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Horseshoe Indianapolis Raises Funds and Awareness for PDJF
QHRAI Members Jill Patrick, Teresa Myers, Vickie Duke, Stephanie Duke,Chris Duke, and Rachel McLaughlin, on-air racing analyst.

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Horseshoe Indianapolis Raises Funds and Awareness for PDJF

SHELBYVILLE, IN–JULY 13, 2024–It was a busy night at Horseshoe Indianapolis Saturday, July 13 supporting several activities, including the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF).

The evening was linked to the 10th annual World Jockey Challenge featuring more than 30 jockeys vying for points for their home countries. Each year, Horseshoe Indianapolis supports the national movement to raise funding and awareness for PDJF, and various organizations associated with Indiana racing stepped up for the cause.

The national event, PDJF Day Across America, will be held later in July.

"We are honored and proud to support the jockeys who ride our horses," said Jeri Harmon, Vice President of the Indiana Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. "These jockeys are part of our business, so being able to assist with such a worthy cause is important to all the owners and breeders in our organization."

ITOBA provided a $2,500 donation to PDJF along with Horseshoe Indianapolis, who also presented a check for $2,500. The Quarter Horse Racing Association of Indiana (QHRAI) also provided a donation of $1,500 during the evening’s activities.

PDJF was founded in 2006 and currently assists 60 former jockeys who experienced career ending injuries, many of which include paralysis and brain injuries. Since its inception, PDJF has disbursed nearly $14 million to assist these riders.

The Indiana Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) was the title sponsor for the entire evening. They have been avid supporters of PDJF for several years and presented a check for $10,000.

"We represent the horsemen on the backstretch, and this is an important cause for our organization annually," said Tim Glyshaw, Executive Director of the Indiana HBPA. "Jockeys are very important to our industry, so we are glad to provide this donation."

The team of jockeys from Puerto Rico secured their fourth straight win in the World Jockey Challenge. Five different jockeys from Puerto Rico won races to support their country, including Jaime Torres, Evin Roman, Orlando Mojica, Alberto Burgos, and Joshua Morales.

Other members of Team Puerto Rico included Sammy Bermudez and Cristian Torres, who also added points to the final tally for the victory over Panama, represented by Marcelino Pedroza Jr., Santo Sanjur, and Yarmarie Correa, who won three races on the program. Other countries represented during the evening included, Mexico, England, Ireland, Guatemala, Peru, France, El Salvador, Chile, and the United States.

"We are all just blessed to be here," said Orlando Mojica, who spoke on behalf of the Puerto Rican jockey team. "We all try very hard for our countries, but beyond the competition, it’s all about being together and having fun. In the end, we are all friends and family."

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The 22nd season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing extends through Thursday, Nov. 14. Racing is held Monday through Thursday at 2:10 p.m. Six all Quarter Horse dates are set for 10:45 a.m. Saturdays June 1, June 29, July 20, Aug. 10, Aug. 31, and Oct. 5. Indiana's featured event, the Grade 3 $300,000 Indiana Derby is set for Saturday, July 6 with a first post time of 12 p.m. For more information on live racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis.

About Horseshoe Indianapolis
Horseshoe Indianapolis, owned and operated by Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: CZR), holds multiple awards for customer service, entertainment, gaming, racing, dining, and diversity. Located just minutes from Indianapolis in Shelbyville, Ind., this one-of-a-kind property has wall-to-wall excitement on the 105,940 square foot gaming floor, featuring more than 1,500 slots and 65 table games along with a state-of-the-art World Series of Poker Room containing 20 tables. In addition, Horseshoe Indianapolis offers the only live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing in the state showcased on a one-mile dirt racecourse and a seven-eighths mile turf course. Simulcast and sports wagering is offered year-round at Caesars Race & Sportsbook, also located on the casino floor, with additional gaming provided at Caesars Race & Sportsbook in Clarksville, Ind. Players can reap benefits from Caesars Rewards, the industry's most lucrative bonus program now offered at more than 50 destinations. Please visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis for more information and find Horseshoe Indianapolis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Must be 18 or older to wager on horse racing at racetracks and 21 or older to gamble at sports books and casinos. Please play responsibly. If you think you or someone you care about may have a gambling problem, call 1-800-9-WITH-IT (1-800-994-8448). ©2024 Caesars License Company, LLC.