Indiana HBPA’s “Grand Experience” Travels to Duran Farm on Saturday

Guests of “Grand Experience” are shown visiting the barn of Marvin Johnson during the 2018 event. (Photo courtesy Indiana Grand)

“Grand Experience,” the popular free interactive program for racing fans of all ages, will be on the road this weekend. Presented by the Indiana Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA), the event will be held at the Katie and Tony Duran farm located at 2617 E. Old Rushville Road in Shelbyville, Ind. Lunch begins at 11:45 a.m. with a tour of their breeding farm to follow. The program will be completed at approximately 12:45 p.m. Saturday, July 20, 2019.

“Grand Experience” provides guests of the monthly program with a behind the scenes look at Thoroughbred racing. The event focuses on a different topic each month, showcasing the different aspects of the Thoroughbred industry. The event at the Duran Farm will give fans an up close and personal look at a breeding farm complete with brood mares and weanlings. Industry experts will also be on hand to answer questions about the Indiana Thoroughbred breeding program.

Guests wishing to attend the Duran Farm tour may drive on their own to the farm, located north of Shelbyville on Old Rushville Road, or ride a shuttle provided from Indiana Grand. A marker will be placed on Old Rushville Road identifying the entrance to the farm, which sits back off the road on a lane.

For guests who wish to ride a shuttle to the farm, transportation will be provided from Indiana Grand’s racecourse apron area adjacent to the racetrack. The shuttle will be limited to the first 13 guests who sign in and the shuttle will leave the track promptly at 11:15 a.m., arriving at the Duran Farm at approximately 11:35 a.m.

Other events planned for 2019 through the Indiana HBPA’s “Grand Experience” includes “Boots ‘N Brews” night Saturday, July 27 beginning at 6 p.m. trackside at Indiana Grand and “Come Along for the Ride,” with former jockey and chaplain Otto Thorwarth set for Saturday, Sept. 21 beginning at 9 a.m. also held trackside at Indiana Grand. For more information on “Grand Experience,” go to the Indiana Grand Website at www.indianagrand.com and select the racing tab.