The creativity was out in full force at Harrah’s Hoosier Park Saturday, Nov. 2 for the annual Fright Night at the races. Originally scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 26, Fright Night was moved back a week to avoid cold, rainy conditions that blanketed central Indiana on the intended date of the outdoor event.
Emily Hay leads the Big Bad Wolf and Three Little Pigs around the front paddock during the annual Fright Night equine costume contest at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Photo by Dean Gillette
Headlining Fright Night was the equine costume contest that was supported by many horsemen and horsewomen. Each costume group was required to have at least one horse in their presentation, and the costumes and ideas were superb this season. Concepts ranged from 101 Dalmatians, Flintstones, Old MacDonald’s Farm and Winnie the Pooh to Halloween Themes such as Addams Family and Nightmare on Elm Street. Santa Claus even made a stop with his “family” for the contest. The public was able to vote on their favorite costumes with donations for the votes going to the Harness Horse Youth Foundation.
All the costumes were outstanding and hats off to everyone for the time they put into their creativity and presentation for Fright Night. The camaraderie shown through the event shows why Indiana Standardbred racing is always a step ahead.