Indiana Downs back in action on Thursday

After cancellations on Tuesday and Wednesday due to issues with the track surface, racing Thursday evening at Indiana Downs is a go. General Manager Jon Schuster said he and Indiana Standardbred Association President Jack Kieninger made the decision to continue with racing Thursday after consultant Dan Coon inspected and began work on the track Wednesday afternoon. 

“Jack and I made that decision jointly after conferring with Dan. We fully anticipate racing today. What Jim (White, track superintendent) and Dan did yesterday will provide a more consistent track.” 

According to Schuster, between three-quarters of an inch to an inch of cushion was removed from the surface, the same material that had failed to knit properly. After pushing the 600 tons of cushion off and getting down to the base, work will begin to slowly build the surface back up. Coon is also working with Indiana Downs management to find materials that will better suit the track’s needs. 

“Dan said it would be safe,” Schuster added. “He will also give us some assistance in identifying and obtaining the right materials. Jim and Dan are going to go around together and find what they need.” 

Kieninger said that Coon will be in the paddock for Thursday’s program, talking to horsemen about the surface and the changes made. 

“He had the surface he wanted to race on down before the track opened for jogging this morning. It should be good,” Kieninger stated. “Having Dan here will go a long way in helping to relieve the pressure on management and alleviate a lot of anxiety.” 

Both Schuster and Kieninger noted that there are still other issues to address, including a lack of proper drainage, which can only be remedied once the surface is up to grade and built up from its current state.--By James Platz

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