Harrah's Hoosier Park: Nominations rise for Peter Haughton, Jim Doherty stakes

Two of the richest and most prominent 2-year-old Grand Circuit events -- the Peter Haughton Memorial Trot for colts and geldings and the Jim Doherty Memorial for trotting fillies -- will take place at Harrah's Hoosier Park Racing & Casino for the first time in 2023 and saw strong support from owners and trainers after the February 15 nomination deadline.

The Peter Haughton drew 144 initial nominations and the Jim Doherty (previously the Merrie Annabelle) drew 122, both up significantly from 81 and 86, respectively, in 2022.

The Hambletonian Society administers both events and Harrah's Hoosier Park, which has one of the wealthiest open stake programs in North America, will host the freshman trots on Friday, September 15, 2023.

"We couldn't be more pleased with the response we have gotten to the Peter Haughton and Jim Doherty Stakes races," noted Vice President and General Manager of Racing, Rick Moore. "These two legendary trotting affairs will only add additional luster to our already outstanding Open Stakes Schedule and couldn't come at a better time as we prepare to host this year's Breeders Crown Event."

In 2022, both races were designated as "Win and You're In" events for the 2022 Breeders Crown, with the Haughton winner and Doherty winner receiving entry to their $600,000 Breeders Crown finals with the starting fees waived. The "Win And You're In" status will also apply again for the 2023 Breeders Crown, which will be hosted by Harrah's Hoosier Park on October 27 and 28, 2023.

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Final preparations for the 2023 season are well underway at Harrah's Hoosier Park Racing & Casino with opening day of the 160-day meet set for Friday, March 24. With a daily post time of 6:30 p.m., the live racing season will be conducted through December 9.

Live racing at Harrah's Hoosier Park Racing & Casino will follow a Friday, Saturday schedule the opening week, a Thursday, Friday, Saturday schedule the second week and then commence a Wednesday through Saturday schedule before adding Tuesdays beginning on July 4.

The 2023 live racing season at Harrah's Hoosier Park will feature 160 days of live racing and will be headlined the $300,000 Dan Patch Stakes on Friday, August 11 and the return of the prestigious Breeders Crown events. For more information on the upcoming live racing schedule or entertainment, please visit www.harrahshoosierpark.com.

-edited release (Harrah's Hoosier Park)