Indiana Grand announced June 17 purse increases for both Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing, effective July 6. The increase will add 10% to Thoroughbred overnight races and roughly $1,000 to each Quarter Horse overnight race and trial, an approximate 6% rise.
"We have had a great season so far in 2021 and we are pleased to announce this purse increase across the board for our horsemen," said Eric Halstrom, vice president and general manager of racing. "This boost is a direct result of elevated business levels that continue to be strong this year. We appreciate the support from our racing fans, and we are working hard to continue offering a solid, competitive program for both Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing."
The purse increase will go into effect shortly before Indiana Grand's biggest race of the season, the 27th running of the $300,000 Indiana Derby (G3) July 7, a race targeted by the connections of Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) fifth-place finisher O Besos.
Six stakes with combined purses of more than $840,000 will be provided during the late afternoon Indiana Derby program. Another graded race on deck July 7 is the $200,000 Indiana Oaks (G3).
Stakes purses will remain at their current levels, unchanged by the purse increase.
The Indiana Derby card has set daily all-source handle records for the track the past three seasons.
