ANDERSON, Ind.—July 27, 2022— On Saturday, July 30, Harrah’s Hoosier Park will host the third annual Empire of Hope Day. The Empire of Hope event is dedicated to raising funds for the aftercare of retired harness racehorses, with all proceeds directly benefitting the Standardbred Transition Alliance to aid efforts to relocate, rehabilitate and repurpose racehorses of retired standard breed.
Race fans will get a chance to meet a retired racehorse at Harrah’s Hoosier Park’s Empire of Hope Day (Photo by Dean Gillette)
“At the end of the day, all of us at Harrah’s Hoosier Park owe a debt of gratitude to the Standardbred racehorses that run here every night,” said Vice President and General Manager of Racing Rick Moore. “To help repay this debt of gratitude, it is necessary for all of us to show our appreciation for these great equine athletes. There is no better way to show that appreciation than by making a financial contribution that helps these horses find second careers and second homes once their racing careers are over.”
Through a variety of promotions, donations and activities, Harrah’s Hoosier Park will work to raise awareness and funding to aid in the mission. Race fans attending the event will have the opportunity to make contributions and learn more about aftercare efforts, as well as meet a retired racehorse enjoying a second career.
“I am very pleased that our annual Empire of Hope night has become one of our biggest race nights of the season,” continued Moore. “I am hopeful that this year will once again produce exceptional results as we look to raise money and awareness of the aftercare of standard racehorses.”
Beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 29, guests can make a $5 donation at the casino’s Caesars Reward Center and in turn receive a $5 free spin or a $5 race bet on through Harrah’s Hoosier Park’s Give $5, Get $5 promotion. The Give $5, Get $5 promotion will continue Saturday at the property’s Caesars Rewards Center from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
On Saturday, July 30, guests can donate $5 to the Standardbred Transition Alliance to receive a mystery voucher. Mystery vouchers will have a different value, with the top prize being $100. Mystery vouchers will be available on the main mutuel line and available to the first 100 guests who make a donation.
Beginning Thursday, guests will also be able to purchase an official Empire of Hope T-shirt for a minimum donation of $10 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park program booth. T-shirts will be sold while supplies last. Race fans are encouraged to wear their Empire of Hope T-shirts to the event.
Additionally, official Empire of Hope donation boxes are located throughout the property. Guests are encouraged to donate cash, coins or Tito Tickets to the donation boxes.
The drivers, trainers and owners who race at Harrah’s Hoosier Park are also giving back by pledging a percentage of their night racing earnings to support the Empire of Hope cause. In addition, the Track Kitchen will be hosting a charity cook-off on Saturday, July 30 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Horseshoe Café at the back. For a $10 donation, riders at Harrah’s Hoosier Park can enjoy a barbecue lunch and drink with all proceeds benefiting Empire of Hope. Harrah’s Hoosier Park driver and coaches will also appear in a crash tank. For a $5 donation, race fans will have three chances to pin their favorite driver or trainer.
Saturday, July 30 will also be the third Family Fun Saturday of the season at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Activities will include bounce houses, face painters and traveling entertainment. The night will also feature a live DJ on the runway apron along with food trucks and a beer garden.
All proceeds from the night’s charitable activities will go to the Standardbred Transition Alliance, which will provide grants to fund 501(c)(3) groups that serve Standardbreds and ensure they use best practices for equine care and financial management through an accreditation process.
Live racing will start at 18:15. For more information about Empire of Hope or entertainment near Harrah’s Hoosier Park, please visit here.
by Emily Gaskin, for Harrah’s Hoosier Park
