Recap and Top Stories of 2021

SHELBYVILLE, Ind.; – Dec. 14, 2021 – Below is a list of the top five racing stories, quotes and a timeline prepared by the race marketing department at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino. The 123-day racing season was conducted from Tuesday, April 13 through Thursday, Nov. 11.

TOP FIVE STORIES

1. Indiana Derby handle tops six million

It was a flawless connection for Mr Wireless as he made all the right moves to dominate in the 27th running of the $300,000 Grade 3 Indiana Derby. It was the second win in three years for Trainer Bret Calhoun in front of a packed house with all-sources handle soaring to a new record of $6,292,387.

Conducted on a Wednesday for the second consecutive season, the Indiana Derby featured numerous ancillary activities, including five - $1,000 Indiana Derby Megabet Win Wager drawings with Charles Beacom of Shreveport, La. cashing in for nearly $5,000 with the wager on Mr Wireless, which was sponsored by the Indiana Thoroughbred Alliance. A special online handicapping contest was also held with a record 234 entries.

A total of six stakes races were held on the card, also featuring the 26th running of the Grade 3 $200,000 Indiana Oaks. Soothsay and Flavien Prat won the event for Hall of Fame Trainer Richard Mandella.

2. Indiana Champions Day sets new Saturday record

Four Thoroughbred stakes and five Quarter Horse stakes were featured for the first Indiana Champions Day, offering purses in excess of $1.3 million. The Thoroughbred portion of the afternoon was presented by the Indiana Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association with numerous giveaways and a reception in the first floor Derby Suite for all Thoroughbred horsemen.

Quarter Horse racing closed out the card featuring more than $700,000 in purses. Two handicapping contests were held, one during Thoroughbreds and one during Quarter Horses with a total of 325 entries for players both on-track and online. The afternoon also featured five $1,000 Megabet drawings.

More than $2 million was wagered on the program, which set a new mark for a non-Indiana Derby Saturday in the 19-year history of racing at Indiana Grand.

3. Quarter Horse racing sets new handle record

For the second time in 2021, a new all-sources handle for Quarter Horse racing was established. Fresh off the first $1 million program established June 5, another big day brought in a total of $1,201,604 on the 16-race Quarter Horse program.

The 16-race late morning program offered four sets of trials. A large crowd was on hand to enjoy the day’s activities.

Following the event, the first annual Fishing Derby was held in the infield lake with a total of 106 entries, completing a successful holiday weekend program at the track. Jeff Secrest of Avon snagged the largest fish at 4.39 pounds to win the $300 top prize.

4. Exotic Animal Racing draws large crowd

Exotic Animal Racing, featuring camels, zebras and ostriches was held during the third all-Quarter Horse racing program Saturday, July 24. The specialty races were held between regular races to a near capacity crowd, a first of its kind in Indiana.

Four zebras kicked off the event followed by four camels, all ridden by exercise riders and jockeys at Indiana Grand. The final event of the day featured five ostriches.

Prior to the event, a special Meet and Greet was held the evening before with more than 200 attending to see the animals up close and talk with owner Joe Hedrick of Kansas.

5. Drone added to live television production

Indiana Grand offered a unique perspective to the television production with the addition of “Air Horse Won,” a drone which was utilized during live racing. The drone offered additional racing shots leading up to and during the races and also provided the Indiana Horse Racing Commission stewards with an addition view for inquiries and racing incidents on the track.

A first of its kind during a television production, the Matrice 200 Drone, standing 16 inches high and three feet wide, was manned by special trained individuals of the audio-visual department at Indiana Grand, who attended special classes with the Federal Aviation Administration to receive a Remote Pilot Certificate.

MEMORABLE QUOTES

Indiana Grand Vice President and General Manager Eric Halstrom on the donation of track surface to Morning Dove Therapeutic Riding Center in Zionsville:

“While doing a site visit to Morning Dove in 2020, we noticed the indoor arena had some dips and was in need of additional footing for the riding classes. We specialize in dirt appropriate for riding services, and it was an easy fix for us to donate 20 tons of material utilized on our racing surface to Morning Dove.”

Indiana Grand Track Superintendent Roy Smith on hosting the 19th annual Track Superintendent’s Field Day: “This year, we have over 70 tracks represented at the event. Due to continued travel restrictions, we won’t have anyone internationally like we generally do, but we will still have a good representation from tracks across North America. It’s a great time for us all to get together and share ideas and learn about the latest technology and equipment out there.”

Randy Williams, owner of WRs Moonin Thewagon, on the dam of his horse following his win in the Indiana Grand QHRAI Derby: “You can’t hardly beat the PYC mares. We have his full brother at home and he’s grey too. The happiest day of the whole year is the day Randy (Smith) backs his trailer up to our barn and picks up the yearlings. Gwen (Williams) and I mess with them up to that point, but then Randy can deal with them.”

