(Some information provided by Harrah’s Hoosier Park press release)
As racing returns for the 26th season of Standardbred action Friday, March 29, horsemen and horsewomen will see several upgrades and changes on the backside, including the new 14,000 square foot Track Maintenance building, located to the right of the stable gate entrance. The facility offers housing for all equipment from both the racetrack and the backstretch maintenance teams with a workshop capable of providing all maintenance on the equipment.
The new $3 million-plus Track Maintenance building is now open. The facility was recently completed to provide a state of the art area for all track maintenance equipment and service. (Photo by Harrahs Hoosier Park)
“The new building opened for business on February 7 to the delight of the Backside Maintenance crews,” Vice President and General Manager of Racing Rick Moore noted. “The $3.5 million project was started under the auspices of Centaur Gaming but upon the change in ownership Caesars Entertainment quickly committed to finishing the project. It’s a great addition to the backside that not only looks beautiful, but provides an efficient work space for our backside maintenance crew.”
Horsemen will also see improvements to the paddock area, dormitories, new rubber mats for the paddock area, as well as many fresh coats of paint in numerous areas. Local horsemen and horsewomen will get a sneak peak of the area as the track will open March 4 – March 9 for early training on a ship-in only basis. Main track hours will be from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. with horses allowed to ship in to the paddock area for training, weather permitting before the barn area opens for the season. Permanent main track hours begin Monday, March 11 from 6 a.m. until 1 p.m. with the first set of qualifiers set for Wednesday, March 13 at 10 a.m.