Anderson, IN – On Saturday (July 31) Harrah’s Hoosier Park will host the second annual Empire of Hope day. Empire of Hope is a day dedicated to raising funds for the after care of retired racehorses, with all proceeds directly benefitting the Standardbred Transition Alliance to assist efforts to relocate, rehabilitate and repurpose retired standardbred racehorses.

“Standardbreds “lay it on the line” every time they race,” said Vice President and General Manager of Racing, Rick Moore. “Whether a veteran racehorse or a high caliber stakes horse, these horses give their all whenever they line up behind the starting gate. Now it is time for us to “lay it on the line” for them; to raise funds to ensure they have loving homes or even second careers to go to after their racing days are over.”

Empire Of Hope. Hoosier Park Media.

“I encourage everyone to join us on Empire of Hope Night to celebrate these great animals and contribute monetarily towards the after-care that they have most deservedly earned.”

This year’s event at Harrah’s Hoosier Park will take place on Saturday, July 31 and is one of the highlights on the racing calendar. Through a variety of promotions, donations, and activities, Harrah’s Hoosier Park will work to raise awareness and funding to assist in the mission. Racing fans attending the event will have the opportunity to make contributions and learn more about aftercare efforts.

Beginning at 10am on Friday, July 30, guests can donate $5 at the Caesars Reward Center in the casino, and in turn receive $5 free slot play or race wagering through Harrah’s Hoosier Park’s Give $5, Get $5 promotion. The Give $5, Get $5 promotion will continue Saturday at both Caesars Rewards centers on property from 10am-10pm.

On Saturday, July 31, guests who donate $5 to the Standardbred Transition Alliance will receive a mystery voucher. The mystery vouchers will vary in worth, with the top prize being $100. The mystery vouchers will be available to the first 100 Caesars Rewards Members who donate beginning at 5:30pm at Trackside Caesars Rewards.

On Friday and Saturday, guests may also purchase an official Empire of Hope T-shirt for a minimum donation of $10 at the Harrah’s Hoosier Park Program Stand. T-shirts will be sold while supplies last. Racing fans are encouraged to wear their Empire of Hope T-shirts to the event.

Also, located throughout the property are official Empire of Hope donations boxes. Guests are encouraged to donate cash, coins or Tito Tickets into the donation boxes.

Drivers, trainers, and owners racing at Harrah’s Hoosier Park are also giving back by committing a percentage of their nightly racing earnings to support the Empire of Hope cause. In addition, the Track Kitchen will be hosting a charity cookout on Saturday, July 31 from 11am-4pm at the Horseshoe Café on the backside. For a donation of $10, Harrah’s Hoosier Park horsemen can enjoy a BBQ lunch and drink with all proceeds benefitting Empire of Hope.

Saturday, July 31 will also mark the second Family Fun Saturday of the season at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Hedgehog Hannah will have an exotic animal show in the front paddock from 6-9 p.m. along with face painters and temporary tattoo artists for children. The evening will also feature a live DJ on the track apron along with food trucks and a beer garden.
All proceeds from the evening’s charitable activities will be earmarked for the Standardbred Transition Alliance who will provide grants in funding of 501(c)(3) groups serving Standardbreds and ensure they utilize best practices for equine care and financial management through an accreditation process.

Live racing action will get underway at 6:30 p.m. For more information on Empire of Hope or upcoming entertainment at Harrah’s Hoosier Park, please visit www.harrahshoosierpark.com.