by Jessica Barnes, Director of Racing and Breed Development for the Indiana Horse Racing Commission

Indianapolis, IN — In a state that is well known for its racing industry, from the Indianapolis 500 to the Brickyard, motorsports have always reigned supreme in Indiana. Now Indiana’s other racing industry is making national headlines. Indiana sired horses, Always B Miki, Freaky Feet Pete and Wiggle It Jiggle, finished first, second and thihrd respectively in the $500,000 Ben Franklin Pace last Saturday (July 2) at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono. The winner of the race, Always B Miki, matched the fastest mile in history on a five-eighths-mile racetrack.

These Indiana grown horses are a product of Indiana’s Standardbred Breed Development Program and are taking the racing industry by storm. In the current Hambletonian Society/Breeders Crown poll, which ranks the top ten horses in the nation, four of the horses are products of Indiana’s program.

“I believe the performances of Indiana horses speak directly to the success of our program. Our Breed Development Program is producing quality racehorses that have the ability to compete on a national level,” noted Jessica Barnes, Director of Racing and Breed Development for the Indiana Horse Racing Commission (IHRC).

Funds from casino gaming at Indiana’s racetrack have given Indiana’s racing industry the ability to create racing programs that have attracted the highest quality of racehorses, impacting not only racing but also the state’s breeding industry. All sectors of the industry, from racetrack operators to owners, trainers, breeders, and stallion owners, have made significant investments in the horse racing industry and the State of Indiana. The resulting outcome is a breeding and racing industry that has become one of the best, if not the best, in the nation.

Whether it is as a fan, owner, trainer or driver, now is a great time to get involved in Indiana’s horse racing industry. Indiana’s race meets are currently in progress at Indiana’s racetracks, Hoosier Park Racing and Casino (Anderson, Indiana) and Indiana Grand Racing and Casino (Shelbyville, Indiana).

Additional information about Indiana’s horse racing industry and its Breed Development Programs can be found on the IHRC’s website at www.in.gov/hrc or by calling (317) 233-3119.