Page 18 - January_2023

TRACK CHATTER
THE MONTH IN REVIEW
by Jennifer K. Hancock
HORSESHOE INDIANAPOLIS CLOSES OUT 2022 SEASON
Horseshoe Indianapolis’ 20th season of Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing closed Nov. 23, with a healthy outlook on the 123-day racing season. The estimated total handle of nearly $235 million in all sources signal sales shows an increase of 5.2% despite running 27 fewer races than in 2021. That translates to a per-race increase of more than 9%.
“Despite difficult weather conditions with rain in most of May and a string of 100-plus heat index days that forced us to either cancel or move post times away from the heat in June, we ended up showing a solid season of business in 2022,” said Eric Halstrom, vice president and general manager. “We have to thank the horsemen’s organizations and the Indiana Horse Racing Commission for their partnership in achieving these numbers over last season, which was strong to begin with. It’s
definitely a group effort in moving the business levels forward in racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis.”
Included in the $235 million in all sources handle was a 6.2% increase in on-track wagering. Halstrom noted Horseshoe Indianapolis is still waiting on several handle sources from international locations that took the track’s signal in 2022 as of press time.
“If you look at our estimated handle of $235 million, that number is one of the strongest
in the nation right now,” said Joe Morris,
senior vice president of racing for Caesars Entertainment. “And it also shows a fourth straight year of achieving a record handle. I applaud our horsemen and our racing team led by Eric (Halstrom) for a job well done and for their hard work throughout the season.”
The racetrack this year hosted the Bank of America Challenge Championships for the first time.
A total of 1,192 races were held with an average field size of 8.06 horses per race, which was a marked improvement over 2021 when the average starters per race was 7.35. The 2022 Quarter Horse starters per race was a robust 9 while the Thoroughbred figure was 7.83.
“This is a great way to conclude our racing season,” added Halstrom. “It sure gives us incentive and momentum to head into 2023 with a strong racing product that has shown it is growing each year. We are already working on next season. We are excited to return to racing in April, pending IHRC approvals.”
The 21st season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing is expected to resume April 18 for a 123-day meet. Visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis for more information.
16 SPEEDHORSE January 2023
Coady Photography