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

Anderson, IN — Hoosier Park Racing & Casino recently received approval from the Indiana Horse Racing Commission for dates and post times in 2011. The facility will offer 80 days of Standardbred racing and 62 days of Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing, including one day dedicated only to Quarter Horse action during the 2011 calendar year.

Live Standardbred racing will return to Hoosier Park on Thursday, March 31. Racing will be held Tuesday through Saturday with a post time of 5:30 p.m. each day except Saturday when racing will be conducted at 4:30 p.m. Special racing programs will be held Monday, May 30, for Memorial Day and Monday, July 4, for Independence Day beginning at 12:30 p.m. The meet will run through Saturday, July 16.

Thoroughbred racing begins Tuesday, Aug. 2. Racing will be held Tuesday through Saturday with post times at 5:30 p.m. each day except Saturday when racing will begin at 12:30 p.m. A special Labor Day racing card will be held Monday, Sept. 5, beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Quarter Horse racing will be included on numerous racing cards throughout the Thoroughbred meet. An all-Quarter Horse racing program is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 8, with a post time of 12:30 p.m.

The season for both Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing will conclude Sunday, Oct. 23.

The $500,000-added Grade II Indiana Derby and the $200,000-added Grade II Indiana Oaks will be the highlight of the Thoroughbred season. Falling on the customary first weekend in October, Indiana Derby Day is slated for Saturday, Oct. 1. Dates for the marquee events during the Standardbred meet are yet to be determined.