Pending approval from the Indiana Horse Racing Commission, and after consultation with Indiana horsemen, Indiana Grand Racing & Casino has revised its proposed live racing calendar for the 2020 season. The Shelbyville, Ind., racetrack and casino will now begin its 90-day season June 15 and finish on the previously scheduled Nov. 18.
The revisions are more significant on a weekly basis however. In a departure from the previously approved schedule Indiana Grand will now race on Monday through Thursday afternoons with a first race post time of 2:20 p.m. ET.
"The longer our season was delayed the more clear it became that we needed to rethink the goals of the meet," said Eric Halstrom, vice president and general manager of racing. "We feel strongly that a move to racing on Monday through Thursday, with quality fields and an attractive wagering menu will best serve our horsemen and customers all over the nation during an uncertain time. A new condition book and stakes schedule will be published shortly while we adapt to these extraordinary circumstances."
The 2020 racing program was scheduled to consist of 120 days of racing beginning April 14 with the highest total of purse money available in the history of Indiana Grand. With the closure of the OTB, casino, and sports book March 16 due to COVID-19, the racing season was suspended indefinitely.
The season will consist of 86-days of mixed Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing action and four Quarter Horse-only days. The all-Quarter Horse days will be July 2, Aug. 6, Oct. 8, and Oct. 29.
The revised condition book and stakes schedule will be published online at www.IndianaGrand.com in the next week.