Hoosier: Record numbers on opening night

Hoosier Park Racing & Casino kicked off the 2016 live racing season on Friday, April 1 and did it in fashion, recording the strongest opening night ever in the 23-year-history of the track. All sources handle was up an impressive 65% over last year’s numbers with the same number of races carded. Excitement pervaded throughout the grandstand as a large, enthusiastic crowd welcomed the 23rd season of harness racing back to the seven-eighths mile oval.

“What an absolutely sensational opening night,” Hoosier Park’s Vice President and General Manager of Racing, Rick Moore noted. “To be up 65% over last year is beyond my wildest dreams! Thank you to the horsemen for putting on such a great show and to our on-track and off-track audiences for supporting us at the betting windows.”

Friday’s card offered remarkable value to the horseplayer with full fields, the introduction of the new Hoosier High-5 wager, and an improved racing product. The bettors came out in full force on the opening night of the season as handle increases were felt both on track and through export wagering to produce $948,734 in all sources handle for the evening.

The progress is attributed to a renewed focus on showcasing an enhanced racing product and bringing fans back to the track for a multi-faceted entertainment experience. The partnership between Hoosier Park and horse racing network TVG has also contributed significantly to the wagering gains.

--edited release (Hoosier)