On Saturday, July 30, Harrah’s Hoosier Park will host the third 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.
“At the end of the day, all of us at Harrah’s Hoosier Park owe a debt of gratitude to the Standardbred racehorses who race here each and every night,” said Rick Moore, Vice President and General Manager of Racing. “To help repay that debt of gratitude, it is incumbent that all of us show our appreciation for these great equine athletes. There is no better way to show that appreciation than by making a financial contribution that will help these horses find second careers and second homes once their racing careers are over.”
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 as well as meet a retired racehorse enjoying a second career.
“I am so pleased that our annual Empire of Hope Night has now become one of our premier racing nights of the season,” Moore continued. “I am hopeful that this year will again produce outstanding results as we seek to raise money and awareness for the after care of Standardbred racehorses.”
Beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 29, guests can donate $5 at the Caesars Reward Center in the casino, and in turn receive $5 free slot play or a $5 race wager through Harrah’s 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. - 11 p.m.
On Saturday, July 30, 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 the main mutuel line and available to the first 100 guests who donate.
Beginning on Thursday, 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, July 30 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Horseshoe Café on the backside. For a donation of $10, Harrah’s Hoosier Park horsepeople can enjoy a BBQ lunch and drink with all proceeds benefitting Empire of Hope. Harrah’s Hoosier Park’s driver and trainers will also be featured in a dunk tank. For a $5 donation, racing fans will be given three opportunities to dunk their favourite driver or trainer.
Saturday, July 30 will also mark the third Family Fun Saturday of the season at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. The activities will include bounce houses, a face painters and roaming entertainment. The evening will also feature a live DJ on the track apron along with food trucks and a beer garden.
All proceeds from the evening’s charitable activities will be earmarked for the Standardbred Transition Alliance, which 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 will get underway at 6:15 p.m.
(With files from Hoosier Park)