Moore pointed out that Indiana’s neighboring states haven’t approved racinos, though many are trying.

If House Bill 1835, which goes before a Senate committee today, passes, owners and trainers will again look more favorably upon Indiana as a place to breed and train horses.

“That investment will come right away,” said Moore. “If you’re not the first (state in the Midwest to get slot machines), then people will have already made that investment in another state. If we’re the first ones in the Midwest, you’re going to have horsemen setting up shop here because of the benefits from breeding in Indiana. That’s where the real impact is going to come from.”

There are already other reasons why Indiana is a prime area for the horse racing industry.

“You’ve got a state that’s conducive to this type of activity in that it’s flat, there’s still a lot of rural areas,” said Moore. “It’s perfect for the breeding operations.”

The clock is ticking for the horse racing industry in Indiana. Not only are track operators in other states jockeying for racino approval, but many horsemen will be making some permanent choices about where to do business based on whether House Bill 1835 — or one similar to it — passes in Indiana soon.