SHELBYVILLE, IN—JULY 28, 2016—Indiana Grand Racing & Casino will join in on the national movement to raise awareness and funding for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF) Saturday (July 30).

Racetracks across the nation will provide additional promotions and giveaways to support the cause, and Indiana Grand has a full slate of activities during the evening, which are also “Back to School Night” featuring giveaways from the Indiana Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA).

Racing kicks off at 6:05 p.m. and will feature backpack giveaways between races, courtesy of the HBPA. The HBPA will also provide drawings for an iPad to be given away during the night as well as school items passed out to children while supplies last. Mike Brown, executive director of HBPA, will be on hand during the races to sign guests up for the drawings at a table located outside the winner’s circle.

The jockeys will get involved in a few activities, including a dunk tank that will be positioned near the paddock area. Jockeys and other key racing personnel will take turns sitting in the tank for $1 donations to PDJF. The tank will be open from 6-9 p.m.

Rodney Prescott, local Jock’s Guild representative, will speak on behalf of the jockeys after the first race to explain what PDJF does and how important it is to the jockeys. Indiana Grand was the site for the second annual “Jockeys and Jeans” event held in 2015.

More than $200,000 was raised for PDJF through the event that included a silent auction and numerous guest appearances from Hall of Fame jockeys and local celebrities, including several former NBA and ABA basketball players associated with the Indiana Pacers.

In addition, the jockeys will participate in their annual Tug of War contest outside the winner’s circle. The jockeys will go pound for pound against a group of individuals. Last year, they teamed up against the valets who assist them in the jockey’s quarters. The Tug of War will take place after Race 3 with an approximate start time of 7:15 p.m.

The jockeys will also test their speed skills from the starting gate in a foot race. Jockeys will line up in the Steve Peterman starting gate and sprint to the finish for bragging rights on who is the fastest jockey in the room.

Younger racing fans will enjoy several family fun activities throughout the night, including a visit from three Toy Story characters. Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear will stroll through the apron for a meet and greet until 9 p.m. Face painting and a bounce house will also be provided for kids free of charge.

All the activities will lead into two finals for Quarter Horse racing. Slated as races nine and ten, the 14th running of the $114,600 Blue River Derby and the eighth running of the $98,280 Heartland Futurity (see related story).

Live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing is conducted Tuesday through Friday at 2:05 PM EST with Saturday racing beginning at 6:05 PM. The 120-day season runs through Saturday, Oct. 29.

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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.