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2018 Update

A relative newcomer, Indiana did not legalize Pari-Mutual until 1989. It took till 1994 till the first track, Hoosier Park opened. In 2002 after much legal wrangling Indiana Downs came into being.

Since that time, casino gambling was legalized in Indiana and in 2008 both tracks adopted racino style gaming.

In 2011 aided by slot revenues Indiana's two tracks alternated standardbred and thoroughbred meets. Both tracks have purse value index's that top most east coast venues and could rival Kentucky, and Illinois for top horses and horsemen.

In 2012 Indiana continues to offer purses that rival major east coast tracks, but  the competition is closing in. Ohio tracks now offer racino wagering, and the neighbor to the west Illinois has finally approved such wagering, although not in effect yet. The saving grace for these Indianapolis based tracks is that it's closest competition, Kentucky still refuses to approve racino gaming.

In 2013 a major change was made to Indiana Racing. Both tracks that had conducted split meets, were converted to a specific breed. Indiana Downs is now a thoroughbred track and Hoosier Park now runs standardbreds. In 2014 Indiana Downs was renamed Indiana Grand.     

2018 Update

I guess the big news here, is there is no news. Indiana, racing continues to run mostly full fields at both tracks from spring to fall.