Turf Course named in honor of Rod Ratcliff at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino

SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (July 14, 2018) — The racing program for the 24th running of the Indiana Derby, Indiana’s richest horse race, was kicked off by an official welcome from Rod Ratcliff, chairman and CEO of Centaur Gaming and Jim Brown, president and COO of Centaur Gaming after the first race. A surprise presentation was made to Ratcliff as Indiana Grand’s seven-eighths mile turf course will now be known as the Rod Ratcliff Turf Course.

“I’m very humbled and speechless,” said Ratcliff. “It is humbling to have something liked this named in my honor. Thanks to the team that made this happen and I hope I will live up to this honor.”

Centaur Gaming acquired full ownership of Hoosier Park in 2007 and purchased Indiana Grand in 2013. At that time, all Standardbred racing was moved to Hoosier Park with all Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing moved to Indiana Grand.

“It’s with sadness and a whole lot of joy tonight as this will be our last Indiana Derby,” said Ratcliff in his welcome speech to the racing fans. “We appreciate all the support from Shelby County, the Indiana Horse Racing Commission, and the horsemen’s organizations and on and on to everyone who has brought Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing to where it is today.”

Centaur Gaming has reached a deal to sell Indiana Grand, Hoosier Park and all three Winner’s Circle off-track wagering facilities to Caesars Entertainment, who will take over ownership next week.

The 16th season of Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing continues through Wednesday, Nov. 7. Racing is conducted Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at 2:05 p.m. EST with Saturday racing beginning at 6:05 p.m. EST. Two special Thursday racing dates will be held July 19 and Sept. 6 with a 2:05 p.m. EST post time.

About Indiana Grand Racing & Casino: Indiana Grand Racing & Casino holds multiple awards for customer service, entertainment, gaming, dining, and diversity. Located in Shelbyville, Ind., Indiana Grand features 2,200 of the latest slots and electronic table games in addition to a one-mile dirt race course and a seven-eighths mile turf course offering live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing each year. Simulcast wagering is also offered year-round at Winner’s Circle Brewpub & OTB located on the casino floor as well as a Winner’s Circle OTB located in Clarksville, Ind.

Photo by Linscott Photography - from left, Rick Moore, vice president and general manager of racing at Hoosier Park, Kevin Greely, director of racing, Jon Schuster, vice president and general manager of racing at Indiana Grand, Rod Ratcliff, chairman and CEO of Centaur Gaming, and Jim Brown, president and COO of Centaur Gaming.

Contact:

Tammy Knox, Race Marketing Manager

(317) 421-8979 (direct)