HOOSIER PARK

4500 Dan Patch Circle
Anderson, Indiana 46013
(765) 642-7223
http://www.hoosierpark.com

Hoosier Park Racing Dates
April 25 - June 10

Racetrack Information
Main track (dirt): 7/8 mile, oval
Length of stretch from last turn to finish line: 1,255 feet
Width of track: 90 feet
Degree of banking in the turns: 12 degrees

Track History and Fun Facts: In 1992, Churchill Downs Incorporated announced plans to open a racetrack in Anderson, Indiana. Disputes involving Indiana racing authorities and a small interest in the track delayed construction. It was the first racetrack outside Kentucky owned by Churchill Downs since 1939. In February 1994 a contract was signed for the construction of Hoosier Park. The construction of the facility cost approximately $13 million dollars. On September 1, 1994 the track finally opened. A crowd of 7,633 came to the grand opening of the standardbred season. In 2001, Indiana Downs became the second horse racing track in the state. Initially located in Fairland, Indiana, it was later annexed into nearby Shelbyville, Indiana. Competition eventually took its toll on Hoosier Park. When Indiana Downs opened, Hoosier Park was forced to split the state subsidy granted when the state had to issue two licenses. Also for the first time, Hoosier Park faced competition; both tracks are approximately 40 minutes apart and are about 15 minutes outside of Indianapolis. Since 2003, both tracks have lost approximately $20 million combined.

As of April 2007, legislation is pending in the Indiana General Assembly to permit slot machines at both tracks, essentially converting them to what is called a "racino". Both tracks would get a 55 percent share of the estimated $325 million the 1,500 slots at each of the state's two tracks are expected to generate annually. This will also increase the purse sizes and make both tracks much more desirable on a national level.