by Emily Gaskin, for Hoosier Park Racing and Casino

Anderson, IN — Hoosier Park Racing & Casino, in its 21st season of harness racing, will kick start summer weekends with a mix of ‘family fun’ promotions, free fireworks, entertainment and harness racing as part of the annual “Back to the Track” campaign on July 4 and 5.

Hoosier Park, in conjunction with the Indiana Standardbred Association and United States Trotting Association, will offer racing fans dining specials, handicapping contests, various entertainment, live racing, and prizes on Friday and Saturday in an effort to bring fans back to the track.

The USTA has coordinated the Back to the Track event with its member racetracks and horsemen across the United States to make it a national event. The campaign is designed to promote harness racing and encourage occasional or former race fans to come Back to the Track for an exciting night of entertainment.

When the doors open at 4 p.m. at Hoosier Park, racing fans will be greeted by Hoosier Park’s harness racing drivers signing autographs and handing out free, quick pick wagers to the first 200 guests. Also, Harness Racing Bingo is back by popular demand and is free to racing fans with prizes totaling more than $250.

Fridays at Hoosier Park, dubbed ‘Fan-tastic Fridays,’ feature $1 beers, $1 hot dogs and $1 live racing programs starting at 5 p.m. In addition, guests will be welcomed to enter the ‘Beat the Big Guy’ promotion for a chance to win up to $500. The popular ‘I Win, You Win’ promotion is back, featuring all of Hoosier Park’s champion drivers. Guests can enter each night during live racing at Club Centaur for a chance to win a $25 gift card after each race. A free fireworks presentation will culminate the Friday night festivities with an estimated start time of 10 p.m.

“Hoosier Park is proud to offer racing fans the chance to be part of a national horse racing campaign,” Hoosier Park’s Vice President and General Manager of Racing Rick Moore noted. “It’s a weekend that harness racing fans have come to enjoy, and hopefully, they will invite their family and friends to join them here at Hoosier Park.”

On Saturday, Hoosier Park has partnered with the Indiana Standardbred Association to provide fans an opportunity to win gas cards, hats and t-shirts while supplies last. Hoosier Park’s ‘Family Fun Days’ will return Saturday and continue each weekend throughout the entirety of the Standardbred meet. Activities will include a bounce house, face painting, live entertainment, games and winner’s circle giveaways.

In addition to the Back to the Track activities on Saturday, the evening will be highlighted by a 14-race card featuring the $75,000 Indiana Sires Stakes finals for 2- and 3-year-olds. Eight new Indiana Sires Stakes champions will be crowned on the program that boasts lofty purses for the Indiana program. The first race will line-up behind the starting gate at 5:15 p.m.