by Tammy Knox, Publicity Director, Hoosier Park

Luckyisasluckydoes and driver Mike Saftic seemed to be overshadowed by other entrants in the days leading up to the $200,000 Dan Patch Invitational Pace. However, the duo proved they were worthy of the invitation, coasting home to the victory in a time of 1:50.0 Saturday, April 10.

Saftic placed Luckyisasluckydoes along the inside from the start, but didn’t wait long to make his only move a winning maneuver. The five-year-old Camluck gelding sprinted to the lead just after the quarter mile marker. He would never be challenged the rest of the way. Eaton Road Kill and driver

Eric Ledford finished a closing second over Life Source and Brett Miller, who held their ground inside for third. A crowd of 6,178 attended the 11th edition of the Dan Patch. The tally was the sixth largest attendance for Dan Patch evening. The largest Dan Patch crowd ever recorded was in 1999 when a total of 7,923 attended the event.

The total also stands as the largest crowd during the 2004 Standardbred season at Hoosier Park. Also, a total of $1,178,879 was wagered during the evening, which is the third highest handle ever accumulated during the Standardbred meet.

# # #

Notable-

**Cullipher Captures Win 2,500. Driver Roger Cullipher earned his 2,500th career driving victory Friday, April 9. The Calvert City, Ky. native guided Are Those Real to victory in the evening’s tenth race. Cullipher also trains Are Those Real.

**$5,000 Derby Prep Challenge Coming To A Close. A record number of participants have participated in this year’s $5,000 Derby Prep Challenge contest this season. The event, open to all Twin Spires Club members, will conclude Saturday, April 17 with the Coolmore Lexington at Keeneland Racecourse. Heading into the final round, three players are tied for the lead with 25 points, including Harold Scott of Anderson, Ind.

# # #

“Quotable”–

**Driver Eric Ledford on guiding Eaton Road Kill in the 2004 Dan Patch Invitational — “The race was over at the turn for him (Eaton Road Kill). I knew second was the best he could do at that point. Luckyisasluckydoes had already gotten away, and there was no cover. But, it still was a prosperous night.”

# # #

Upcoming Promotions-

**Register To Win A Car Every Saturday. Each Saturday, fans will have the opportunity to register for a chance at a free car. Payton Wells Auto Group of Anderson will give one lucky fan the choice between a Ford Focus, Dodge Neon, or Kia Spectra. Ten semi-finalist names will be drawn each Saturday to be added to the final drawing during Hoosier Cup Night, which is set for Saturday, May 29. Fans must be present to win and must meet all specifications of the contest to be eligible to win.

**College Night Set For April 17. College students will be the main focus Saturday, April 17 for a special College Night. Free admission will be granted to all students showing their valid pass or identification card. Several giveaways geared toward college kids will also be included for the night, including scholarships and computers.

**Community Night Places Spotlight On Madison County. Numerous businesses in Madison County will take center stage Saturday, April 24 for Community Night. Performances will take place by the jazz bands of both Highland High School and Anderson High School. Free admission will be granted to all guests.

**Hogs ‘n Dogs Featured In May. A new promotion will bring out all kinds of Hogs ‘n Dogs Saturday, May 8. The evening will feature a motorcycle cruise-in along with a fundraiser for the Madison County Humane Society. Weiner Dog races will be held along with live entertainment provided by the Crossroads Band beginning at 5 p.m.

# # #

Don’t Forget-

**Live harness racing continues through Saturday, June 12, 2004. Post times are 6:45 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.