With Hoosier Park’s All-Star drivers leading the way, Hoosier Park Racing & Casino played host to the first-ever Charity Challenge weekend on Friday, September 27.
Highlighting the 14-race card was the evening’s sixth race, a 12-horse field that featured all 12 of the All-Star drivers who were driving on behalf of local charities.
Jason Dillander stole the show as he drove Dontgetbyme to the winner’s circle and not only took home the lion’s share of the $10,000 purse, but won $1,000 for his charity, the American Cancer Society. Trained by Paul Ruhl, Dontgetbyme charged home from off the pace to score his 10th consecutive victory of the season in 1:53.2.
With the victory, Dillander now has the opportunity to raise an additional $10,000 for his charity if he wins the sixth race on the 14-race card slated for Saturday, September 28 at Hoosier Park. All 12 drivers will return for their chance to win $1,000 for their respective charities, but Dillander is the only driver that has the chance to win an additional $10,000 for his charity compliments of Hoosier Park Racing & Casino as part of the Charity Challenge weekend.
Dillander has been enlisted to drive Kung Fu Jolt from post seven in the 12-horse field. Kung Fu Jolt has been tabbed 8-1 on the morning line odds and will look to score his third win of the season for trainer Walter Haynes Jr.
After losing his father Charlie to lung cancer, Dillander put his efforts into raising funds for the American Cancer Society in his honour.
“Representing an organization that is not only close to me, but my family, is an honour,” Dillander said after the race. “This organization has changed so many lives and knowing that I have the chance to help that mission by racing here this season is something that I really enjoy. Hoosier Park has done a great job of involving the charities and I’m just glad that I get to be a part of it.”
Racing fans will have the opportunity to get in on the action by visiting Club Centaur and selecting the All-Star driver of their choice to receive an entry to place into your favourite All-Star Standardbred Driver’s charity box. At the end of the charity race, the names of three lucky winners will be selected from the race winner’s charity box to win up to $250 in free race wagers. Fans will also have the opportunity to donate $5 to a charity of choice and receive $5 in free slot play. The entire evening will be culminated by a free fireworks presentation after the last race.
(Hoosier Park)