Year in Review: Top stories, quotes and timeline from Indiana Grand

SHELBYVILLE, Ind.; – Dec. 16, 2020 – 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 96-day racing season ran from Monday, June 15 through Thursday, Nov. 19.

TOP FIVE STORIES

1. New all-sources handle record of nearly $6 million set during Indiana Derby

Shared Sense and jockey Florent Geroux made it a clean sweep for trainer Brad Cox in the 26th running of the Grade 3 $300,000 Indiana Derby Wednesday, July 8. Geroux also connected with Shedaresthedevil in the Grade 3 $200,000 Indiana Oaks to give Cox the two biggest wins for the year at Indiana Grand.

Moved to a Wednesday afternoon for the first time in the 26-year history of the race, the Indiana Derby Day card set another all-sources handle record, pulling in $5,979,952 in wagering. The previous record was established in 2019 during Indiana Derby night when $4,104,657 was wagered. The Indiana Derby race alone garnered $1,026,395 of the total handle. With Covid-19 restrictions in place, attendance was held to under 1,500 individuals total for the racing venue at Indiana Grand.

It also marked the first time the race was part of the Kentucky Derby & Oaks points qualifier, feeding into the races set for Sat. Sept. 5 and Fri. Sept. 4, respectively.

2. Halstrom becomes third GM of racing in Indiana Grand history

Longtime racing executive Eric Halstrom was named Vice President and General Manager of Racing, beginning his role Feb. 17. Halstrom becomes only the third individual to hold the position, succeeding Jon Schuster, who passed away in late 2019. Schuster had been with the facility since its inception in 2002.

A native of Minneapolis, Minn., Halstrom has an extensive background in racetrack management. Like Schuster, he is a graduate of the University of Arizona Racetrack Industry Program and has served in several capacities, including vice president of racing at Canterbury Park, vice president and general manager of racing operations at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, assistant director of racing at Prairie Meadows and most recently vice president of operations at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs. Halstrom has previous work experience in the state of Indiana, serving as the general manager of Fort Wayne Off Track Betting and Merrillville Off Track Betting in the mid-1990s.

3. Indiana Grand opens to altered schedule following COVID-19 shutdowns

Indiana Grand Racing & Casino kicked off its 18th season of racing Monday, June 15 under unique circumstances. Following COVID-19 shutdowns that pushed opening day back nearly two months, the shortened 96-day racing season, including four all-Quarter Horse racing days, opened with a new weekly racing schedule leading to record numbers.

The altered schedule moved live racing to a Monday through Thursday schedule with select Saturdays for the all-Quarter Horse programs. As a result, handle skyrocketed recording the top 10 all-time weekly handles in the history of the track.

The new “best week ever” in Indiana Grand history was established during the 2020 Indiana Derby week in early July with $13,339,560 followed closely by the final week of racing in mid-November with a total of $13,244,173 wagered. The previous all-time best week was set during Indiana Derby week in 2019 with a total of $8,673,496. In all, 91 of the 92 racing programs featuring both Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing eclipsed the $1 million mark in handle, also a new track record for most $1 million handle days in one season.

4. Quarter Horse handle produces multiple records

In a first of its kind effort to capture a unique audience, Indiana Grand held its first of four Quarter Horse racing days in a late Saturday morning time slot, resulting in a new record handle during an all-Quarter Horse racing program.

After a total of $811,380 was wagered on the first all-Quarter Horse racing program in early July, which was a record, wagering on the early August racing program stepped up to a new record handle of $819,708. The previous record of $578,742 was established on 10 races in 2018.

Overall, handle for 2020 Quarter Horse racing was $20,143,348, establishing a new record in total handle for one season. The previous record was recorded in 2019 with $17.1 million accumulated during the 120-day racing meet.

5. Straight Fire 6 Carryover closes out 2020 racing season

After 15 straight days of going untouched, the Straight Fire 6 moved into the final day of racing Thursday, Nov. 19 with a carryover of $140,964.11, forcing a mandatory payout. As a result, a total of $700,385 was wagered into the pool seeking a big payout.

