Horseshoe Indianapolis Concludes Record Season

[Wandering Eyes]

Horseshoe Indianapolis concluded its 124-day season Nov. 14 with a record total domestic handle of $282 million. The new mark eclipses the previous record of $279 million set in 2023.

“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,” said Horseshoe Indianapolis Vice President and General Manager of Racing Eric Halstrom. “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 for the Indiana track will be available later in the year. The current tally of $282 million does not include international numbers, which track officials expect to push the total around the $320-million mark. Average total handle per race was $236,886, showing a 1.60% increase over 2023.

More than $8.1 million was wagered on the track's signature GIII Indiana Derby and GIII Indiana Oaks day card July 5, establishing a new track record for a single card handle in Indiana history.

“Indiana Derby Day continues to grow each year and has definitely captured the attention of the racing world the first Saturday in July,” Halstrom said. “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.”

In all, 13 days during the year topped $3 million in handle.

A total of 1,191 races were conducted at the track in 2024. Of that tally, 971 Thoroughbred races were held in 2024, compared to 983 in 2023. The average number of starters per race was 7.9. Ten fewer races were held on the turf in 2024 compared to 2023, showing the effect weather played on several racing days throughout the year.

Randy Klopp earned his third training title in the past four years at the track, while Alberto Burgos won his first jockey title. John Haran was awarded top owner of the meet. Oscar Villarreal was the top apprentice rider, securing the 10th 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.

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