Agenda Item #2 Agenda Item #3 For Immediate Release Contact: Tammy Knox
[email protected] RECAP OF 2014 RACING SEASON AT INDIANA GRAND RACING & CASINO SHELBYVILLE, Ind.; – Dec. 29, 2014 – Below is a list of the top five racing stories, quotes and a timeline prepared by the race marketing department at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino. The 120-day racing season was conducted from Tuesday, May 6 through Saturday, Nov. 1. TOP FIVE STORIES 1. Jockey killed in racing incident Apprentice rider Juan Saez died from injuries sustained in a racing incident in the eighth race at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino Tuesday, Oct. 14. Following an investigation by Indiana Horse Racing Commission Stewards, it was determined that Saez, 17, fell after his horse, Montezuma Express, clipped heels with the horse in front of him. A trailing horse, Masaru, ridden by Ricardo Santana, Jr., was unable to avoid the fallen horse and rider, and also fell. Saez was airlifted to Methodist Hospital in critical condition and passed away from his injuries later in the evening. A native of Panama, Saez was honored in a special memorial service before racing resumed Thursday, Oct. 16. No racing was held on Wednesday, Oct. 15. The jockey colony at Indiana Grand accepted the leading apprentice award for Saez at the conclusion of the meet. Jockey colonies around the nation held moments of silence and special ceremonies in honor of Saez. In addition, jockeys competing in the 2014 Breeders’ Cup also wore special ribbons in memory of the rider. 2. East Hall wins Indiana Derby Late in the stretch, East Hall and Luis Saez had the most momentum to roll by Vicar’s in Trouble and Rosie Napravnik on the outside and secure the victory by one length in the 20th running of the Grade II $500,000-added Indiana Derby.