With a final pool of $841,000, multiple people had tickets and the Straight Fire 6, a Jackpot Pick 6 wager, with the payout of $434.70 distributed.

MEMORABLE QUOTES

Indiana Grand Senior Vice President and General Manager Mike Rich on the tributes implemented for Jon Schuster, former vice president and general manager of racing:

“Jon was such an integral part of the progress of Indiana Grand dating back to the very first season. He was very dedicated to Indiana Grand and extremely respected in the horse racing industry. We want to ensure his legacy and work continues on for many years by establishing several new initiatives in his honor connected to the business he loved so much and worked so tirelessly to promote.”

Backstretch Café manager Melissa Ruddick on food delivery to workers in the barn area during COVID-19 shutdowns: “We wanted to find a way to continue to serve all the people that work both in the barn area and in our track maintenance department because it’s difficult for them to leave and go off property to get food and drinks when they are working. So, we began preparing portable options. We provide service six days a week and now make three rounds on race days to accommodate everyone.”

Jockey Rodney Prescott on winning his 4,000th combined Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse win aboard Serena’s Hope June 17: “I actually rode her mom (Serena’s Reward) for the same owners. I’ve been breezing her in the mornings and she’s been breezing well. She broke well today, and she likes to be out front. That is the perfect scenario for her. She really finished well today too, and winning in that time (:59.16), that’s pretty quick for this track.”

Eric Halstrom, vice president and general manager of racing, on the purse boost for Quarter Horse racing in 2020: “We were able to add an additional $350,000 into the Quarter Horse stakes for 2020. We closed out last year with a positive balance that carried over to this year. That aspect, in addition to the funneling of live table games monies into the purse account, has provided us with a great platform to kick off our Quarter Horse program this season.”

Jockey Florent Geroux on winning the 26th running of the Indiana Derby aboard Shared Sense: “Beautiful trip to save ground all the way around there. It looked like the pace in front of me was honest. I was about to get the split right turning for home. Maybe I had contact with the horse of Greg Foley’s, Major Fed. But honestly, I don’t think it made a difference. If I beat him a head, maybe we can make a case for it, but when my horse ran going away like this, it was pretty clear there was not too much going on there.”

Quarter Horse Trainer Tony Cunningham on the start and win with Country Boy 123 as the repeat winner of the Bradford Stakes: “I generally don’t like to see a horse as the last one in the gate because they don’t have time to settle, but Ray (Kuwik) and our gate crew do an outstanding job here. Ray did a good job letting everybody get set. We really appreciate the gate crew we have here.”

Vice President and General Manager of Racing Eric Halstrom on experimenting with an early Saturday morning post for Quarter Horse racing: “By offering our all-Quarter Horse racing program with a mid-morning start, we will be able to provide a full day of racing for our guests through simulcast. The entire program will include trials for three upcoming stakes races as well as the final for the Indiana Grand QHRAI Derby. With such a quality program, we wanted the opportunity to capture the attention of as many horseplayers as possible in a time frame that could expose new fans to our Quarter Horse racing program.”

Co-owner Staton Flurry on winning the Grade 3 Indiana Oaks with Shedaresthedevil and earning points for the Kentucky Oaks: “Super proud of her. She’s nice. I’d say we’re definitely in the conversation for the (Kentucky) Oaks right now. We’re for sure going to run, but I think we’re very well toward the top of being one of the top contenders. Hopefully she runs like she did today come the first Friday in September. It’s weird saying that. Let’s hope this year is the only time we have to say it.”

Indiana HBPA Chaplain Otto Thorwarth on the addition of a weekly produce stand for backstretch workers: “Brian (Elmore) noticed a group selling produce to raise money for mission trips in nearby New Palestine (Indiana) and made arrangements for them to provide the same service for the backstretch. Without being able to have the community garden this year, he wanted to make sure these folks had access to fresh produce on a consistent basis.”

