It's Time for the Indiana Derby Festival
We’re less than a week away from the richest day of the year in Indiana Racing. Yes, Hoosier race fans I’m talking about the 21st running of the $500,000 added (G2) Indiana Derby at Indiana Grand Race Course. Indiana Grand is pulling out all the stops to give racing fans not only quality racing but an experience they will never forget.
The Indiana Grand Racing Festival starts this Thursday, July 16th with Armed Forces Day. Join Indiana Grand, and racing fans across the Hoosier State as we salute our Armed Forces. Racing starts at 2:05. The card features a pair of Indiana Bred stakes, the 13th running of the $85,000 added William Henry Harrison Stakes and the 13th running of the $85,000 added Shelby County Stakes.
Friday, July 17th enjoy the Indiana Grand Luau Party. First post is at 2:05. The card features the 3rd running of the $100,000 added Ta Wee stakes on the turf and the inaugural running of the $65,000 guaranteed Brandywine Stakes. Luau Festivities start at 4:30; there will be a pig roast, Hawaiian entertainment and drink specials. Pricing can be found at www.Indianagrand.com. Following the Luau festivities will be a pair of free concerts as the Devonshires open up the night for Season 6 winner of the Voice, Josh Kaufman.
Saturday, July 18th features the gem of Indiana racing, the $500,000 (G2) Indiana Derby and the $200,000 (G2) Indiana Oaks. The Indiana Derby always attracts the best in the three-year-old division, two-time Champion Lookin at Lucky won the event in 2010 before a solid showing in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Preakness winner Shackleford, 2011 Breeders’ Cup Mile winner, Caleb’s Posse, and eventual Indiana Derby winner, Wilburn all competed in the 2011 edition.
The Derby Day card also includes one of my favorite stakes races in Indiana the $100,000 added Michael G. Schaefer Memorial Stakes. The Schaefer always draws a strong field past winners include Hurricane Ike, Abraham, and Jardim.
Indiana Derby Day offers an experience to see not only the top quality three-year-old's in the country but to also see a slew of celebrities who will be appearing at the event. Celebrities such as the 1954 “Milan Miracles,” the 1954 Indiana State Basketball Champion’s Milan high school (the team that inspired the movie Hoosiers) will be in attendance. Several Indiana Pacer Legends including Bobby “Slick” Leonard and Mel Daniels will be on hand along with Kent Benson and Bobby Wilkerson from the 1976 Indiana Hoosier undefeated National Championship team. 2015 Playmate of the Year Dani Mathers will be there along with the aforementioned Season 6 winner of the Voice, Josh Kaufman. A pair of Food Trucks will also be on the apron providing great eats for anyone in attendance.
For the first time in the history of the Indiana Derby, the race will be televised locally on WISH-TV Channel 8. Coverage starts at 9:00 pm. The fact Indiana Grand and WISH-TV 8 are teaming up to televise and promote the sport of horse racing speaks volumes to the improvements being made in Indiana.
Indiana Grand is the place to be for hot stakes action and excitement this weekend! Come out and enjoy a “Very Dapper Derby” you know Hoosier State of Mind will!