News Releases

Thursday, July 30, 2020Contact: Jamie Haydon (859) 224-2750
Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and Indiana Grand to partner for Grayson Grass Challenge

Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation announced today that it will be the beneficiary of the “Grayson Grass Challenge,” sponsored by Indiana Grand Racing & Casino.

The Grayson Grass Challenge will be a five-week handicapping contest starting the week of August 10 whereby participants in the challenge submit selections on two specified turf races each week at Indiana Grand through the week of September 7. Each contestant will be given a $500 bankroll provided by Indiana Grand, of which $100 can be wagered each week. The bankroll can be used for win, place, show, exacta, trifecta, and superfecta wagers. At the end of the five weeks, all remaining bankroll plus winnings from the contestants will go to Grayson.

“Our sport is not possible without healthy horses, and Grayson funds research projects that facilitate wellness among all horses, including racehorses,” said Eric Halstrom, vice president and general manager of racing for Indiana Grand. “I wish our expert handicappers the best of luck in their efforts to raise money for such an important cause.”

“We are excited to work with Indiana Grand and all contest participants as part of the Grayson Grass Challenge,” said Jamie Haydon, president of Grayson. “We are thankful to all parties for their enthusiasm in supporting equine health and wellness.”

The field for the Grayson Grass Challenge will consist of four individuals: Nick Luck, international racing broadcaster; Gabe Prewitt, analyst for Scioto Downs and Pompano Park; Ellis Starr, national racing analyst for Equibase; and Daniel Tordjman, America's Best Racing handicapper and manager of Partnerships & Sponsorships. Indiana Grand will also participate with an entry of rotating picks from Nancy Holthus, paddock analyst; Rachel McLaughlin, racing analyst and production manager; and Bill Downes, track announcer.

Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation is traditionally the nation's leading source of private funding for equine medical research that benefits all breeds of horses. Since 1983, the foundation has provided more than $29.1 million to fund 384 projects at 45 universities in North America and overseas. Additional information about the foundation is available at grayson-jockeyclub.org.