Quarter Horse Owner Lance Finlinson on racing full brothers Rock Candy Almighty and Rock the Candy Wagon, born through embryo transfers, in the Jaguar Rocket Futurity Final: “Both of these two-year-olds were embryo transfers to reset mares. It’s really rewarding to see both make it to the track. There is no limit on the number of embryo transfers we can do each year. We just had two for that year. No telling how much we have invested in this process, but it pays off if you have a good mare. Every horse we have had from this mare (Jesses Candy) has won or been in the top three. We’ve been very blessed.”

Chelsey Burris, marketing and social media for Friends of Ferdinand, following the $5,000 donation to their organization and what they accomplish with retired Thoroughbreds: “We have 25-30 horses come through our program on any given year. This year, of course, is a little different due to Covid-19. We retrain these horses into all types of second careers. We even have our first calf roping horse ready to head out soon. It just shows how versatile Thoroughbreds are. We are happy to give these horses a job after their racing careers are completed.”

Vice President and General Manager Eric Halstrom on the implementation of the Grayson Grass Challenge to benefit the organization: “Giving back to the racing industry is important to us, and the Grayson Grass Challenge was an opportunity to get involved in an ‘out of the box’ way of helping out. The promotion added a little fun and incorporated some nationally known handicappers into our racing program. It generated a lot of awareness for Grayson’s mission, which was our goal.”

Chris Polzin on being named director of racing/racing secretary for Indiana Grand: “I’m very excited and looking forward to joining the Indiana racing program. The breeding industry in Indiana right now is fantastic and the purse structure is very solid. I have also seen how dedicated track management is to the horsemen and the racing program. Their commitment to see the industry grow is very impressive. I look forward to being part of that vision.”

Quarter Horse Owner Randy Williams following the win with WRs Apolliticalivory in the QHRAI Derby to make him undefeated in five starts for 2020: “After he won both his first starts last year, I really liked him. His older sister had a really bad crooked foot and we gave her away, but then along came Ivory. It’s very chilly out here today, but I’m not cold anymore.”

Owner Loren Hebel-Osborne on the donation to racehorse aftercare from Unreachable Star during Indiana Champions Day: “This is absolutely a full circle moment for us to have a race named in his honor. If he could be here, he would be eating a watermelon and hamming it up and loving it. I hope this donation brings awareness to all horses that are warriors like him, and we hope people will give them a chance after racing for a second career.”

Jockey Rocco Bowen on winning his 1,000th career win after waiting a week to visit the winner’s circle: “I even changed my boots today. This sign is going straight to my mom. Thank you to everyone. It’s been such a pleasure to be here and everyone has been so welcoming. I want to thank all the agents throughout my career and all the people that have been in my corner. This is for everyone that has been supportive.”

Quarter Horse Trainer Randy Smith on breaking several records during the season: “You always come into a meet and you always hope for a good year. As it always is, good help that cares will make you shine. Plus, having good owners is always a big boost too.”

Jockey Emmanuel Esquivel on the Jockey Toy Drive for local children: “I have three kids myself and we are fortunate enough to provide toys for them. I come from a very poor place in Mexico, and just thinking about it, it’s hard to think about kids not getting toys for Christmas. I used to play with a stick and make wheels to put on it, and I had fun. But just imaging the kids getting toys, it’s something special. I just wish I was there to see their faces when they get them.”

Owner Steve Lewis on winning his first Leading Owner title: “I have a passion for horse racing and I’ve often said this is a roller coaster without a seatbelt. The last week we had three in that were favorites and they all got beat. The last thing I expected was for Lookin at Justice to run the way he did in the stakes (Indiana Futurity). Genaro (Garcia) is the guy that does all the work and it’s been an unbelievable meet that exceeded all my expectations.”

DeShawn Parker on winning his first Indiana Leading Jockey title: “This right here is the best thing of the meet and of my year. I had some chances the past couple of years to win (the title), but I got hurt and it just didn’t work out. My agent, Jimmy (McNerney), always does a good job but he did an exceptional job this year for me, and I was able to stay healthy. I can’t put into words what this means. This means so much to me.”

