One of the most anticipated nights each year at Harrah’s Hoosier Park is Fright Night at the Races, featuring the equine costume contest. Horsemen and horsewomen go all out to deck out their horses with unique themes featuring younger racing fans.
Grace and Rachel Leonard were selected for first place in the annual Fright Night at the Races Equine Costume contest at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Photo by Dean Gillette
This year’s overall winner was Grace Leonard as “Honeybees Field of Flowers” featuring the young Grace as a honeybee atop a horse with Rachel Leonard dressed up like a beekeeper.
Other winners on the night included Bryce and Brooke Nickells with a “Happy Birthday” theme. Bryce was dressed up like a clown, Brooke was dressed up like a cake and their horse was dressed as a pinata.
Third place honors went to Sonora Dever and her pony. The duo was encased in a “Breyers Limited Edition” box.
The People’s Choice award went to the team surrounding Secretariat, complete with Ron Turcotte, Lucien Lauren, Eddie Sweat and Penny Tweedy. Rylee Harmon played Ron Turcotte. The People’s Choice award was determined by votes from the public. For a $5 fee, racing fans could place a vote for their favorite equine costume entrant. All proceeds from the votes were earmarked to the Harness Horse Youth Foundation.
In addition to the costume contest, pumpkins were provided for free decorating to kids and “Trick or Treat” festivities were set up.
The evening was part of a full schedule of activities for Breeders Crown week. The event leads into the Breeders Crown reception on Thursday followed by the $6 million Breeders Crown Championships Friday, Oct. 30 and Saturday, Oct. 31. Post time each evening is 6 p.m. Both nights are a ticketed only event due to COVID-19 restrictions. Hoosier Park is providing live streaming of the races through their Youtube channel so all racing fans can catch all the action of the prestigious event.