When action resumes for the 23rd season of Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing April 15, a record amount of purse money will be offered for the premier racing schedule at Horseshoe Indianapolis Racing & Casino. A total of 46 premier races will be conducted with purse money topping $5.24 million.
“Having a strong premier racing schedule highlighted by our two Graded Stakes, the Indiana Derby and the Indiana Oaks, is a great way to showcase our racing program,” said Eric Halstrom, Vice President and General Manager of Racing. “We are excited to extend those events in 2025 with the addition of a few new handicaps featuring some people that are very important to our state’s racing history.”
The first two handicaps are slated for opening day featuring the $55,000 Brian Elmore Overnight Handicap and the $55,000 Merrill C. Roberts Overnight Handicap. Both races are for Indiana breds running five and one-half furlongs. Other notable additions to the schedule include the $55,000 Rick Moore Overnight Handicap set for Sept. 24, and the $55,000 Strong Tide Overnight Handicap and $55,000 Fireball Baby Overnight Handicap set for Oct. 29.
“Being able to honor these individuals and these horses who have helped shape our racing program is very rewarding,” added Halstrom. “Brian Elmore, Merrill Roberts, and Rick Moore have all been involved in racing since the very beginning. Strong Tide and Fireball Baby are familiar names from more recent years, and both are among the state’s top five all-time performers, winning numerous accolades during their careers. We are proud to work alongside our state racing organizations in providing the best possible schedule in 2025.”
The 2025 racing season will once again be highlighted by Indiana Derby Day July 5 featuring eight races with purses of more than $1.1 million. The Grade 3 Indiana Derby and Grade 3 Indiana Oaks continue to bring in some impressive contenders annually. The William Garrett and The Clarksville will also add a boost to Indiana Derby weekend as both have been upgraded to Black Type races. They kick off Indiana Derby weekend July 4 to set the tone for Indiana Derby Day.
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Indiana’s biggest day of turf racing will be led by the $150,000 Caesars and $150,000 Horseshoe Indianapolis May 14. Both races are Black Type events highlighting a day with four premier races and more than $500,000 in purses.
Another notable change to the 2025 racing season is the move of the Piedi Bianchi to the former $150,000 Cardinal set for Wednesday, Oct. 1. Tagged as Hoosier Day, the race is now represented by the state’s all-time leading female performer in Piedi Bianchi and is one of six on the day with purses exceeding $700,000.
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