2020 RACING TIMELINE

01/01 Indiana Grand launched the addition of table games on the casino floor. Several hundred new team members took their place behind more than 40 tables for the historic event.

01/04 QHRAI and Indiana Quarter Horse Breed Development held its annual banquet to honor the top performers of 2019. Beach Treat is named Indiana-bred Quarter Horse of the Year

01/16 The Indiana Horse Racing Commission (IHRC) approved racing dates for the 18th season of Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing beginning Tuesday, April 14 and concluding Wednesday, Nov. 18.

01/24 Indiana Grand announced several tributes to former vice president and general manager of racing Jon Schuster with an annual $2,500 scholarship at the University of Arizona’s Racetrack Industry program, a stakes race named in his honor on Indiana Derby Day and a plaque installed at the new paddock entrance, the last project he worked on.

02/04 Eric Halstrom is named vice president and general manager of racing, succeeding Jon Schuster, who passed away in late 2019. Halstrom becomes only the second individual to hold the position in the history of the track. Also, the Indiana Horse Racing Commission reappoints Susie Lightle and George Pillow as commissioners.

02/10 The stakes schedules are released with the Indiana Derby heading the Thoroughbred lineup set for Saturday, July 11, offering record purses in 2020, which will top $4.65 million

03/02 Indiana Grand announces the first condition book will reflect a purse increase. The increase is directly related to the addition of table games revenues. Record purses will also be offered for Quarter Horse racing, topping $1.75 million, adding an additional $350,000 to the schedule.

03/06 Horsemen begin moving into the barn area for the upcoming 18th season of Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing. The track opens for training Monday, March 8.

03/14 In response to the national crisis concerning COVID-19, all operations at Indiana Grand and Harrah’s Hoosier Park will cease at 6 a.m. Monday, March 16 for two weeks. The barn area is closed to any additional arrivals of horses.

03/30 Indiana Grand announces that all operations will continue to be shut down in response to the COVID-19 epidemic. A limited staff remains on property for the 150 horses currently stabled on the grounds and all other team members are placed on furlough. Temperature checks begin daily on all persons entering the barn area, including all team members.

05/07 The Indiana Horse Racing Commission announces a phased plan to accept horses into the state’s two racetracks and planned start date of the 2020 racing season.

05/11 Horses currently stabled in the state of Indiana are allowed to move into both racetracks. Safety protocols remain in place for all individuals entering the backstretch area.

05/24 Travel restrictions are lifted and horses originating from out of state are allowed to enter the barn area with safety protocols remaining in place.

06/12 The Pick 5 wager is approved to offer an industry low takeout of 11.99 percent. It will be offered on the last five Thoroughbred races daily with a carryover offered.

06/15 Indiana Grand begins its 18th season of Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing with no spectators allowed. Facial coverings are required for all racing personnel and all persons associated with horses racing. The new paddock, complete with a rubberized walking ring and new Duralock fencing is unveiled. Sentimentaljourney and Albin Jimenez wins the opening race. More than $2.47 million is wagered to welcome back racing in the state of Indiana.

06/16 With food service closed in the Backstretch Café, Melissa Ruddick and Kayla Dudley travel by Gator from barn to barn offering workers food and beverage services throughout the day.

06/17 Jockey Rodney Prescott scores his 4,000th career win for combined Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing. Indiana’s all-time leading rider was victorious aboard Serena’s Hope. A total of 1,143 wins have been recorded at Indiana Grand.

06/18 Beach Cartel wins the 11th running of the $84,100 Born Runner Classic and moves into fifth on the list of all-time leading Indiana Quarter Horses by earnings.

06/19 Indiana Grand records its best wagering week ever in handle with a total of $9,867,445 wagered on 35 Thoroughbred races and 10 Quarter Horse races over the first four days of racing for 2020.

