Indiana Downs begins eighth season Friday

Indiana Downs will kick off an 80-day harness racing campaign Friday, July 24 with two cards packed with horses. The Shelbyville track will offer a 13-race opening night card featuring two $9,000 contests for Indiana-sired two-year-old pacing colts followed by a 14-race program Saturday night. Post time for each program is 6:55 p.m.

 

“We’re very excited to get the meet underway,” said Indiana Downs general manager Jon Schuster. “This is the first opportunity that harness horsemen will have to race for slots-enhanced purses at our facility.”

 

Interest was strong at the entry box for the first two programs of the meet as 121 trotters and pacers will compete in the opening night card. Powerful Pete and Dublo Six, second and third-place finishers in the $25,000 Abercrombie late closer final at Hoosier Park, headline a group of 19 pacing colts set to compete Friday. The two overnight contests will serve as a prelude to Indiana Sires Stakes action for freshmen this summer at Indiana Downs. Saturday’s card attracted 135 entries and boasts 11 events with full fields.

 

Indiana Downs will offer racing five days each week through November 10. Racing will be conducted each Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday beginning at 4:55 p.m. Friday and Saturday programs will offer a 6:55 p.m. first post.