Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

Strangles Issue at Indiana Downs Addressed

June 3, 2005

In mid-May, four Thoroughbreds tested positive at the Shelbyville, Indiana, facility. This resulted in quarantining the Receiving Barn, also known as the Standardbred Paddock. This barn will remain in quarantine until June 18th - the end of the 2005 Thoroughbred Meet at Indiana Downs.

Once the barn is released from quarantine, the Indiana Board of Animal Health will oversee disinfecting and cleaning the area. As those having raced at Indiana Downs can confirm, all stall walls of the building are removable. This, in addition to the floors being concrete and mats (as opposed to dirt or stone) will allow complete decontamination of the barn.

The main message about this issue is that, the 2005 Indiana Downs Meeting will proceed as schedule, with the Harness Meeting Opening Night set for July 1, 2005. If you have further questions, or need more information, please contact Indiana Downs at: (317) 421-0000 or the Indiana Horse Racing Commission at: (317) 233-3119.