Anderson, IN — Preparations are underway for the 27th edition of the $225,000 (est.) Dan Patch Stakes at Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino, scheduled for next Friday (Aug. 14).

In advance of the race, a live virtual post draw will be held Tuesday (Aug. 11) at 6 p.m. on various Harrah’s Hoosier Park social media outlets. So as to adhere to CDC guidelines, the draw will take place on the Terrace Showroom Stage in a socially distanced manner.

Harrah’s Hoosier Park’s premier race debuted in 1994 with a victory from Ready To Rumble and driver Trevor Ritchie. The event has seen many notable moments such as Sweet Lou setting the overall track standard of 1:47:2 in 2014; the ‘Wonder from Down Under,’ Lazarus N making his North American Debut a winning one in 2018; and co-fastest horse in the world, Lather Up, equaling Sweet Lou’s 2014 record. A total of 34 horses and geldings are eligible for the 27th edition of the Dan Patch Stakes, including some names familiar to Indiana racing fans such as 4-year-olds Little Rocket Man, Shamwow and Tellmeaboutit.

The Dan Patch Stakes is the highlight of Dan Patch Festival Weekend, taking place next Friday (Aug. 14) and Saturday (Aug. 15). Both nights will feature entertainment for both casual and serious racing fans in a variety of forms. To complement the Dan Patch Stakes, Friday’s festivities will include music from DJ Alex B, a free Dan Patch mask with the purchase of a Dan Patch commemorative program, and a Dan Patch water bottle giveaway to the first 500 Caesars Rewards members in attendance. Indiana radio personality Laura Steele, as well as guest handicapper and racing analyst Peter Lurie, will be present for the race. Saturday will see live circus performances roaming around the property as well as a competitive live racing card.

The Dan Patch Stakes kicks off the Championship Season at Harrah’s Hoosier Park, accented by the best in Grand Circuit Racing including the third edition of the Caesars Trotting Classic and the Monument Circle Pace. The 2020 Championship Season will be highlighted by the return of the Breeders Crown on Oct. 30 and 31.

Live racing at Harrah’s Hoosier Park will follow a Tuesday-through-Saturday schedule through Nov. 21, with a daily post time of 6:30 p.m. For more information on the upcoming entertainment or live racing schedule, please visit www.harrahshoosierpark.com.