News

Tetrick Out Front Early In Driver Standings

Driver Trace Tetrick might be one of the youngest reinsman on the track at Hoosier Park this season, but he’s not being intimidated by his older, more seasoned competitors. The 21-year-old driver from Geff, Ill., is leading all drivers, scoring 13 wins in the first seven nights of racing in 2008.

With racing in his blood, Tetrick was born into the harness racing industry. He follows his father, Tom D., and brothers, Tom T. and Tim, into the business. Tim Tetrick led all drivers in the nation in 2007 with 1,188 wins, a new seasonal record.

Tetrick spent his second year of driving at Hoosier Park last season, finishing fourth with 65 wins. He ventured to the Chicago tracks during the winter months, completing his best year to date, earning 286 wins and pulling in his first $1 million year in purse earnings. Tetrick began driving in 2003.

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Notable

Macomber Now A Ten Million Dollar Man. Driver Ricky Macomber Jr. recently joined a new group in harness racing history. The 37-year-old reinsman passed the $10 million mark in purse earnings. Macomber won the 2007 Leading Driver award at Hoosier Park.
Get A Weekly Double Dose Of Special Promotions. Two weekly promotions will entice racing fans to head out to the track each Wednesday and Thursday during the harness racing season. Wednesday will feature the “You Can’t Win If You Don’t Show” contest while Thursday offers the return of the “Ultimate Hoosier Park Handicapper.” Patrons must be a Hoosier Park Rewards member to enter. Membership is free and can be obtained from the new guest services center, located at the main entrance to the grandstand.
Rizzi Wins Road To The Derby Challenge. Phil Rizzi of the Indianapolis OTB was the winner of the $2,000 Road To The Derby Challenge Saturday, April 12. The contest wrapped up the two-month promotion with the Arkansas Derby, the Holy Bull Stakes, and the Blue Grass Stakes during simulcasting.

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“Quotable”

Driver Charlie Conrad following his win with Big Boy Josh in the opening night Invitational Trot Saturday, April 5. This horse (Big Boy Josh) goes like a sewing machine up front – straight up and down. But he’s easier to drive now than he was when he was younger. He sits in a hole a lot better now and can get home when you ask him.”

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Upcoming Promotions

Dollar Fridays. Every Friday throughout the Standardbred meet will give fans a break on their wallets. Hoosier Park will offer $1 drafts, $1 hot dogs, and $1 wagers during the night. The evening will also feature live entertainment each week. The Smokin’ Guns Band will be in the spotlight Friday, April 18 performing from 6 until 10 p.m.
$25,000 Saturday Spectacular Sweepstakes Underway. Hoosier Park Rewards members enjoyed the first round of the $25,000 Saturday Spectacular Sweepstakes Saturday, April 12. The promotion will feature $1,000 cash drawings each Saturday leading up to the grand prize Saturday, July 5th. One lucky member will win $10,000 on the final night of the promotion.
Kentucky Derby Day. Racing fans will be settled in front of televisions everywhere Saturday, May 3 as the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby is featured. Central Indiana residents can catch all of the action from Churchill Downs at Hoosier Park. Gates open at 9:30 a.m. The first race from Churchill Downs begins at 11 a.m.

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Don’t Forget

Live Standardbred racing continues Wednesday through Sunday. The 71-day meet concludes Saturday, July 12. Simulcasting is offered seven days a week. Doors open at 11 a.m.

To receive Notes & Quotes electronically, e-mail tammyk@hoosierpark.com.

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