06/19 Eric Halstrom, VP and GM of Racing, announces a new format for the first all-Quarter Horse racing day July 4. The program will begin at 10 a.m. to try to capture a new audience and the signal will be the only track running in North America with full coverage on TVG.

06/22 In an effort to engage with fans, with no spectators allowed on property, Racing Rachel’s Online Warriors contest is launched to players online through Twitter. A total of 97 players competed in the first leg of the contest with the winner receiving a $100 gift card.

07/04 State of Indiana COVID-19 guidelines allow the return of spectators at the racetracks with limited capacity and protocols remaining in place. Indiana Grand hosts its first of four all-Quarter Horse racing days with a new record for single day handle of $811,380.

07/08 Shared Sense and Florent Geroux win the 26th running of the Grade 3 $300,000 IN Derby. Shedaresthedevil, also ridden by Geroux, wins the 25th running of the Grade 3 $200,000 IN Oaks. Both horses are trained by Brad Cox. The Wednesday afternoon card pulled in total handle of $5,979,952, a new track record. The Indiana Derby race alone garnered $1,026,395.

07/09 Indiana Grand announces jockey restrictions for racing. No jockey will be allowed to come in and ride at Indiana Grand unless quarantining for 14 days and providing a negative COVID-19 test. Jockeys currently riding at Indiana Grand will not be permitted to ride at any other track or will have to go through the 14-day protocol to return to riding in Indiana.

07/15 The Indiana Horse Racing Commission approves the transfer of ownership to Eldorado Resorts, who merges with Caesars Entertainment to own both racetracks and all three OTB locations in the state of Indiana. Indiana HBPA hosts a produce stand at reduced rates outside the stable gate for backstretch workers, providing fresh produce to its members.

07/20 In a unique twist, full brothers Rock Candy Almighty and Rock the Candy Wagon competed against one another in the Jaguar Rocket Futurity Final. The three-year-old full brothers are embryo transfers and are owned by Lance and Tammy Finlinson.

07/24 After being closed for more than four months, Winner’s Circle Race, Sports, Book in Clarksville reopens for business at reduced capacity and safety protocols still in place.

08/08 The second all-Quarter Horse day brings in another record handle with $819,708 wagered.

08/12 Fancy Liquor and DeShawn Parker win the 15th running of the $150,000 Caesars Stakes, Indiana’s richest turf race. The day also kicks off the first leg of the Grayson Grass Challenge, a first of its kind featuring five handicappers from around the world trying to raise money for the Grayson Jockey Club Research Foundation. Each handicapper begins with $500 to wager on turf racing from Indiana Grand with all winnings going to the organization.

08/18 Fernando De La Cruz wins his 2,000th career race aboard Katie’s Day for trainer Brad Cox.

09/04 Shedaresthedevil, winner of the 2020 Indiana Oaks, scores the win in the Kentucky Oaks.

09/05 During an unprecedented year, the Kentucky Derby is held at Churchill Downs. With limited capacity, Indiana Grand’s clubhouse sells out at 150 individuals to watch the race.

09/07 After recovering from an injury during a training incident in May 2019 Leading Jockey Marcelino Pedroza returns to riding at Indiana Grand.

09/25 After a five-week run to raise money for the Grayson Jockey Club Research Foundation, handicappers raise a total of $1,468.40 with Indiana Grand adding an additional $2,500 to bring the total to $3,968.40 A special presentation is made to Jamie Haydon, president of the Grayson Jockey Club Research Foundation.

10/01 Indiana Grand announces it will add two more racing days to 2020 to bring the total to 96, The 18th season of racing now includes a full week of action the final week, closing on Thursday, Nov. 19.

10/03 Quarter Horse Trainer Randy Smith equals his single day record of seven wins on the card, the most of any trainer for either breed in Indiana Grand history.

10/06 Chris Polzin, longtime director of racing at Arlington Park, is named director of racing/racing secretary at Indiana Grand. He will begin his new position Oct. 26.