Jeff Secrest, winner of the Fishing Derby, on his participation in the event: “I was camping in Fillmore and my mom was at the races. She saw the sign for the fishing contest today and called me to get down to the track and sign up, so I headed to the track.”

Eric Halstrom, Vice President and General Manager of Racing, on the purse increase for both Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing in mid-June: “We have had a great season so far in 2021 and we are pleased to announce this purse increase across the board for our horsemen. This boost is a direct result of elevated business levels that continue to be strong this year. We appreciate the support from our racing fans, and we are working hard to continue offering a solid, competitive program for both Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing.

Trainer Bret Calhoun on his horse, Mr Wireless, winner of the Indiana Derby: “He’s got to keep moving forward. He hasn’t done much wrong in his career. He’s got a really good two-turn record. We don’t think he has any distance limitations. He’s gotten better and better. He’s a horse who was really hard to get to the races, just to get him fit and ready. I know his family pretty good. I’ve trained his family. His sister Ain’t No Elmers was the first one. Mentally and physically, they were slow developers. He was the same. You have horses like that, a lot of times they just keep getting better and better.”

Wendy Brown, board member of Friends of Ferdinand, on the donation from Indiana Grand: “The donation of $6,000 will cover the cost of placing two former racehorses into their next career. We are thrilled to get this donation. Indiana Grand is so dedicated to the aftercare of horses, and we appreciate their support.”

Claudio Barraza, trainer of Botticelli Beach, following her win in the Gordon Mobley Futurity: “I was super impressed with her today. She’s a little bit bigger than her sister (Shakeitonthebeach). In her first race, I actually thought she won that one too. It was so close.”

Quarter Horse Jockey Natasha Fritz on riding and winning the camel race during Exotic Animal Day: “I just held on with my knees and set up a little and shot him his head,” said Fritz. “And then I just yelled ‘ye ye ye’ the whole way.”

James Garrett Jr. on the inaugural running of the William Garrett Stakes: “It is a true honor that the community recognizes Bill Garrett in this way. This is a first to have a horse race named in his honor. Our family greatly appreciates it.”

Richard Rackley III, owner of Champion, the winner of the Weiner Dog Race: “My family has had Dachshunds for a long time, and we’ve had a lot of dogs over the years. I’ve had Champion since he was a puppy. Several years ago, I thought it was time to give him a shot to live up to his name, so we entered some Weiner Dog races and he’s lived up to his name.”

DeShawn Parker on winning both the George Woolf and Mike Venezia awards: “It’s an honor just to be on the ballot for these awards. It’s extra special that my fellow riders are the ones who made the selection. I take a lot of pride in being a role model both on and off the track. I will l cherish these awards.”

Janet Van Bebber, Chief Racing Officer at AQHA, on the $15,000 incentive for Heritage Place Sale graduates for the 2022 Juvenile Challenge Championship: “This is a great partnership with Indiana Grand, the AQHA and Heritage Place. We’ve never offered anything like this before and we are always looking for innovative ways to promote the Challenge. We hope this will spur owners to participate in next year’s Juvenile Challenge.”

Ronald Meyer, winner of Racing Rachel’s Warriors contest: “I just love playing the horses. “It’s something I really follow, and I really enjoy playing in all of the contests.”

Jockey Rodney Prescott on winning his 4,000th race: “When I started off in 1994, I had no idea how long I would be riding and if you’d told me I’d still be riding 26 years later, I wouldn’t have believed it. It’s a great feeling to have the career I’ve had. I plan on riding a few more years.”

George Leonard III, trainer of California Angel, on his filly heading to the Breeders Cup: “I’ve trained a lot of horses, but I knew right away she was something special. I’ve only had her four months, but she does everything so easy.”

Eric Halstrom, Vice President and General Manager of Racing, on receiving the HBPA Excellence of Service Award: “We’ve had a tremendous year in racing and it’s thanks in part to the cooperation and support of the horsemen. I am very honored to receive this award, and it has special meaning since it comes from the horsemen’s organization. We work very hard to put on a great show for them and are constantly looking for ways to create a fun and exciting backdrop to showcase our racing product.”

Jockey Alex Achard on the 2021 Jockey Toy Drive: “It is a pleasure to help kids who need a little help. For us, it is not much to do, but we hope for them it will mean a lot. We hope to give brightness to their Christmas.”

Tianna Richardville, trainer of Wildcard Prado, the top Thoroughbred winner of the year: “He’s been a lot of fun this year. He peaked at the right time and really enjoys his job. He has to be the first out of the barn in the morning. He will nicker at you until he gets your attention. I want to thank the House’s for the opportunity to train him this year.”

