Horseshoe Indianapolis completes 2024 racing season with record numbers

Horseshoe Indianapolis completed its 22^nd season of Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing with record numbers.

A total of 124 days were held, with six dedicated to all Quarter Horse racing. Total domestic handle exceeded $282 million compared to $279 million in 2023, which was also a record year.

“Once again, we are very proud of our racing program this season and it is the result of a strong team effort between our staff, horsemen, and the Indiana Horse Racing Commission,” noted Eric Halstrom, Vice President and General Manager of Racing. “Everyone contributed to our success this season, which is clearly shown in our wagering results. We genuinely appreciate the support of all fans across the world in watching and wagering on our races. It’s very gratifying to see such positive results for the hard work we all put in throughout the season.”

Final wagering tallies will be available later in the year. The current tally of $282 million does not include international numbers which will most likely push the total into the range of $320 million. Average total handle per race was $236,886, showing a 1.60 increase over 2023.

A total of 1,191 races were conducted. Of that tally, 971 Thoroughbred races were held in 2024 compared to 983 in 2023. Average number of starters per race was 7.9, which is higher than the national trend. Ten less races were held on the turf in 2024 compared to 2023, showing the effect weather played on several racing days throughout the year.

The highlight of the year was held July 5 for the 30^th running of the Grade 3 Indiana Derby and Grade 3 Indiana Oaks. More than $8.1 million was wagered on the day, establishing a new track record for a single card handle in Indiana history. In all, 13 days during the year topped $3 million in handle.

“Indiana Derby Day continues to grow each year and has definitely captured the attention of the racing world the first Saturday in July,” noted Halstrom. “We have a tremendous crowd on track in addition to the multitude of locations taking our racing signal throughout the world. Our staff and horsemen put on a great show that day.”

Randy Klopp earned his third title in the past four years in the Leading Trainer category while Alberto Burgos won his first Leading Jockey title.

John Haran was awarded top owner of the meet.

Oscar Villarreal was the top apprentice rider to secure the 10^th annual Juan Saez Leading Apprentice title.

The top horse of the meet was Cupid’s Runaway, winner in seven of his eight starts through the course of the meet. The Cupid gelding was ridden by Burgos for Klopp and owner Reese Ranch.

On the Quarter Horse side, five more races were held in 2024 for the sprinters as 220 races were loaded in the gate compared to 215 in 2023. Average number of starters per race was 8.87 in the Quarter Horse ranks, also above the national trend.

“Our Quarter Horse season really stepped up to another level this year,” added Halstrom. “It’s really impressive to see our local trainers perform so well on a national level, including a win in the Grade 2 John Deere Juvenile Challenge by Arbitro and trainer Claudio Barraza. Plus, we hosted our first two Graded Stakes events for Quarter Horses this season with the Grade 3 QHRAI SSA Futurity and the Grade 3 Miss Roxie Little Futurity. Our Quarter Horse program is definitely excelling right now.”

Tony Cunningham won his second straight Leading Quarter Horse title while Edgar Diaz was the top jockey of the meet, earning his first career title.

Mr Michel, winner of four races and more than $248,000 which included three stakes races, was Leading Quarter Horse of the Meet. He was trained by Claudio Barraza for Alberto Valadez and ridden in all his victories by Diaz.

Campos Family Ventures was dominant all season in the Leading Owner standings earning their second title in the past three years.

The 22^nd season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing concluded Thursday. Racing returns for the 23^rd season on April 15.

For more information on live racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis/racing or find the track on Social Media @HSIndyRacing.

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