Jockeys once again will compete in a tug of war on the Indiana Grand racetrack to help raise funds for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund
The popular night out for the entire family at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino is back. “Back to School/PDJF Night” is set for Saturday, July 27, featuring all types of activities, from Silly Safari to Jockey Challenges to raise funding and awareness for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF).
Activities get underway at 6 p.m. with the first race going to post at 6:15 p.m.
The “Back to School” portion of the evening will offer 10 backpack and an electronic device giveaway courtesy of the Indiana Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA). Drawings will be held after the first six races of the night for the items. School aged children can register at the table right outside the winner’s circle.
To complement the giveaways, several free activities will be offered, from face painting and air brush tattoos to an inflatable. Strolling cartoon characters will provide added entertainment between races and a coloring station will also be available.
“Silly Safari” makes a return to Indiana Grand with a display of all types of animals set up from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. trackside. The display includes all types of animals, from exotic to more common animals found in Shelby County. The group provides guests with an interactive experience with the animals that range from a python snake to an armadillo, an owl and baby possums.
Used horseshoes, courtesy of Indiana Grand’s paddock blacksmith Buddy Rickly, will be available for purchase for $3 while supplies last. A craft area is set up for kids to decorate the horseshoes with all proceeds going to the PDJF.
The Shelbyville High School Girls Basketball Team will be trackside to sell sno cones and cotton candy for $2 each. The team will serve up the sweet treats from 6 – 9 p.m. with all proceeds going to the basketball program under the direction of new Head Coach Becca Hoefler.
Activities included on the night to support the PDJF will include several jockey challenges, such as the Tug of War on the track. Jockeys will also compete in a foot race from the starting gate and jockeys will climb into the dunk tank with all proceeds going to PDJF. “Peppermints for Ponies” will also support the PDJF with fans able to purchase peppermints to feed the pony horses between races.
The evening will be capped off by the $92,160 Heartland Futurity Quarter Horse Stakes set for the ninth race. Post time for the 300-yard dash is set for 10 p.m. Parking and admission is free, and the racetrack is open to guests of all ages.
Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing continues through Wednesday, Nov. 6. Racing is conducted Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at 2:15 p.m. and Saturday at 6:15 p.m. More information about the season is available at www.indianagrand.com.
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