News
Purse Increase Announced for 2009 Thoroughbred Meet
Beginning Wednesday, Aug. 19, Hoosier Park Racing and Casino will offer a 12 percent increase in the purse structure for the 2009 Thoroughbred racing season. Average daily purses will now be more than $200,000 for the remainder of the 2009 meet, which concludes Saturday, Oct. 24.
“I am pleased to be able to announce this substantial purse increase at a time when many tracks are reducing purse distributions,” said Jeff Smith, general manager of racing. “This increase is due to several factors. Just like most businesses in our current economy, we took a very conservative approach in establishing the purse structure this spring. We have just completed one-fourth of our meet. As a result, we can better identify the horse population that is currently competing at our facility and reward our horsemen with a higher purse structure.”
The purse structure was greatly elevated by added money from casino operations heading into the 2009 racing season. Average daily purses began at $190,000 per day when the 2009 racing season got underway Thursday, July 30. This figure is compared to $142,000 per day in 2008.
“This increase serves to underscore the significant growth that Indiana racing is experiencing, even in these very difficult times,” said Smith. “Hoosier Park has worked closely with the HBPA (Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association) and horsemen. We appreciate their hard work and support of our racing program.”
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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