SHELBYVILLE, IN—MAY 8, 2018—Beach Cartel and Jockey Jose Beltran made a huge statement today (Tuesday) winning the $20,000 Quarter Horse Allowance that was filled with champions. The race served as a preview for the upcoming eighth running of the $75,000 Born Runner Classic set for Saturday, May 26.

Keen Liaison, three-year-old champion filly from last season, got the nod from the public and was tagged as the favorite of the field with Jockey Rodney Prescott aboard.

However, it was Beach Bum Eddie and Cesar Esqueda who surged out of the gate with the best speed, grabbing the top spot in the 10-horse field. Beltran had the grey Beach Cartel up close early on while Sicario and Cristian Esqueda and HH Kentucky Krome were also in contention through the early stages.

Owned-and-bred by Sheri Miller of Shipshewana, Ind., Beach Cartel was the second favorite of the field, paying $7.60, $3.80 and $3.00 across the board. The Escondido Beach gelding is trained by Indiana’s all-time leading Quarter Horse trainer Randy Smith, who has won the training title the past three years. The 6-year-old gelding is from the First To Flash mare Flashin Dee Dee.

Beach Cartel earned his 13th career trip to the winner’s circle. He is now 13 for 22 during his career and increased his career bankroll to $324,177. The former Indiana Horse of the Year will seek to regain his title in the Born Runner Classic, a stakes race he won for his connections during the 2016 racing season at Indiana Grand.

Live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing continues through Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018. The 120-day race meet offers racing Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at 2:05 p.m. with Saturday racing at 6:05 p.m. Two Thursday racing dates have been set for July 19 and Sept. 6 with post time at 2:05 p.m.

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About Indiana Grand Racing & Casino: Indiana Grand Racing & Casino holds multiple awards from industry publications for customer service, entertainment, gaming and dining. 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 an off-track betting facility located in Clarksville, Ind. For more information, please visit www.IndianaGrand.com.