Trainer Claudio Barraza joins Rachel McLaughlin for the Leading Quarter Horse of the Meet award Thursday at Horseshoe Indianapolis.

© Coady Media

SHELBYVILLE, IN–NOVEMBER 14, 2024–Mr Michel is still going strong at the age of five. The sorrel son of Kiss My Hocks, named after his breeder Mark Michel, scored four wins in 2024, three of which were stakes victories, placing him above both Tres of Blood and Escondido Gold for the honor. All three horses had four wins this season with Mr Michel separating the tie with the most purse earnings.

A standout from the start, Mr Michel is a former Indiana Quarter Horse of the Year recipient, winning four races at two capped off with a victory in the $198,000 Miss Roxie Little Futurity. He returned at three and four, winning stakes both seasons before dominating in the older ranks this year.

His biggest win was in the $113,000 Indiana Championship during Indiana Champions Day with regular pilot Edgar Diaz aboard. Claudio Barraza has trained the gelding his entire career for owner Alberto Valadez.

“He’s definitely the star of the stable,” noted Barraza. “He makes me look good. He’s a very special horse, that is for sure.”

Barraza is completing the best season of his career, conditioning horses to total purse earnings of just under $1 million at Horseshoe Indianapolis. He elevated his status this fall to Graded Stakes winning trainer with a win in the Grade 2 John Deere Juvenile Challenge at Alburquerque with Arbitro. That win for him, combined with his victories at Horseshoe Indianapolis placed him over the $1 million mark for the first time in his career with his horses.

Mr Michel was a big part of that success. As he continues to add to his bankroll, he is now among the top five all-time leading Indiana bred Quarter Horses for the state. He completes his five-year-old campaign with 13 wins in 26 career starts and more than $531,000 in career earnings. He was a $17,500 purchase by Valadez from the QHRAI Speed Sale in 2020, proving to be a fabulous purchase for his connections.

The 22nd season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing concluded Thursday, Nov. 14. Racing returns for the 23rd season Tuesday, April 15. For more information on live racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis/racing or find the track on Social Media @HSIndyRacing.

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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 1,600 slots and 72 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.

Photo by Coady Media – Edgar Diaz (center) is joined by Rachel McLaughlin, on-air racing analyst, and Trainer Claudio Barraza for his Leading Quarter Horse Jockey award, a belt buckle commemorating his success in 2024 at Horseshoe Indianapolis.

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