Indiana Grand could open June 15; plans to run Mondays-Thursdays
Indiana Grand press release (John Engelhardt photo of Mr. Money winning 2019 Indiana Derby, finishing behind horse who had unseated rider)
SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (May 12, 2020) – Pending approval from the Indiana Horse Racing Commission, and after consultation with Indiana horsemen, Indiana Grand Racing & Casino has revised its proposed Live Racing calendar for the 2020 season. The Shelbyville racetrack and casino will now begin its 90-day season on Monday, June 15th and finish on the previously scheduled, Wednesday, November 18th.
The revisions are more significant on a weekly basis however. In a departure from the previously approved schedule Indiana Grand will now race on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons with a first race post time of 2:20 p.m. eastern.
“The longer our season was delayed the more clear it became that we needed to rethink the goals of the meet,” said Eric Halstrom, Vice President and General Manager of Racing. “We feel strongly that a move to racing on Monday through Thursday, with quality fields and an attractive wagering menu will best serve our horsemen and customers all over the nation during an uncertain time. A new condition book and stakes schedule will be published shortly while we adapt to these extraordinary circumstances.”
The 2020 racing program was scheduled to be 120-days of racing beginning on April 14th with the highest total of purse money available in the history of Indiana Grand. With the closure of the OTB, Casino and Sports Book on Monday, March 16th the racing season was suspended indefinitely.
The season will consist of 86-days of mixed thoroughbred and quarter horse racing action and 4 quarter horse-only days. The all-quarter horse days will be Thursday, July 2nd, Thursday August 6th, Thursday October 8th and Thursday, October 29th.
The revised condition book and stakes schedule will be published online at www.IndianaGrand.com in the next week. Horsemen are encouraged to contact Indiana Grand Director of Racing, Kevin Greely, at (317) 421-3080 for more information or with questions on any racing office matters.
