The Indiana Standardbred Board of Directors held their monthly meeting Monday, Aug. 7 at the ISA Office in Greenfield. Several notices were shared with the group as Indiana racing prepares for a big weekend of racing with the Dan Patch Stakes coming to Harrah’s Hoosier Park Friday, Aug. 11.
The ISA Board met Monday, Aug. 7 to prepare for several events coming up, including Dan Patch Night Friday, Aug. 11. Photo by Tammy Knox
The meeting was called to order by President John DeLong. Executive Director Tony Renz gave updates on the Breeders Crown events. He noted several activities associated with Breeders Crown in late October will be activated this weekend, including the Breeders Crown Charity online auction. The event will be promoted and available on social media.
Renz also noted seating for the Breeders Crown is available to directors right now and should be secured soon. The ISA plans to have a special gathering in the Top of the Park that will include guests of the Indiana Horse Racing Commission. They have also secured a table in the Breeders’ Crown tent for the Saturday events.
Apron upgrades at Harrah’s Hoosier Park are nearing completion and hopes are to have the area open for Dan Patch. The board voted to purchase furniture for the area, but the furniture will not be available by this weekend’s stakes racing activities. Asphalt was delayed due to rain but is expected to be completed this week along with the sealing of the pavement. President DeLong noted with stakes races now until the end of the meet, this area will be utilized greatly for the second half of the season.
DeLong also alerted the board they will be selling raffle tickets in the paddock for a donated jog cart and harness with all proceeds earmarked to Harper Finn. A text blast will be sent out to members with the information along with info for the Go Fund Me page currently set up by the Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association for Harper, who tragically perished last week at the county fair in Illinois. Horsemen’s Representative P.D. Huffman will assist with the tickets in the paddock for the fundraiser, with tickets sold for $10 each or three for $25.
Matt Rheinheimer presented the completed 2024 budget for the board, which was approved and will move onto the Indiana Horse Racing Commission by their deadline. Also, the board approve the College Assistance program for 2024 with a few minor changes. A total of 10 applicants were received for the fall semester in 2023.
DeLong also noted stall space will be tight at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and said they are providing some portable stalls.
It was reported there are 816 current members. Also, a pari-mutuel meeting with some board members and Harrah’s Hoosier Park will be scheduled next week. A Commission Relations meeting has been set for later in August with both Harrah’s Hoosier Park and the IHRC.
Finally, the board discussed the departure of Driver Jordan Ross, who will represent the United States in the World Driving challenge in Europe. The board wants to support him in any way they can. Ross leaves for the Netherlands on Thursday.
The next meeting of the ISA will be Monday, Sept. 11.