Anderson, IN — After a few days of rain, Harrah’s Hoosier Park’s track surface was ready to go on Saturday (July 1) as the evening’s 12-race card was highlighted by a track record-equaling mile in a conditioned pace and a new track record in the featured event of the evening. Flagman and trainer-driver Rick Plano became Harrah’s Hoosier Park’s newest track record holders with an impressive 1:51 performance in the $22,000 Open Trot, breaking the track record for older trotting geldings — the previous mark of 1:51.1 was co-held by Bridge To Jesse’s, Late Nite Hawk and Majestic Player A.

Flagman used a :27.4 closing kick to track down the pacesetting Brookview Bolt late in the lane and win by three-quarters of a length. Leaving from post two, Flagman grabbed a pocket seat while Brookview Bolt and Trace Tetrick rattled off fractions of :26.2, :54.2 and 1:23. When the field turned for home, Plano gave Flagman the green light, and he tipped out and turned on the trot. Flagman put a head in front of Brookview Bolt and fended off a late surge from Jusmakinyalook and Jordan Ross to prevail. Justmakinyalook was forced to settle for second while Dunbar Hall and Kyle Wilfong rallied well late to get up for third. Sent off as the public’s second choice, Flagman returned $7.00.

Flagman established a new track record for older trotting geldings with a 1:51 score for trainer-driver Rick Plano. Dean Gillette Photography.

Flagman recorded his second win of the season from six starts and established a new lifetime best in the process. Owned by Maryann Plano, the gelded son of Guccio—Magic Lindy has earned $287,409 in lifetime purse earnings. Flagman was bred by Pond-A-Acres.

Earlier in the evening, Kyle Wilfong steered Sweet Charlie to a 1:48.1 victory to equal the track record held by Sweet Heaven for older pacing mares. Sweet Charlie recorded her first victory of the season and lowered her lifetime best by nearly three seconds for trainer Jeff Cullipher.

Live racing will continue at Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino with a special holiday card of live racing on Tuesday (July 4). The 11-race card will be highlighted by Indiana Sires Stakes for 3-year-old competitors. In addition to the racing action, the evening will feature family fun activities, food trucks and giveaways. At the conclusion of live racing, Harrah’s Hoosier Park will host a free fireworks show. First post is 6:15 p.m.

For more information on the upcoming entertainment and live racing schedule, visit www.hoosierpark.com.