Jon Schuster, longtime Vice President and General Manager of Racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, is remembered annually for his contributions to the Indiana horse racing program. He is honored each year during the state's biggest day of racing on Indiana Derby with the $100,000 Jonathan Schuster Memorial race. He is also remembered through an annual scholarship donation in his name. His daughters, Abi (Schuster) Mangone and Rachel Schuster, are always trackside to assist with the trophy presentation of the Schuster Memorial as well as a check presentation during the event.
Schuster, a native of Central Indiana and resident of Shelbyville, was a graduate of the Racetrack Industry Program (RTIP) at the University of Arizona. Since his passing in 2019, Horseshoe Indianapolis has donated $2,500 into the scholarship fund in memory of Schuster to assist other aspiring students looking to advance into horse racing industry jobs.
“We are so honored to be included in the race each year for our father,” said Abi (Shuster) Mangone. “The Racetrack Industry Program was so important to our dad, and he would be thrilled knowing a donation was being made in his name to that program.”
Eric Halstrom, Vice President and General Manager of Racing, joined Abi and Rachel for the special presentation following the race. Jockey Gerardo Corrales and Assistant Trainer John Lynde of the Mike Maker Stable teamed up for the win with Me and Mr. C in the Schuster Memorial and were also present for the check presentation.
“We miss our dad so much and being able to come back every year and be part of this presentation means everything to us,” added Rachel Schuster. “Our dad dedicated his whole life to horse racing. That was his passion. We are glad his name is remembered annually during Indiana Derby with both the race and this scholarship.”
This is the fourth year a donation has been made to the program at the University of Arizona. The program prepares and educates students interested in all types of employment in the racing industry, from racetrack management to state governing positions such as stewards, placing judges, and racing office staff.
“I'm actually a graduate myself of the RTIP so I know how valuable this program is to our industry,” added Halstrom. “We wanted to do something that would be beneficial in Jon's name each year, and by awarding scholarship money to this program, we feel other students can follow in the footsteps of Jon and be future leaders in racing.”
The 21st season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing extends through Friday, Nov. 17. Live racing is held Tuesday through Thursday with Saturday racing added in during the summer months. First post Tuesday and Wednesday is 2:30 p.m. Thursday racing begins at 2:10 p.m. The Summer Saturday Racing Series includes four all-Quarter Horse dates July 22, Aug. 12, Sept. 2, and Oct. 7 beginning at 10:45 a.m. For more information on live racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis.
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