Indiana Grand Racing & Casino in Shelbyville, Ind. has officially announced Coach Bob Knight as the honorary chairperson for the 23rd running of the Grade 3, $500,000 Indiana Derby, held on Saturday, July 15. The Indiana Derby, Indiana’s richest horse race, highlights a 2017 stakes schedule that includes more than $4 million in purses.
Knight, best known for coaching Indiana University basketball for nearly three decades, won three NCAA championships, one National Invitation Tournament championship, and 11 Big Ten Conference championships. He was named National Coach of the Year four times, and Big Ten Coach of the Year eight times. Knight, who also coached a USA men’s Olympic team, will mingle with Indiana Derby guests as well as hold an autograph session for the general public.
“I am looking forward to being back in Indiana and seeing the greatest basketball fans in the world,” said Coach Knight. “I always look forward to visiting with the Indiana fans that supported the teams while I coached in Indiana.”
Guests wishing to experience the Indiana Derby in an upscale, party atmosphere may now make reservations for the Indiana Derby VIP Party Tent, a climate-controlled space in Indiana Grand’s outdoor trackside pavilion. Tickets are $75.00 per person and include an all-you-can-eat summer buffet, open bar, Indiana Derby souvenir bag, free parking, and a $10 free slot play coupon.
Reservations can be made for the Indiana Grand VIP Party Tent by calling 317-421-0000, or by emailing groupsales@indy-grand.com. General admission into Indiana Grand is free, including the night of the Indiana Derby.
“Indiana Derby is one of the biggest and best events we host each year,” said Jon Schuster, vice president and general manager of racing for Indiana Grand. “We’re excited to have Coach Bob Knight as our honorary chairperson and invite race fans, sports enthusiasts, and just about anyone who enjoys a great party to join us for the biggest night of Thoroughbred racing in Indiana.”
The Indiana Derby began during the inaugural season of pari-mutuel Thoroughbred racing in 1995 at Hoosier Park and was moved to Indiana Grand in 2013 when the state established the Shelbyville track as the location for all Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing. Over the years, the race has grown in status, displaying some of the best three-year-olds in the country.
The 2017 Indiana Derby, sponsored by Miller Lite, Enflora/McNamara Florist, and Family Leisure, will be complemented by five other stakes on Saturday, July 15, including the 22nd running of the Grade 3, $200,000 Indiana Oaks. First post on Indiana Derby night will be at 6:05 p.m.
(from Indiana Grand news release)