Unique season opener set for Horseshoe Indianapolis

unique-season-opener-set-for-horseshoe-indianapolis

Horseshoe Indianapolis will present a one of a kind experience for the track’s 22nd season opener Monday.

Live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing surrounds the Total Solar Eclipse, which will occur at 3:06 p.m. The facility, located off I-74 in Shelbyville, Indiana, is positioned right on the line of totality as the moon will completely cover the sun.

Live racing begins at noon complemented by numerous activities, including local entertainment provided by Lindsey Flannery, Kitt Hammond, Nick Fischer, and Garry Lauziere. Giveaways prior to the eclipse include chairs, T-shirts, racing calendars, and viewing glasses, while supplies last. Equine artist Sally Mize will create a live portrait during the afternoon and fans of all ages will enjoy facepainting, strolling entertainment, and the Magic Mirror Selfie Station.

Racing will take a break at 2:30 p.m. with the popular Indianapolis-based The Endless Summer Band taking the stage. All activities will pause at 3 p.m. until the eclipse comes out of totality. The Endless Summer Band resumes until 4 p.m. leading into the final two races of the day featuring Quarter Horse action.

“What a great way to kick off our racing season,” said Eric Halstrom, Vice President and General Manager of Racing. “We felt tying our season opener to the Total Solar Eclipse would be a unique way to showcase our racing program while providing a fun afternoon of activities during such a monumental day for Central Indiana. Our facility sits right on the line of totality, so it will be a popular area to watch the Eclipse.”

The racing program features eight races, including the $55,000 Total Eclipse of the Heart Overnight Handicap and the $55,000 Dark Side of the Moon Overnight Handicap. Both events will be run at five and one-half furlongs and feature some of the best older Indiana horses in the state.

The Total Eclipse of the Heart for fillies and mares features the return of Carimba from the Rey Hernandez barn. Three-time leading jockey Marcelino Pedroza Jr. will guide the six-year-old mare, who won three of five races last year. Carimba starts from post No. 12 at odds of 2-1.

Favored in the Dark Side of the Moon for three-year-olds and up is Classic Max from the Tianna Richardville Stable. The five-year-old Congrats gelding makes his 2024 debut from post No. 11 at odds of 3-1 following last year where he won three races. He is four for four over Indiana’s racetrack in his career. Classic Max comes into the race off a bullet work and will be ridden by German Terraza.

General parking and admission are free to attend the season opener, with doors opening at 11 a.m. Reservations are available in Clubhouse Dining by calling (317) 421-0000. Special parking spaces on top of the parking garage are available through Ticketmaster.

The 22nd season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing extends through Nov. 14. Racing is conducted at 2:10 p.m. Monday through Thursday with select Saturdays provided throughout the 123-day season. Six all-Quarter Horse racing days will begin at 10:45 a.m. with the first date set for June 1.

For more information on live racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis/racing.

The Shelby County Post is a digital newspaper producing news, sports, obituaries and more without a pay wall or subscription needed. Get the most recent Shelby County Post headlines delivered to your email by visiting shelbycountypost.com and click on the free daily email signup link at the top of the page.