and then resuming the remainder of its 12-race card at an approximate time of 7:20 p.m. For horsepeople participating on the Derby Day card at Hoosier Park, the Indiana Standardbred Association will offer complimentary pizza in the paddock during the Derby break at the midway point of the card.
As for the guests heading to Hoosier Park on Derby Day, they will have a wide array of contests, promotions and wagering opportunities on the day. The Harrah’s Hoosier Park Hat Contest will once again return this year, taking place on the Terrace Showroom Stage beginning at 3:30 p.m. Registration for the Hat Contest will take place near Trackside Caesars Rewards from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. for guests to enter their Derby day hat for a chance to win their share of $500 USD. Winners of the Hat Contest will be announced at the conclusion of the first Hoosier Park race on the afternoon.
Additionally, guests will have an opportunity to play in the Derby Day Punch Board Drawings, which offers prizes valued at more than $1,000 USD. Guests gain entry in the Punchboard Drawing by swiping at a trackside promotional kiosk between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. and will deposit their entries in the drawing drum located at Trackside Caesars Rewards. Five lucky winners will be announced to make earn a Punchboard prize at the conclusion of each of the first six Hoosier Park races of the afternoon.
While checking in at a trackside promotional kiosk, five lucky guests will also instantly win a $100 USD MegaBet to place on any of the Hoosier Park races on the afternoon. Guests may swipe for an opportunity to win one of those MegaBets on the kiosk beginning at 2 p.m. through 6:30 p.m.
Hoosier Park will also offer a special buffet at both the Homestretch Clubhouse and Steakhouse during the Derby Day card. The Homestretch Clubhouse will open at 11 a.m. on May 4 and offer snacks until 2 p.m. before the buffet opens from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Homestretch Steakhouse will open beginning at 3 p.m. and offer the same buffet offering, along with select menu items available for separate purchase. The buffet on May 4 is priced at $49.95 USD per person, and with limited space available, guests are encouraged to call for reservations at 765-609-4527.
(Hoosier Park)