10/14 A special winner’s circle ceremony is held in the memory of Juan Saez, who perished in a racing incident at the track six years ago. His cousin, Santo Sanjur, provided a heartfelt speech in honor of the 17-year-old Panamanian jockey.

10/20 Due to rapid rains and inclement weather, racing is canceled following the second race. It’s the first cancellation since 2018.

10/24 Beach Blast and Shanley Jackson earn the win in the 12th running of the $192,400 Miss Roxie Little Futurity during Quarter Horse Stakes Day. The afternoon also includes a 30-minute live broadcast of the event on WISH-TV hosted by Rachel McLaughlin and Martha Claussen. WRs Apolliticalivory, ridden by Sammy Mendez, also wins the $121,880 QHRAI Derby to complete 2020 with an undefeated season in five starts for trainer Randy Smith.

10/26 Jon Schuster, former VP and GM of racing, and Mike Smith, former executive director of IHRC, are inducted into the Indiana Horse Racing Association Hall of Fame held at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

10/28 Indiana Grand hosts the first Indiana Champions Day featuring four stakes in excess of $350,000 for Indiana sired and bred horses. Presented by ITOBA, the day also includes the inaugural running of the Lady Fog Horn Stakes and the Unreachable Star Stakes. Unreachable Star’s connections made a $500 donation in his honor to Friends of Ferdinand to commemorate the day. Otto Thorwarth, the jockey who played Ron Turcotte in the Disney movie “Secretariat” unveils his new book “No Ordinary Champion” and signs copies during the day. Five legislators are recognized and honored for their assistance in getting racing “back on track” following COVID-19 shutdowns earlier in the year.

10/31 Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the ITOBA Fall Sale is moved to the Randy Smith farm.

11/11 Rocco Bowen scores his 1,000th career victory aboard Dox Folly. The Barbados native had 23 starts between win 999 and his milestone. Denny Jenkins was also crowned the winner in Racing Rachel’s Warriors Final, earning the top prize of $1,000.

11/12 HH CJ Shake and Juan Marquez win the Harley Greene Derby, the final Quarter Horse Stakes of the season.

11/18 Indiana Grand’s Jockeys accumulate more than 60 toys during their annual drive for kids attending “Breakfast with Santa” through the Shelby Parks Department. Later, the event is canceled due to COVID-19 and the toys are donated to CASA for distribution among the kids in their system. Also, Piedi Bianchi wins the Frances Slocum Stakes and moves into third on the list of all-time leading female Indiana breds in earnings. Her connections donate a percentage of her winnings to New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.

11/19 A mandatory payout is put into place for the Straight Fire 6, which has rolled over for 15 straight days. The carryover heading into the final day is $140,964.11 and the final pool was recorded at $841,000. Year-end awards are celebrated with Randy Smith winning his sixth Leading Quarter Horse Training title, Sammy Mendez winning his first Leading Quarter Horse Jockey title and setting a new record for most wins by a Quarter Horse jockey in one season at 34, Gwen and Randy Williams win their first Leading Quarter Horse Owner title, Joshua Morales wins his first title for the Juan Saez Leading Apprentice Jockey award, Louisiana Lover and Strong Tide earning Leading Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred awards, respectively, Genaro Garcia wins his fourth straight Leading Thoroughbred title and teams up with Steve Lewis to win Leading Thoroughbred Owner, and DeShawn Parker picked up his first Leading Thoroughbred Jockey title in Indiana.

11/20 For the first time in Indiana history, winter training is allowed at Indiana Grand. Nearly 300 horses are set to stay on the grounds over the winter to prepare for the 2021 racing season. A new Equicizer will be installed over the winter to accommodate horses on the backstretch during days when training isn’t possible due to weather.

11/23 Indiana Grand releases its year-end figures, announcing a record for all-time handle and recording the top 10 “best week ever” finishes in the 18-year history of racing.

12/10 The IHRC approves the 120-day racing dates for 2021 at Indiana Grand, running April 13 through Nov. 4 racing Monday through Thursday with eight days on Saturdays.

Photos by Coady Photography