Horse racing coming to WISH-TV
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – WISH-TV’s President and General Manager Les Vann today announced a new partnership with Centaur Gaming, the owners of Indiana Grand Racing & Casino and Hoosier Park Racing & Casino. The broadcast partnership kicks off on Saturday, July 18, 2015 with coverage of the Indiana Oaks and Indiana Derby live from Indiana Grand Racing and Casino in Shelbyville.
“WISH-TV is thrilled to bring the excitement of horse racing to viewers across Central Indiana,” said Vann. “This year’s Indiana Oaks and Indiana Derby offer a very impressive list of nominees. Both promise to be exciting races for fans to watch live on WISH-TV. We look forward to continue working with Indiana Grand and Hoosier Park to bring more horse racing, original content, and special events to live television.”
“Centaur Gaming immediately saw the value in a strategic television partnership with WISH-TV given their solid reputation and reach not only in the Indianapolis-area but throughout much of Indiana,” said Jim Brown, Centaur Gaming President, COO and Indiana Grand General Manager. “We look forward to entertaining their viewers with live broadcasts of our biggest races at Indiana Grand and Hoosier Park as well as showcasing what has made our destinations the best in gaming, racing, dining, and entertainment in Indiana.”
WISH-TV’s coverage begins at 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 18 and includes the live running of both the Indiana Oaks and Indiana Derby at Indiana Grand Racing and Casino. Heading the list of nominations are Illinois Derby winner Whiskey Ticket and Ohio Derby winner Mr. Z. In all, 10 of the 57 horses nominated to the Indiana Derby ran in one or more of the historical Triple Crown races this season that saw American Pharoah win the Triple Crown, which had not been accomplished since Affirmed won the Triple Crown in 1978. Among those nominated for the Indiana Derby, 13 of the horses have competed against American Pharoah, showing the depth of talent on the list.
Todd Pletcher leads the trainers with the most horses nominated to the Indiana Derby with nine from his stable on the list. Leading the charge from his barn is Materiality, winner of the Grade I $1 million Florida Derby. Triple Crown winning trainer Bob Baffert has nominated three horses and may attempt a fourth win in the 21st running of the Indiana Derby.