News
Opening Weekend Reflects Purse Increase for 2009
Hoosier Park Racing and Casino just completed its opening weekend for the 15th season of Thoroughbred racing, displaying full fields and an increased purse structure over the four-day weekend. Purse money has been increased by $48,000 per day for the 63-day race meet in 2009.
“We have really gotten off to a great start in 2009,” said Jeff Smith, general manager of racing. “We had bigger crowds than expected all four days and very competitive racing. The purse structure has been elevated greatly by added money from casino operations, bringing our average daily purse distribution to $190,000 a day, and that doesn’t even include the money added for owner, breeder, and stallion awards from the state, which moves the total up to $220,000 per day in purses. This figure is compared to $142,000 per day in 2008. I believe the combination of starting our season earlier and the increased purse structure will provide our guests with a stronger racing product this year.”
Hoosier Park offered 37 Thoroughbred races and three Quarter Horse races during the opening weekend celebration. More than 340 horses raced during the first four days of action, offering an average of more than nine horses per race.
Thoroughbred racing continues Friday. The 63-day meet will run through Saturday, Oct. 24, offering five days of racing. Post time Wednesday and Thursday evenings is set for 4:45 p.m. while Friday through Sunday will offer racing at 12:45 p.m. The Grade II $500,000 Indiana Derby is set for Saturday, Oct. 3 as the highlight of the season.
Hoosier Park Racing & Casino in Anderson, Ind., is central Indiana’s premier entertainment destination, featuring 2,000 electronic gaming devices; Standardbred, Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing; and wholecard simulcasting. Hoosier Park Racing & Casino is a wholly owned property of Centaur Gaming, which also owns and operates Fortune Valley Hotel and Casino in Central City, Colo., and is working to develop Valley View Downs in western Pennsylvania. Hoosier Park also provides simulcast-wagering facilities in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne and Merrillville, Ind. For more information, visit www.hoosierpark.com.
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