Indianapolis, IN — The state of Indiana is known for its Hoosier Hospitality, and to remind buyers of registered Indiana-bred or Indiana-sired horses about that hometown pride, the Indiana Horse Racing Commission and its three breed development programs have invested in buyer bags for the 2019 sales season.

The buyer bags are a combination of resources from the Indiana breed development programs and the state’s horsemen’s associations as a way to introduce buyers of Indiana eligible horses to its breed development program and racing opportunities within our state.

“We know buyers have a lot of different options, and we want to thank them for investing in our breeders and our racing programs when they purchase Indiana-bred racehorses,” says Jessica Barnes, Director of Racing and Breed Development at the IHRC.

Each bag is a breed development program branded cooler tote, perfect to take along to the races, the barn or when attending other sporting events. To simplify participation, inside the bag is a zippered portfolio filled with helpful information about the breed development programs, such as registration applications, a reminder checklist and informational brochures. Also included in the bag are small gifts of appreciation from the program and associations.

“As a breeder, I appreciate the support from the breed development program and I love this idea of the buyer bags,” says Thoroughbred breeder Pat Doran. “What a great way to help educate those outside of Indiana why it pays to purchase and race Indiana-breds in and out of the state.”

Buyers at the recent Quarter Horse Racing Association of Indiana Speed sale received their bags as they checked out. Bags will also be available at the upcoming Hoosier Classic (Standardbred) and Indiana Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association Fall Mixed Sale. Buyers of horses purchased at sales outside of the state of Indiana receive their bags via shipping.

“This is just another way we’re trying to help promote our breeders, owners and trainers in Indiana, and so far the reception has been wonderful on all sides,” says Megan Arszman, marketing and communications for the IHRC. “This is the kind of thing that I hope will help introduce Hoosier Hospitality and Horsepower to horse racing nationwide.”