Top three tops nominations for Hoosier’s Dan Patch

ANDERSON, Ind.–July 8, 2016 — Hoosier Park Racing & Casino would like to congratulate the connections of the Indiana-sired horses, Always B Miki, Freaky Feet Pete and Wiggle It Jiggleit on their recent success in Grand Circuit racing action.

The 5-year-old pacing stallion Always B Miki captured the $500,000 Ben Franklin Pace at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono in a world record equaling mile of 1:47 while Freaky Feet Pete and Wiggle It Jiggleit finished a game second and third, respectively. The winning time equaled the fastest mile in history on a five-eighths-mile racetrack. Always B Miki, who also won in 1:47 last week at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono, shares the record with Sweet Lou.

With nearly 2 million in purses offered on the evening's 14-race card, the Sun Stakes Championship Night at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono showcased arguably the greatest collection of harness racing talent assembled on a single card thus far in 2016 and the results did not disappoint.

Not only did the Indiana-sired horses complete the trifecta in what some were calling the race of the decade, Always B Miki is now the No. 1 ranked horse in the sport of harness racing's Hambletonian Society/Breeders Crown weekly poll. Along with Always B Miki, Freaky Feet Pete, Wiggle It Jiggleit and the Indiana-sired, aged trotting mare Hannelore Hanover are included in this week's top 10 rankings.

"We are both elated and proud that these horses are representing the state of Indiana in such fine fashion on the national harness racing scene," Hoosier Park's Vice President and General Manager of Racing, Rick Moore noted. "The fact that the state program continues to evolve and produce national champions speaks for itself."

With hopes of another highly anticipated aged pacing rematch in their home-state of Indiana, all three of the Indiana-sired pacing superstars have been nominated and will headline the list of the 26 horses made eligible to Hoosier Park's signature pacing event, the $300,000 Dan Patch Stakes.

Just as it has in years past, Hoosier Park's 23rd edition of the Dan Patch has attracted some of the nation's top rated older pacers and will highlight the racing program on Friday, August 12.

"On behalf of everyone at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino, we want to congratulate these horses on their success and wish them the best of luck in future races," Moore continued. "Of course, we are hoping the Dan Patch Stakes will find all three returning to their home state of Indiana to continue this new found rivalry."

Once again, the Dan Patch Stakes will highlight the 2016 harness racing season as the best in the sport of harness racing will descend upon the seven-eighths mile oval seeking glory in Hoosier Park's signature harness racing event. As part of a weekend long festival of entertainment and racing, the purse for the 2016 Dan Patch is estimated to be $300,000 with the field being comprised of the top ten highest lifetime money earners.

The race will be part of a special weekend tagged as "Dan Patch Festival Weekend" and will feature extreme entertainment, giveaways, and racing.

The evening will also be complimented by Indiana Sires Stakes action and specialty wagers. On Saturday, Hoosier Park will host "Thrillyard 200" featuring helicopter rides, zip-lining and a food truck festival for racing fans. Live racing on Saturday will be held at an adjusted post time of 4:30 p.m. to prepare for a free concert by country music legends Asleep At The Wheel in the Outdoor Music Center. The entire evening will be culminated by a free fireworks show at 10:00 p.m.