by Emily Gaskin, for Hoosier Park Racing and Casino

Anderson, IN — Hoosier Park Racing & Casino will culminate the 20th season of live harness racing as they play host to the second annual Renaissance Day on Saturday (Nov. 9).

The afternoon will showcase exciting horse racing action, medieval themed activities and giveaways. A total of 14 races will compliment the festivities with racing beginning at the regularly scheduled post time of 5:30 p.m.

The 14-race card will be highlighted by the $32,000 Invitational Pace for horses and geldings. Itrustyou and Ricky Macomber, Jr. will look to score their second consecutive win in the top class from post seven. Trained by Hoosier Park’s leading trainer, Ron Burke, Itrustyou will look to score his seventh win of the season against six other challengers.

Perhaps one of the most exciting races found at Hoosier Park won’t include horses at all, but rather the All-Star drivers. Since the opening of the 2013 live racing season, the battle for supremacy atop Hoosier Park’s leading driver ranks has been brewing. Trace Tetrick walked away with the title in 2012, but Tyler Smith looks to be well on his way to earning his first leading driver title at Hoosier Park. With 260 wins, Smith is leading all drivers, but Ed Hensley is only the four behind with 256 wins through Friday. Earlier in the season Smith reached harness racing history as he became the youngest driver to reach 1,000 career wins at 20 years old.

In conjunction with the racing action taking place on the track, Hoosier Park will be filled with activities off the track as well. Guests will have the opportunity to experience medieval mastery with live demonstrations from renaissance period crafters, a fortune teller and roaming entertainment. A live band and dancers will be on hand to accompany the activities taking place throughout Hoosier Park’s Yard outdoor venue. Guests will also have the opportunity to feast like a king in the food court with fare including caramel apples, funnel cakes, roasted turkey legs and shepherd’s stew.

Hoosier Park’s ‘Family Fun Days’ will also return this Saturday. Tagged as the “Enchanted Village,” Hoosier Park’s Yard will be filled with activities for children to enjoy. The activities will include hand-dipped caramel apples, face painting, crafts and much more. And as always, the official Hoosier Park mascot, Hoosier Buddy, will once again be on hand to entertain and excite. The family friendly atmosphere will include designated family parking and entrances to accommodate all guests.

Guests can also enter to be a part of the popular “I Win, You Win” promotion. Just as it sounds, the “I Win, You Win” promotion gives patrons the chance to win a $25 Hoosier Park gift card if one of the All-Star Drivers wins a race on the Friday or Saturday night card.