Indiana awards 2008 race dates

The Indiana Horse Racing Commission awarded 2008 race dates Thursday, Sept. 27 with 151 days of racing allocated to the state’s harness horsemen. Hoosier Park will host a 71-day program, while Indiana Downs will offer 80 days of racing. The 2008 calendar provides for eight more days of racing than the 2007 schedule.

Hoosier Park’s program will begin April 5 and conclude July 6. The Anderson oval will host 10 more programs than in 2007. Indiana Downs, currently conducting an 82-day meet, will cut the 2007 program by two days. The race meet in Shelbyville will begin July 16 and draw to a close November 8. Both tracks were also granted Thoroughbred dates; 63 for Hoosier Park and 54 for Indiana Downs.

As a result of legislation adopted earlier this year, each operator is required to offer a minimum 140 days of live racing in order to operate slots. The IHRC, however, can grant fewer based on need. Each track will conduct 134 days of racing in 2008 as both prepare to open racinos.

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