Indiana Grand Meet Wraps Up

[Wandering Eyes]

Indiana Grand's 2021 meet concluded Thursday. Randy Klopp, frequently towards the top of the standings, took home his first Thoroughbred trainer's title this year with 59 victories–12 more than the next conditioner–and earnings over $1.2 million. Klopp also teamed up to earn the owner's title with Roger Spiess's Spiess Stable. They partnered for 31 victories at the stand, finishing in the money 59% of the time and racking up more than $621,000 in purse earnings. Marcelino Pedroza Jr. took home his third Indiana leading Thoroughbred rider title with 105 victories, 20 ahead of second, with purse earnings in excess of $3.2 million. Andrea Rodriguez was the Juan Saez Leading Apprentice Jockey with 28 wins. Seven-year-old Wildcard Prado (Fort Prado) was won the Leading Thoroughbred Horse Award after taking six trips to the Indiana Grand winner's circle this season.

The track's Vice President and General Manager of Racing Eric Halstrom was surprised with the “HBPA Excellence of Service Award” from the Indiana Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association. Halstrom is in his second year at the helm of racing operations at Indiana Grand. This year saw record-setting handle, and Halstrom has implemented a number of changes on the wagering front, including lowered take-out and seeding $50,000 on the closing day Pick 5 as a thank you to horseplayers.

“We've had a tremendous year in racing and it's thanks in part to the cooperation and support of the horsemen,” said Halstrom. “I am very honored to receive this award, and it has special meaning since it comes from the horsemen's organization. We work very hard to put on a great show for them and are constantly looking for ways to create a fun and exciting backdrop to showcase our racing product.”

The 20th season of Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing at Indiana Grand will commence next Apr. 19 and run through Nov. 23.

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