News
Indiana Derby Day 2009
Indiana Derby Day 2009 marks a first in the history of Thoroughbred racing as total purses for the day near the $1 million mark at Hoosier Park. Four stakes are carded, placing the spotlight on the 15th running of the Grade II $500,000-added Indiana Derby, slated as race 11 on the 13-race program. In all, purses distributed over today’s race program are $981,500. A special Hoosier Park All Stakes Pick Four is available on the four stake races, beginning with race eight and ending with the Indiana Derby in race 11.
The Indiana Derby has become a fall tradition in central Indiana. Always placed on the first Saturday in October, Hoosier Park’s signature event has attracted some of the nation’s best three-year-olds in the country in past events. Some of the winners include Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner Orientate (2001), multiple Graded Stakes winner Perfect Drift (2002,) who recently retired with earnings more than $5 million, and Brass Hat (2004), who went on to win the $4 million Dubai World Cup.
Last year’s winner, Tin Cup Chalice, went to Japan following the Indiana Derby to compete in the $6 million Japan Dirt Cup. Tragically, Tin Cup Chalice was involved in a freak accident at his home track in upstate New York at Finger Lakes. Another horse collided with him on the racetrack, and he was euthanized, just two days after being named 2008 New York Bred Champion Three-Year-Old.
The Indiana Derby will be complemented by several activities throughout the day. Children’s activities include face painting, strolling magicians, an appearance by the world’s tallest jockey, and Hoosier Park’s mascot, Hoosier Buddy. A jockey poster giveaway, depicting Hoosier Park’s jockeys, will be included for all guests. Hoosier Park’s jockeys will be available for autographs at the winner’s circle beginning at 12:15 p.m.
The “I Win, You Win” contest will also take place for all Club Centaur Rewards members. The contest promotes eight of Hoosier Park’s jockeys in the newly formed Great Eight. Each time a Great Eight jockey wins a race, a drawing will be held for a $50 gift card. Members need to swipe their cards at the kiosk upon arrival to be entered into the contest throughout the day.
Cook and Belle will kick off the afternoon of festivities at 12:10 p.m. with the National Anthem. Sixteen-year-old Sammy Boudreaux will sing “Back Home Again in Indiana” prior to the Indiana Derby at approximately 5:10 p.m. Additional food and beverage stations will be located in The Yard, including the official Indiana Derby drink, the Derby Runner, which is served in a commemorative Indiana Derby glass.
Also, tickets for the upcoming Ladies Night Out Pink Partini are available on the Terrace level. Tickets are $35.00 and will include dinner, style show, prizes, and musical entertainment by Denise Hummer. Pink Partini, co-sponsored by Lookworthy Face and Body Retreat, begins at 5:30 p.m. and will conclude at 9 p.m. on the Terrace Saturday, Oct. 10. All proceeds from the event benefit the Madison County Fire Rescue House.
