ANDERSON, Ind.-July 2, 2016 – On an evening stacked with stakes races, it was a $12,500 claiming event that stole the show at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Saturday, July 2 as Boogie Nights made his racing debut for First Turn Stable, Hoosier Park's first fractional ownership opportunity, a winning one. In near gate-to-wire fashion, Boogie Nights and Jason Dillander crossed the wire nearly two lengths in front of the next closest competitor and stopping the timer in 1:51.4, a new lifetime best performance.
Boogie Nights was sent away from the gate firing from post eight and grabbed the early lead through an opening quarter in :26.3. Henry Blue Chip ranged up to take the lead at the half mile station in :55.4 but Boogie Nights was back out for more and grabbed the lead approaching the final turn.
As the field turned for home, Boogie Nights was on top and used a :27.1 final quarter to get the victory. Trained by Jeff Cullipher, Boogie Nights notched his second victory of the season and 13th lifetime victory. Several members from the stable were on hand and excitedly joined in the winner's circle, many visiting the winner's circle for the first time.
"That was very exciting," Quincy Cunningham, member of First Turn Stable, noted in the winner's circle. "I've watched a number of horse races in my life but it's definitely more exciting when you own part of one."
Unfortunately as the claiming game goes, Boogie Nights was claimed for $12,500 out of the race tonight. Cullipher will start the process of finding another horse for First Turn Stable immediately.
"It's a great feeling to see so many people in the winner's circle," Cullipher noted after the race. "The horse raced great and it is unfortunate he got claimed but that's part of the game. We're glad he could get the win for them tonight, it's a pleasure to be a part of an opportunity like this."
The first of its kind in the state of Indiana, First Turn Stable was recently launched at Hoosier Park and designed to provide fans an easy and affordable way to experience the excitement of horse ownership for a one-time, $250 buy-in.
Updates for First Turn Stable will be posted weekly and via e-mail so members can follow along with the racing action throughout the season. Along with interactive social media pages, monthly financials will be shared with the group to provide a transparent and behind-the-scenes look into the real costs of owning a racehorse. On-site teaching tools and other resources will also be made available to the members.
Live racing will continue at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Tuesday, July 5 at 5:45 p.m. Following a Tuesday through Saturday schedule, live racing at Hoosier Park will be conducted through November 12, 2016. For more information on the upcoming entertainment and live racing schedule, please visit www.hoosierpark.com .
by Emily Gaskin, for Hoosier Park