Trainer Randy Klopp on winning the leading trainer title and the owner title with Roger Spiess: “Roger (Spiess) was willing to spend money to buy the horses to race this year. Indiana Grand kept open last winter and that helped us. We appreciate all the opportunities to race that we have in Indiana.”

2021 RACING TIMELINE

02/08 Indiana Grand announced the 2022 Bank of America Challenge Championships will be hosted by the track for the first time in 2022.

03/15 Jockey DeShawn Parker is the recipient of the George Woolf Memorial Award presented by the Southern California tracks.

04/04 Track and equine maintenance crews spent the day renovating the indoor riding arena at Morning Dove Therapeutic Riding Center, including the addition of 20 tons of dirt along with a new drag. In addition, 20 tons of dirt was delivered to Blue River Memorial Park for the addition of an amphitheater as part of the Community Giving programs at Indiana Grand.

04/13 Indiana Grand opened its 19th season of racing. Racing in April began strong with handle up 47.2 percent compared to April of 2019. The track launched lower takeouts of 15 percent for the Straight Fire 6 (Jackpot Pick 6) and the Pick 4, plus the Pick 5 returns with an industry low takeout of 11.99 percent. Also, “Air Horse Won” is launched offering drone coverage of the racing program, a first of its kind to provide different views to the public as well as assist IHRC stewards with inquiries.

04/14 The Derby Suite, located on the first floor of the grandstand, became a dedicated Horsemen’s

Lounge during live racing, offering free programs and a private viewing area. Also, the first “Stewards Explanation” was launched with Senior State Steward Eric Smith offering on-air explanation of the steward’s decision for the change in order of finish. Also, Orlando Mojica scored his 2,500th career win aboard Sky Judge.

04/21 The first $2 million day in handle was recorded for 2021 at $2,701,816.

04/29 A special ribbon cutting for the new 100-stall barn as well as the new 50-room dormitory is held on the apron at the track.

05/05 Construction began on a new Equicizer on the backstretch at Indiana Grand.

05/19 The first two Thoroughbred stakes races of the season are held featuring the Sagamore Sired Stakes and the Swifty Sired stakes. The program brought in the first $3 million day in handle coming in at $3,172,717.

05/22 The first of two fishing days for the horsemen and immediate families is conducted on the infield lake.

06/05 The first of six all-Quarter Horse racing programs is held with handle reaching a new record of $1,000,393 for the sprinters.

06/10 The first in a series of 13 weeks for Thursdays Untamed was held featuring T-Rex racing. The event, held every Thursday through the summer, is co-hosted by the Indiana HBPA.

06/13 The 20th annual Track Superintendent’s Field Day kicks off for a three-day session with more than 75 trackmen from around North America in attendance.

06/17 Indiana Grand announced an approximate 10 percent purse increase for both Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing.

06/24 Puerto Rico won its first title in the World Jockey Challenge during International Fest.

07/03 The second All-Quarter Horse day is held with another handle record of $1,201,604. Following the program, 106 entrants were involved in the first Fishing Derby in the infield lake with Jeff Secrest taking home the top prize of $300.

07/07 A mandatory payout for the Straight Fire Six is added to Indiana Derby Day. The pool begins with a carryover of more than $166,000 which results in a total handle record of $6,292,388 set. Mr Wireless was the winner of the Grade 3 $300,000 Indiana Derby with Soothsay scoring the victory in the Grade 3 $200,000 Indiana Oaks.

07/15 The Indiana Thoroughbred Breed Development announced that all stakes will be

reimplemented to $100,000 and increases will be retroactive for all state bred stakes taking place to that point.

07/23 A special Meet and Greet is held with the Exotic Animals for the special racing card. More than 200 people came out to see the zebras, camels, and ostriches.

07/24 Exotic animals graced the Indiana Grand racing surface for the first time. Zebras, Camels and Ostriches help to draw a standing room only crowd on the apron for the all-Quarter Horse Saturday program.

07/28 Duane Swingley is recognized by ITOBA for his longtime commitment to the Thoroughbred racing industry. The late afternoon card also featured “Racing Across America” for the Permanently Disabled Jockey’s Fund with jockeys competing in several events, including a foot race and tug of war to raise funding and awareness for the cause.

07/29 Dr. James Carmichael, longtime Quarter Horse owner and breeder, and Ernie Gaskin, current Standardbred trainer, are announced as inductees to the Indiana Horse Racing Association Hall of Fame.

08/02 The second annual Grayson Grass Challenge is featured during the month of August with six nationally known handicappers providing expert picks for 10 turf races over five weeks. In all, the handicappers raised more than $3,000 for the Grayson Jockey Club Equine Research program.

08/10 The Indiana Quarter Horse Breed Development announced additional funding of more than $189,000 will be added for the remainder of the 2021 racing season.

08/11 Due to extreme temperatures and elevated heat indexes, racing is canceled.

