by Kim French, USTA Internet News Editor

Kim French

Columbus, OH — Despite the wet weather that has blanketed the Midwest this week, don’t expect to find Rick Moore, Hoosier Park’s vice president and general manager of racing, residing in his office to escape the rain. In fact, it would be downright difficult to find Moore at his desk as he places the finishing touches on the final details for opening the Anderson oval’s 25th season on Friday (March 30).

“I’ve been out on the backside all morning and it is exciting to be preparing for the return of racing,” said Moore. “The last several days of the meet you are ready for a little break, but it doesn’t take very long before you start looking forward to racing again; it gets the adrenaline pumping.”

Dean Gillette photo

Rick Moore was a key component of Hoosier Park’s opening team in 1994 and has been responsible for its expansions for nearly 14 years.

Moore brings more than 30 years of horse racing industry experience to Hoosier Park’s live racing operation. Moore was a key component of Hoosier Park’s opening team in 1994 and has been instrumental in its growth for nearly 19 years. During Moore’s time at Hoosier Park, he spearheaded the construction and operation of three off-track betting facilities and introduced a number of high-quality racing events.

With a first post time of 6:30 p.m. Hoosier Park will follow a Friday, Saturday schedule opening week, a Thursday, Friday, Saturday schedule the second week and then transition to a regular Tuesday through Saturday schedule throughout the remainder of the season.

The highlight of the 160-day schedule will be the $300,000 Dan Patch Stakes on Friday (Aug. 10), but the meet also includes Grand Circuit events and Indiana Sire Stakes action.

Hoosier Park will conclude the 2018 meet on Saturday (Nov. 10).

“Obviously we are coming off a historic season where we hosted the Breeders Crown,” Moore said. “But we don’t want people to think we are resting on our laurels. We have made improvements to the facility, will be offering some exciting new promotions we think our customers will enjoy and of course we are dedicated in providing quality harness racing.”

Although Hoosier Park is in the process of being sold to Caesars Entertainment, which should occur within the next several months, the atmosphere in Anderson is filled with energy, enthusiasm and anticipation for what the future holds in store.

“Even with a new ownership group we expect things to continue like business as usual,” Moore said. “The new company is just as committed to customer service and harness racing as we are, so we will continue to strive to offer the best customer experience possible while always looking for ways to improve.”

Returning after such a successful Breeders Crown, which received rave reviews from the media, horsemen, industry professionals and fans alike, could be rather daunting for many organizations but Hoosier Park plans on building on that high water mark not only this year but for years to come.

“We are so appreciative to have had the opportunity to conduct the Breeders Crown Event and cannot thank the Hambletonian Society enough for the faith they bestowed in us,” Moore said. “Of course we are hopeful that we are afforded the opportunity to host again in the future, but that is up to the Hambletonian Society. We are also so grateful that the horsemen and horsewomen seemed to enjoy their time here at Hoosier Park and seem intent on returning. Nearly all their comments were extremely positive, and we are excited to see what this season brings coming on the heels of the Breeders Crown all the while with the goal of providing the best possible customer service for each attendee that comes to Hoosier Park.

“There is something for everybody at Hoosier Park whether it be racing, gaming, dining or entertainment. Speaking of dining we pride ourselves on the number of options available from the buffet, to the Homestretch Restaurant to the Homestretch Steakhouse to Voodoo Bar B Que and more. And no matter what outlet they may choose our customers will always be greeted by smiling faces as it is our pleasure to serve our guests.”

To celebrate the facility’s 25th anniversary Hoosier Park will follow the theme “Racing Revolutionized” to demonstrate the heights they intend to rise to in 2018.

“It is amazing this is our 25th year,” Moore said. “When you look back and see all we have done and what we hope to continue to do over the next 25 years. For instance, look at the Dan Patch Stakes. Who would have thought just 25 years ago that our signature race would now attract the best horses in the country each and every year? Just look at the list of Dan Patch winners with horses like Sweet Lou headlining it. While that is certainly an accomplishment, our goal remains to continue to work to be the absolute best we can be.”