News
Notes and Quotes for Race Week Ending July 12
Hogs ‘N Dogs Closes Out 2008 Harness Racing Season –
The 71-day Standardbred meet comes to a close Saturday, July 12 with the return of a popular event. The seventh annual Hogs ‘N Dogs Night will be held, featuring Weiner Dog races and a motorcycle show.
Activities for the event will begin at 5 p.m. Registration for both the Weiner Dog races and the motorcycle show can be obtained at www.hoosierpark.com under Events and Promotions. All proceeds from Hogs 'N Dogs night will benefit Countryside Animal Rescue, a Madison County pet adoption service for unwanted dogs and cats.
The close of the 2008 Standardbred meet will also bring some history into the record books. Trace Tetrick, who is currently leading all drivers in the 2008 standings, will become the youngest driver to win the Gregg Haston Leading Driver Title at the conclusion of the meet. Through the first 67 nights of racing, Tetrick has 104 wins. The next closest contender is Ricky Macomber Jr., last year’s leading driver. Macomber has earned 86 wins and has the most purse earnings of any other driver in 2008 with $671,854.
In the leading trainer ranks, Jeff Brewer is headed toward his first Hoosier Park title. The native of southern Ohio has 36 wins heading into the final four nights of racing. Don Eash, three-time leading trainer and Hoosier Park’s all-time leader, is tied with Mark Deaton at 29 wins each. Ryan Bellamy follows closely in fourth with 28 wins.
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Notable-
**NTRA/DRF National Handicapping Qualifier Set. Hoosier Park will host a qualifying round for the NTRA/DRF National Handicapping tournament. The qualifier is set for Saturday, Aug. 9. The top 10 finishers will receive cash prizes and the top three finishers will advance to the finals in Las Vegas in January 2008. More information and registration for the qualifier is available on-line at www.hoosierpark.com.
**Thoroughbred Season Less Than Two Months Away. As the Standardbred season comes to a close, preparations for the 2008 Thoroughbred season will get underway. The racetrack will experience its usual makeover with the inside hub-rail installed and the racing surface changed to a deeper, sandy texture. Thoroughbreds return Friday, Aug. 29 with a new adjusted post time of 6:45 p.m. Also, the opening weekend celebration will include a special Labor Day racing card Monday, Sept. 1. The 63-day meet concludes Sunday, Nov. 23.
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“Quotable”—
**Driver Trace Tetrick on selecting Hoosier Park as his choice for racing in recent years. “I was attracted to Hoosier Park because it was an up and coming facility, and it was an opportunity to become better and earn money. The best part about being a driver is having an opportunity to drive for great people and having great horses to compete with.”
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Upcoming Promotions-
**Hogs ‘N Dogs. The popular Hogs ‘N Dogs Night will return during the final night of harness racing in 2008 Saturday, July 12. Weiner Dog races will be held during the program along with a motorcycle show. Proceeds from the event will benefit Countryside Animal Rescue. The organization helps place unwanted dogs and cats into homes in the Madison County area.
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Don’t Forget---
**Live Standardbred racing continues through Saturday, July 12 with a first post time of 6:45 p.m. Simulcasting is offered seven days a week. Doors open at 11 a.m.
**To receive Notes & Quotes electronically, e-mail tammyk@hoosierpark.com.
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