Indiana Grand Reports Increased Wagering

Indiana Grand Racing & Casino recently completed its 120-program meet for 2014, which included Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing, with final numbers showing an increase in daily simulcast handle as well as total on-track handle.

Daily simulcast handle was up 20.2% in 2014, pulling in $4,497,951 compared with $3,741,981 in 2013. In addition, total on-track handle was up 7.4% to $8,517,278 compared with $7,927,630 in 2013. Total handle during the season was $101,246,904.

On the track, the jockey colony accepted the award for leading apprentice rider on behalf of Juan Saez, who was killed in a racing incident Oct. 14. The award will become the Juan Saez Leading Apprentice Award in honor of the 17-year-old rider from Panama.

Thoroughbred trainer Tom Amoss came off a record-setting season in 2013 to grab his fourth straight leading trainer title in 2014. The Louisiana native earned the title by a comfortable margin, winning 58 races and accumulating purse earnings in excess of $1.2 million. Amoss finished 17 wins ahead of the second-place finisher, Marvin Johnson. 

In the Thoroughbred jockey standings, Fernando De La Cruz completed the season with 130 wins and purse earnings in excess of $2.8 million. Malcolm Franklin, the leading jockey in 2013, finished second behind De La Cruz with 102 wins. 

Cindy Patrick also stepped into the spotlight and into the record books for leading owner honors in the Thoroughbred ranks. Horses owned by Patrick garnered 33 wins, a record for most victories in one meet by an owner. Patrick's horses accumulated purse money in excess of $700,000. 

"I am very pleased with the entire 2014 racing season at Indiana Grand," said general manager of racing Jon Schuster. "The vast number of improvements that were implemented prior to the racing season, such as the new track surface, new Jumbotron, new outdoor food venues, and additional barns, can be attributed to the growth of our program from both a horsemen's standpoint as well as a racing fan's point of view.

"Although we do not record attendance, our racing facility was packed on numerous occasions throughout the year, showing an increase in interest for our racing program. And, I believe this is only the beginning as our quality of racing and additional capital upgrades are implemented."

Indiana Grand's signature event, the $500,000 Indiana Derby (gr. II), was the highlight of the meet. The race was won by East Hall and jockey Luis Saez, paying a record $35.80 for the 20-year-old race. The Indiana Derby was complemented by eight other stakes races to boost purses for the night to more than $1.4 million, a new single day record for Thoroughbred racing in the state of Indiana.

Our Valid Twirl was the top Thoroughbred for the year with five wins and two seconds in 11 starts.