One of horse racing’s most historic and prestigious events is coming to Indiana.
Beginning in 2027, the Hambletonian will be held at Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino in Anderson as part of a three-year commitment that will bring elite competition and an international spotlight to the Hoosier State.
For those outside harness racing, the Hambletonian is the sport’s premier race for three-year-old trotters—horses that compete at a specific gait while pulling drivers in two-wheeled carts called sulkies. First contested in 1926 and often compared to the Super Bowl of harness racing, the event attracts leading horses, owners, breeders, trainers, drivers and fans from across the United States and around the world.
Its move to Indiana represents much more than the arrival of another major event. It is an opportunity to showcase the state’s racing heritage, sports-hosting experience and collaborative approach on a national and international stage.
A statewide industry takes the spotlight
Harrah’s Hoosier Park is well positioned to welcome the Hambletonian. The Anderson venue is recognized as one of the country’s premier Standardbred racing facilities and has previously hosted multiple editions of the Breeders Crown, another of harness racing’s most prestigious events.
The selection also reflects Indiana’s decades-long investment in Standardbred racing and breeding. The state has developed one of North America’s strongest programs, supported by an industry that reaches well beyond the racetrack. Breeders, farms, trainers, veterinarians, feed suppliers, equipment dealers and other businesses contribute to an ecosystem that supports jobs and communities throughout Indiana, particularly in rural areas.
“For decades, Indiana horsemen, breeders and farm owners have invested their time, resources and livelihoods into building one of the best Standardbred programs in the country,” Indiana Standardbred Association President John DeLong said in the announcement. “The Hambletonian coming to Indiana validates that investment and gives us an extraordinary opportunity to showcase our horses, our farms, our people and our entire industry to the world.”
Hosting the event is also expected to generate tourism and economic activity in Anderson, Madison County and Central Indiana. While its full impact will develop over time, the Hambletonian gives the region an opportunity to welcome new visitors, elevate local businesses and introduce a wider audience to Indiana racing.
Indiana’s 2050 Vision in action
The acquisition is also a meaningful example of Indiana Sports Corp’s 2050 Vision in action.
Developed as a 25-year statewide strategy, the 2050 Vision seeks to make Indiana “the global epicenter of sports” through a mission to “unleash Indiana’s potential through sports.” Its Sports Events pillar focuses on hosting large, world-class and high-visibility competitions.
Bringing the Hambletonian to Anderson expands Indiana’s event portfolio into another major sport while extending the tourism, economic and civic benefits of sports beyond Indianapolis. It also highlights assets that are distinctly connected to Indiana—its Standardbred industry, agricultural communities and racing venues.
No single event will accomplish a vision built for an entire state and a generation. But securing a competition of this stature represents an important step forward and demonstrates how sports can advance economic vitality, civic pride and community engagement throughout Indiana.
The successful bid brought together the Indiana Standardbred Association, Madison County Visitors & Tourism Bureau, Indiana Horse Racing Commission, Caesars Entertainment, Harrah’s Hoosier Park, Indiana Sports Corp, and Visit Indiana. That partnership reflects the collaborative sports-hosting model Indiana will need to continue competing for major opportunities.
Additional details about the Hambletonian’s 2027 Indiana debut will be announced in the coming months. In the meantime, learn more about the 2050 Vision and how events across the state can help unleash Indiana’s potential through sports.