SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023) – Indiana Quarter Horse racing is coming off one of its best record-breaking years to date, and the momentum continues into 2023. More than $1.9 million is slated over 23 stakes races on the Quarter Horse schedule, with that figure certain to top $2 million following the addition of nomination fees to the final purses.
The 2022 season saw two stakes, the Gordon Mobley Futurity, and the Miss Roxie Little Futurity top $200,000, a first in Indiana Quarter Horse racing history. The Miss Roxie Little Futurity now holds the record for the richest purse for a state stakes program at $201,500. Once again, the Miss Roxie Little Futurity will be joined by the Gordon Mobley Futurity and the Leader of the Class Sale Futurity as the richest stakes on the program starting at $150,000-added.
“Our Quarter Horse program continues to grow each year, and we are excited to keep that trend going in 2023,” said Chris Polzin, Director of Racing. “We have 10 stakes that will be run for six figures, and the nominations and participation in our stakes continues to grow annually. It’s very encouraging to see the amount of interest in our Quarter Horse program from across the nation, and we look forward to hosting some big days to showcase our Indiana Quarter Horse program.”
In addition to offering at least one race on a daily basis during the 123-day meet, a total of six Saturdays have been set aside for Quarter Horse racing. The all-Quarter Horse events will be held June 3, July 1, July 22, Aug. 12, Sept. 2, and Oct. 7. Post times for the cards will be 10:45 a.m.
“We have worked to find the right fit in the simulcasting schedule for our Quarter Horse days, and the late morning start time puts us in a prime spot for coverage through industry television outlets,” said Eric Halstrom, Vice President and General Manager of Racing. “We continue to consult with the horsemen to ensure both our on-track and simulcasting partners are benefitting from these dates and times, and the results are positive. Our Saturday cards are well attended and provide our horsemen with a platform to show just how far our state Quarter Horse program has come over the past few years.”
The 2023 Quarter Horse Stakes schedule begins with the $75,000-added Harley Greene Derby and the $75,000-added Born Runner Classic slated for the first all-Quarter Horse day Saturday, June 3. The stakes schedule culminates on Saturday, Oct. 29 during the fourth Indiana Champions Day featuring both Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse stakes. Quarter Horse racing will cap off the day showcased by five stakes, including the $150,000-added Miss Roxie Little Futurity. Quarter Horse stakes purses will top $500,000 for the day.
Photos by Coady Photography
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