by Tammy Knox, director of race marketing affairs, Hoosier Park

Anderson, IN — The 2012 racing dates for Hoosier Park Racing & Casino were recently finalized by the Indiana Horse Racing Commission. Standardbred racing returns Tuesday (March 27) and will conclude Saturday (July 14) while the Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing seasons begin Wednesday (Aug. 1) and runs through Saturday (Oct. 27).

The 19th season of Standardbred racing will offer 80 days of action Tuesday through Saturday. Post time is slated for 5:30 p.m. Hoosier Park’s signature event, the $200,000 Dan Patch Invitational Pace, is set for Saturday (June 2). The 2012 season will conclude Saturday (July 14) featuring Hoosier Champions Night and finals of the Indiana Sires Stakes.

The combined Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse meet will offer 64 days of racing with one of those days dedicated solely to Quarter Horse action. Racing will be held Tuesday through Saturday each week with a post time of 5:30 p.m. except Saturday when racing begins at 12:30 p.m.

The highlight of the 18th season of Thoroughbred racing will be the Grade II $500,000-added Indiana Derby Saturday (Oct. 6). The day will also feature other stakes races including the Grade II $200,000-added Indiana Oaks, the $100,000-added Michael G. Schaefer Mile, and the $100,000-added Mari Hulman George Stakes.

The 16th season of Quarter Horse racing will be highlighted with the second annual All-Quarter Horse Stakes Day Saturday (Oct. 13). Post time for the event begins at 12:30 p.m.

For more information on Hoosier Park Racing & Casino, log onto www.hoosierpark.com.