The 2012 racing dates for Hoosier Park were recently finalized by the Indiana Horse Racing Commission
. Standardbred racing will return Tuesday, March 27 and will conclude Saturday, July 14, while the thoroughbred and quarter horse racing seasons will begin Wednesday, August 1 and will run through Saturday, October 27.
The 19th season of standardbred racing will offer 80 days of action Tuesday through Saturday. First-race post time is slated for 5:30 p.m. Hoosier Park’s signature event, the $200,000 Dan Patch Invitational Pace, is set for Saturday, June 2. The 2012 season will conclude Saturday, July 14 and will feature Hoosier Champions Night and finals of the Indiana Sires Stakes.
The combined thoroughbred and quarter horse meet will offer 64 days of racing with one of those days dedicated solely to quarter horse action. Racing will be held Tuesday through Saturday each week with a first-race post time of 5:30 p.m. except Saturday when racing will begin at 12:30 p.m.
The highlight of the 18th season of thoroughbred racing will be the Grade II $500,000-added Indiana Derby Saturday, October 6. The day will also feature other stakes races including the Grade II $200,000-added Indiana Oaks, the $100,000-added Michael G. Schaefer Mile, and the $100,000-added Mari Hulman George Stakes.
The 16th season of quarter horse racing will be highlighted with the second annual All-Quarter Horse Stakes Day on Saturday, October 13. First-race post time for the card will be at 12:30 p.m.
(Hoosier Park)