Indiana Grand Racing & Casino will put the spotlight on racehorse aftercare programs Saturday, July 20 as part of Caesars Entertainment Racing properties’ “Empire of Hope.” The entire evening will be dedicated to raising funding and awareness for racehorses once their careers on the track are completed.

Indiana Grand will provide a “Parade of Champions” following the fourth race on the card at approximately 7:45 p.m. Several former racehorses now serve as outriding and pony horses for assistance on the track during the races. Looking at a few of those with new careers include “Vinny” owned by Outrider John Neal. “Vinny” has served as an outriding horse in both Kentucky and Indiana and was part of the on-set group of horses included in the Disney movie “Secretariat.” Another standout performer is the flashy grey gelding, Gallant, who is now part of the fleet of pony horses owned by Liz Klopp. Gallant won more than $427,000 during his racing career, including a win in the $500,000 Princess of Wales Stakes at Fort Erie in Canada.

“We are excited to offer a night where we can place the spotlight on racehorse aftercare programs,” said Jon Schuster, vice president and general manager of racing. “Organizations such as Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Friends of Ferdinand and New Vocations are crucial to our business and its very rewarding to see our equine athletes go on and find success in different types of careers after their racing days have completed. We hope to provide a great backdrop with our ‘Empire of Hope’ event to support such a worthy cause in both Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing at Indiana Grand.”

To help complement the evening, several free children’s activities will take place, including face painting, airbrush tattoos, strolling entertainment and an inflatable. The popular “Peppermints for Ponies” will also be available. Guests may purchase peppermints to feed to the pony horses between select races with all proceeds going to racehorse aftercare programs.

Indiana Grand has been working over the past two months to help raise funding for the cause. One dollar from every package sold for Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Indiana Derby was earmarked for the cause, and unclaimed monies from an on-track contest have been earmarked for racehorse aftercare programs. Friends of Ferdinand, based in the Indianapolis area, will be on hand to provide information about their program, and items from Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will also be available throughout the racing card. The Indiana Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) will provide two donations during the night and the jockeys of Indiana Grand will also provide a donation to the overall tally for the evening.

In addition to activities on the racing side, the casino side has also joined in support of “Empire of Hope” with the “Give $10, Get $10” program. Guests on the casino floor may stop at the casino cashier and give a $10 donation and in turn get $10 in casino play. All proceeds from the promotion will go directly to racehorse aftercare programs.

Racing gets underway at 6:15 p.m. for the nine-race card. The first eight will feature Thoroughbred racing with the $118,200 Blue River Derby Final for Quarter Horses taking center stage in the night cap.

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.