2008 Indiana race dates awarded

A total of 151 days of pari-mutuel harness racing will be offered in 2008.  The Commission awarded its dates on Thursday.

Hoosier Park will open on April 5 and close on July 6, offering 71 days of racing -- 10 more than in 2007. Indiana Downs will open on July 16 and close on November 8, and will offer two less days of racing than it will in 2007.

Tracks in the state are required to offer 140 live racing dates -- total among the breeds -- to qualify for racino licenses, although the Commission is empowered by law to offer fewer based upon industry need.