Indiana Grand Executive Schuster Dies at 61

Jonathan Schuster, vice president and general manager of racing at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino, died Dec. 25 in Shelbyville, Ind. He was 61.

A graduate of the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program, Schuster was general manager of Indiana Grand for 17 years. Born in Brazil, Ind., Schuster fell in love with racing at an early age.

"Jon's love of horse racing began on his 10th birthday when his parents took him to the track for the first time," read his obituary. "He was so grateful to have been able to work in the industry he loved for so many years."

Indiana Grand said it was saddened to pass along news of Schuster's passing. The Indiana Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association also expressed its condolences.

"We at Indiana HBPA are saddened at the loss of Indiana Grand's vice president and general manager of racing, Jon Schuster," the horsemen's group said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time."

The Indiana Horse Racing Commission also expressed its condolences.

"Jon was certainly a friend to the horse racing industry in Indiana and will be deeply missed," the IHRC said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this time."

Under Schuster's guidance, Indiana Derby Day has grown in stature—repeatedly establishing new records. Indiana's top day of Thoroughbred racing this year produced a track-record attendance of 14,803, while handle exceeded $4 million for the first time—a record $4,104,657.

In 2019 Indiana Grand hosted the "Empire of Hope" program in July, which raised $46,000 for aftercare programs. Schuster said such programs are crucial for horse racing.

"We are excited to offer a night where we can place the spotlight on racehorse aftercare programs," Schuster noted after the event. "Organizations such as Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Friends of Ferdinand, and New Vocations are crucial to our business, and it's very rewarding to see our equine athletes go on and find success in different types of careers after their racing days have completed. We hope to provide a great backdrop with our 'Empire of Hope' event to support such a worthy cause in both Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing at Indiana Grand."

Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 29, at Glenn E. George & Son Funeral Home, 437 Amos Road, Shelbyville, Ind. Joshua Georgen will be officiating. Visitation will be Sunday from 1 p.m. until the time of the service.

Schuster is survived by wife Janie (Scott) Schuster; mother Rosemary Schuster; father-in-law and mother-in-law Chris and Sue Scott; children, Abigail Mangone (husband Agustin), Rachel Schuster (Aaron Ege), Chelsea Smock (fiancé Neal Hennessy), and Hannah Crafton (husband Preston); siblings William Schuster Jr. (wife Donna), David Schuster (wife Becky); and sister-in-law Kathleen Scott. 

Memorial contributions can be made to Friends of Ferdinand Inc., P.O. Box 162, Mooresville, IN, 46158, or CASA-Court & Child Advocacy Group of Shelby County.