Prestigious international harness racing event coming to Indiana for three-year commitment

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana has been selected to host one of the most prestigious events in harness racing, bringing the world-renowned Hambletonian to the Hoosier State for a three-year commitment beginning in 2027.

The Hambletonian Society’s selection of Indiana represents a major sporting and economic development win for the state and further strengthens Indiana’s reputation as a premier destination for major national and international sporting events.

The Hambletonian will be held at Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino in Anderson, providing Indiana an international platform to showcase one of the strongest Standardbred racing and breeding programs in North America.

Often regarded as the “Super Bowl of harness racing,” the Hambletonian is one of the most recognizable and historic events in the sport. The race attracts the top three-year-old trotters in North America and draws owners, breeders, trainers, drivers and racing fans from across the United States and around the world.

“Indiana has proven that we know how to compete for and host major sporting events, and bringing the Hambletonian to the Hoosier State is another tremendous win for Indiana,” said Governor Mike Braun. “This selection reflects not only the strength of Indiana’s horse racing and breeding industry, but what we can accomplish when our state, communities and private-sector partners work together. We look forward to welcoming the Hambletonian, its competitors and racing fans from around the world to Indiana and once again show what Hoosier hospitality is all about.”

Indiana’s successful pursuit of the Hambletonian was the result of a collaborative effort involving the Indiana Standardbred Association, Indiana Sports Corp, Madison County Visitors & Tourism Bureau, Indiana Horse Racing Commission, Caesars Entertainment, and Harrah’s Hoosier Park, bringing together Indiana’s racing industry, sports leadership, tourism community and state government to compete for the event.

Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino in Anderson will serve as the host venue for the Hambletonian. One of the country’s premier Standardbred racing facilities, Hoosier Park has previously hosted multiple Breeders Crowns and is recognized throughout the industry for its racing surface, facilities and racing program.

Tom Reeg, CEO of Caesars Entertainment, said bringing the Hambletonian to Indiana and a Caesars property represents an opportunity to build an exceptional racing and entertainment experience around one of the sport’s most important events.

“Caesars Entertainment and Harrah’s Hoosier Park are proud to partner with the State of Indiana, the Hambletonian Society and Indiana’s horsemen to bring this iconic race to the Hoosier State,” said Reeg. “Indiana has built an outstanding racing program, and Hoosier Park has the facilities, people and experience necessary to deliver a world-class event. We look forward to investing in an experience worthy of the Hambletonian name while attracting visitors to Indiana and showcasing everything this state and its racing industry have to offer.”

The selection marks an important new chapter in the history of the Hambletonian while recognizing Indiana’s decades-long investment in Standardbred racing and breeding.

Indiana has built one of the strongest Standardbred programs in North America. The impact extends far beyond race day, supporting breeders, farms, trainers, veterinarians, feed suppliers, equipment dealers and thousands of jobs and businesses throughout Indiana, particularly in the state’s rural communities.

A Purdue University study found Indiana’s horse racing industry generates approximately $2 billion in annual economic impact, demonstrating that racing represents a significant component of Indiana’s agricultural and rural economy.

“This is a historic moment for Indiana Standardbred racing and a tremendous win for our entire state,” said John DeLong, President of the Indiana Standardbred Association. “For decades, Indiana horsemen, breeders and farm owners have invested their time, resources and livelihoods into building one of the best Standardbred programs in the country. The Hambletonian coming to Indiana validates that investment and gives us an extraordinary opportunity to showcase our horses, our farms, our people and our entire industry to the world.”

DeLong also credited the partnership that came together to pursue the event.

“Winning an event of this magnitude takes a team effort,” DeLong said. “The partnership between the Indiana Standardbred Association, Indiana Sports Corp, Madison County, the Indiana Horse Racing Commission, Caesars Entertainment, Harrah’s Hoosier Park and our state leaders demonstrates what Indiana can accomplish when we work together. Everyone recognized what bringing the Hambletonian to Indiana could mean, not only for horse racing, but for tourism, agriculture and our state’s reputation as a destination for major sporting events.”

The Hambletonian is expected to generate significant tourism and economic activity in Anderson, Madison County and throughout Central Indiana while providing a national and international platform for Indiana’s racing, breeding and agricultural industries.

“Bringing the Hambletonian to Indiana is the culmination of years of investment and partnership across our racing industry,” said Mike Smith, Executive Director of the Indiana Horse Racing Commission. “Indiana has developed a racing and breeding program that is respected throughout North America. Hosting an event of this stature allows us to showcase that success while introducing an entirely new audience to Indiana racing.”

Additional details surrounding the first Hambletonian in Indiana, including the race date, event schedule, purse structure, sponsorships and related activities, will be announced in the coming months.

From Indiana Horse Racing Commission