Hoosier Park Racing & Casino, in partnership with the Indiana Standardbred Association (ISA), hosted the annual Girl Scouts Night at the Races on Friday, June 10. The event gave more than 200 young women the opportunity to see live harness racing and learn about the various facets of the harness racing industry.
"This is one of our most popular events," said Rick Moore, Hoosier Park’s vice president and general manger of racing. "From live harness racing action, plus fun and educational activities for both kids and adults, this is what harness racing is all about. We saw so many smiling faces and people enjoying a night at the races, we would like to thank everyone who took the time to participate and make this event possible.”
The Girl Scouts and their families were given the chance to get a "behind the scenes" look at horse racing through backside tours provided by Hoosier Park's drivers and trainers. Each of the tours visited Hoosier Park's stabling area and gave the Girl Scouts an opportunity to learn about harness racing from some of Hoosier Park's top trainers. The Girl Scouts were also able to meet some of the champion horses currently racing and stabled at Hoosier Park up close and personal.
The ISA and the Harness Horse Youth Foundation provided demonstrations of the various aspects involved in harness racing throughout the evening. The demonstrations included veterinary care, equipment information, and a blacksmith presentation. Educational material and fun, interactive games were also provided for the Girl Scouts and their families.
Hoosier Park’s champion drivers also signed autographs and were available for photographs throughout the evening. In addition to a horse shoe decorating station, games and giveaways, the Girl Scouts had an opportunity to meet and take photos with Indiana Sires Stakes champion and millionaire trotter ABC Mercedes.
“We’ve never been out to the racetrack,” said Nicole Smith, a parent in attendance. “Our girls have had so much fun, they loved seeing the horses; it’s safe to say after a great night like tonight this will be the first of many for us at Hoosier Park.”
In conjunction with the Girl Scout activities, racing fans also had the opportunity to donate $5 to the Girl Scouts of Central Indiana to receive $5 in casino cash. At the conclusion of live racing, Indigo performed a free show in the Terrace Showroom.
(Hoosier Park; Photo courtesy of Linscott Photography)