08/14 A total of 31 Dachshunds competed in the Weiner Dog Racing program with Richard Rackley III’s Champion coming home with the title and the $250 prize money.

08/16 The Caesars Entertainment Equine Specialty Hospital rebrand is completed.

08/26 Jockey DeShawn Parker is the recipient of the 2021 Mike Venezia Memorial Award presented by NYRA.

09/08 Caesars Stakes Day checks in with a handle of $2,367,029. Empire of Hope is held in conjunction with Caesars Stakes Day, raising more than $2,000 for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. With all aftercare donations, more than $14,000 is earmarked for the cause.

09/11 Caesars Entertainment is the headline sponsor of Jockeys and Jeans held at

Monmouth Park in New Jersey. Caesars Entertainment is the headline sponsor of the National Horseplayers Championships (NHC) with a multi-year deal signed to host the

event at Bally’s in Las Vegas.

09/16 Four additional racing dates are added to the meet due to business levels exceeding expectations.

09/22 Racing is canceled due to inclement weather.

09/24 A special incentive is announced for all Quarter Horse yearlings going through the sale at

Heritage Place in both September and November. The highest finishing two-year-old at the 2022 Juvenile Challenge Championships will receive a bonus of $15,000. The incentive will cover approximately 900 yearlings to help boost participation at Horseshoe Indianapolis in 2022.

09/29 A Pick 5 carryover of $45,996 spurs a handle of $3,080,746.

10/06 A special $75,000 Guaranteed Pool is added to the All Stakes Pick 4 featuring four Indiana Thoroughbred stakes. Piedi Bianchi wins the Cardinal, moving into third place on the list of all-time leading Indiana bred earners with a total of $823,497.

10/09 Indiana Grand conducted the final All-Quarter Horse racing card featuring Pink Out. The afternoon raised more than $2,000 for Indiana Women in Need.

10/23 ITOBA presented its first Herb and Darlene Likens Scholar Award to John Hernandez of Monticello, Ind. who is a student at Ivy Tech in Lafayette, Ind.

10/24 Indiana Grand hosts the eighth annual Indiana Horse Racing Association Hall of Fame banquet. Ernie Gaskin, Standardbred owner-breeder-trainer is inducted along with Dr. James Carmichael (posthumously),former member of the Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred Breed Development.

10/27 Ronald Meyer wins the top prize in Racing Rachel’s Warriors Final.

10/30 Indiana Grand hosts its first ever Indiana Champions Day featuring nine stakes totaling more than $1.3 million. Four Thoroughbred stakes were followed by five Quarter Horse stakes for the afternoon program. The day was completed with a new Saturday handle record of more than $2 million for a non-Indiana Derby racing Saturday.

11/03 Indiana Grand provides a special $20 win wager to the first 200 fans for Breeders’ Cup local entrant California Angel from the George Leonard barn in the Juvenile Fillies Turf.

11/04 Jockey Rodney Prescott, the state’s all-time leading jockey, scored his 4,000th career win aboard We All See It.

11/10 The jockeys at Indiana Grand held their annual Jockey Toy Drive, collecting more than 100 toys for CASA (Court Appointed State Advocates) of Shelby County.

11/11 The 19th season of racing comes to a close with a special Veteran’s Day event featuring the $75,000 Salute The Heroes Stakes race with all veterans invited into the winner’s circle for the blanket presentation. The day also features a $50,000 seeded Pick 5 with 20 handicappers from around the world making $250 wagers on the bet with all proceeds earmarked for Homeless Veterans and Families (HVAF) of Indiana. Also, Eric Halstrom is honored with the HBPA Excellence of Service Award. Marcelino Pedroza Jr. earned his third Leading Jockey title with Randy Klopp winning his first Leading Trainer title. The top owner was Klopp and Spiess Stables, Wildcard Prado was the leading Thoroughbred horse, and Andrea Rodriguez won the eighth annual Juan Saez Leading Apprentice Award. Williams Racing is named the top Quarter Horse owner of the meet with Mr Michel earning top Quarter Horse of the meet honors.

12/04 Indiana Grand brings back the local National Horseplayers Championship (NHC) with the top four advancing to the Las Vegas Finals. Also, the top four receive a share of $10,000 in prize money. Kevin Harrell of Marion, Ind. was the winner. Other qualifiers in the field of 135 included Rich Pawlowski (PA); Greg Gass (Zionsville, Ind.), and Steven Simonovic (WI).

12/06 The IHRC approved 2022 racing dates which includes 127 days, 12 of which are Saturdays, for the 20th season of racing beginning April 19, 2022.

12/13 Indiana Grand donated 10 boxes of t-shirts, cups, hats, and bags to the recovery efforts of the Kentucky tornadoes.

Photos by Coady Photography