Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino has announced an unparalleled event that combines the thrill of harness racing, the passion of charitable giving and the star power of renowned celebrities. The highly anticipated 2023 Breeders Crown Charity Challenge is underway and set to culminate at Hoosier Park on Friday, Oct. 27 as part of the 2023 Breeders Crown.
The Breeders Crown Charity Challenge began under the direction of Marvin Katz in 2018 and is not just a celebration of harness racing’s world championship event; it's a demonstration of the racing community's dedication to giving back that has grown every year. This year, all proceeds from the event will be channelled towards four exceptional charities: New Vocations Racehorse Adoption, Teachers' Treasures, Indiana Center for Prevention of Youth Abuse and Suicide, and Helping Veterans and Families. Each charity plays a pivotal role in making positive changes in their respective areas.
Adding an extra layer of excitement to the challenge, four notable celebrities have aligned themselves with these charities, passionately vying for victory. The four celebrities include country western content creators Tratter House Co. representing New Vocations, JMV of 1075 The Fan radio host linked to Teachers' Treasures, former Indianapolis Colts player Gary Brackett representing the Indiana Center for Prevention of Youth Abuse and Suicide, and WIBC Radio Host Rob Kendall with Helping Veterans and Families.
“The Breeders Crown Charity Challenge has become an integral part of the annual Breeders Crown event. In fact, you might say, it has become an event unto an event,” said Rick Moore, Harrah’s Hoosier Park vice president and general manager of racing. "On behalf of all of us at Harrah’s Hoosier Park, I want to thank the celebrities representing our most well-deserving charities, as well as the hard-working individuals from the Indiana Horse Racing Commission, the Indiana Standardbred Association and Harrah’s Hoosier Park, who are intent on making this year’s Charity Challenge one of the best if not best ever! And, I have two final words for the four charities vying for the top spot……..Game On!”
The Breeders Crown Charity Challenge will consist of four contests. The competition will be intense as these celebrities compete in a series of challenges to secure the top spot for their chosen charity. The 2023 Breeders Crown Charity Challenge kicked off with a thrilling double-seated cart race where local radio personality JMV of 1075 The Fan teamed up with Harrah’s Hoosier Park driver Atlee Bender to find the winner’s circle.
The challenge will also include a, a handicapping challenge that tests the celebrity’s knowledge of the sport, a social media ‘like’ challenge to engage and rally support, and a Gala participation challenge.
The Breeders Crown Charity Challenge isn't just about the on-site festivities. The event aims to raise funds through various channels to maximize its charitable impact. An online auction of exclusive items will offer bidders a chance to snag unique memorabilia and experiences. The online auction is live now and will conclude on Sept. 22.
Additionally, a stallion breeding auction will offer a rare opportunity to secure donated breedings to some of the top stallions in all of harness racing. The breedings will be auctioned off at the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale, the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale and the Ohio Buckeye Select Sale.
The culmination of these efforts will come to a head on night one of the Breeders Crown, on Friday, Oct. 27. In addition to the incredible racing action on the track, the spotlight will shine on the winner of the Charity Challenge, highlighting not only their competitive spirit but also their commitment to making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.
The 2023 Breeders Crown Charity Challenge promises an unforgettable experience for racing enthusiasts, charity supporters and celebrities alike.
For more information and to view the items available on the online auction, go to the Boone Auction site by clicking here.
(Hoosier Park)