Last Friday (May 1), Indiana’s governor released a five-stage phase-in for Indiana businesses to reopen using differing dates through July 4.
The Indiana Horse Racing Commission and racetrack management have been working in conjunction with the governor’s office to confirm where horse racing falls within the reopening plan; and the timeline below outlines those stages. Please be aware that all information relayed below is subject to change at any time as new information becomes available.
In addition, Indiana racetracks have a reopening plan that includes additional protocols and procedures that all participants will be asked to abide by to ensure everyone’s health and safety as these stages are rolled out. Both racetracks will be posting those protocols on their website.
Stage 2:
May 11 – Essential travel restrictions are lifted (local non-essential travel allowed). Horses currently located in Indiana will be allowed to begin moving onto the backside of both racetracks. This applies only to those trainers with horses currently located in-state. Please contact Harrah’s Hoosier Park or Indiana Grand’s racing office to schedule your arrival date.
Stage 3:
May 24 – No travel restrictions; horses originating from out-of-state are allowed. Horses currently located outside of Indiana will be allowed to begin moving onto the backside of both racetracks. This applies to those trainers with horses originating from out of state. Please contact Harrah’s Hoosier Park or Indiana Grand’s racing office to schedule your arrival date.
Stage 4:
June 14 – Pari-mutuel racing allowed to commence – spectator free.
Stage 5:
July 4 – Pari-mutuel racing and county and state-fair racing anticipated to begin (with spectators) should there be no change in the ‘Back on Track Indiana’ road map.
Governor Holcomb’s ‘Back on Track Indiana’ road map includes four guiding principles the state of Indiana will utilize to determine if the stages outlined continue to move forward. Participants should be aware that if these principles are not met, the stages may be paused, or we may need to return to an earlier stage. Details regarding the principles can be found at www.backontrack.in.gov.
“Our industry leaders, from racetrack management, horsemen associations and IHRC staff have been working diligently to advocate for our racing industry to get us to this point. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and understanding as we move forward and navigate through this reopening process,” stated Deena Pitman, Indiana Horse Racing Commission Executive Director.
(IHRC)