The 22nd season opener at Horseshoe Indianapolis will begin with a noon first post time Monday, but the racing action will pause at 2:30 p.m. with the Shelbyville racetrack positioned right on the line of totality of the solar eclipse.
Patrons will be treated to local entertainment from Lindsey Flannery, Kitt Hammond, Nick Fischer, and Garry Lauziere and The Endless Summer Band. Giveaways include chairs, T-shirts, racing calendars, and viewing glasses, while supplies last, while equine artist Sally Mize will create a live portrait during the afternoon and fans of all ages will enjoy facepainting, strolling entertainment, and the Magic Mirror Selfie Station.
All activities will pause at 3 p.m. until the eclipse comes out of totality. The Endless Summer Band resumes until 4 p.m. leading into the final two races of the day featuring Quarter Horse action.
The racing program features eight races, including the $55,000 Total Eclipse of the Heart Overnight H. and the $55,000 Dark Side of the Moon Overnight H. Both events will be run at 5 1/2 furlongs and feature some of the best older Indiana horses in the state.
“What a great way to kick off our racing season,” said Eric Halstrom, the track's vice president and general manager of racing. “We felt tying our season opener to the Total Solar Eclipse would be a unique way to showcase our racing program while providing a fun afternoon of activities during such a monumental day for Central Indiana. Our facility sits right on the line of totality, so it will be a popular area to watch the Eclipse.”
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
