Local Hero Jason Seaman Named Honorary Chairperson for the 24th Running of the Indiana Derby at Indi

Local Hero Jason Seaman Named Honorary Chairperson for the 24th Running of the Indiana Derby at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino

Shelbyville, Ind.—July 5, 2018— Noblesville teacher and local hero Jason Seaman has officially been named the honorary chairperson of the Grade III $500,000 Indiana Derby held at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino on Saturday, July 14. Seaman will be joined by a group of Indiana Derby celebrity commissioners to host the Indiana Derby event, A Royal Derby, officially presented by Miller Lite.

Celebrated for his courageous acts during the recent Noblesville, Ind. middle school shooting, the seventh-grade science teacher and football coach was shot several times as he stepped into action to stop the gunman. In recognition of his selfless acts and bravery, Indiana Grand will make $15,000 in donations to Seaman’s chosen charities. The Indiana Children’s Wish Fund and Agape Unbridled Hope Therapeutic Riding Resources will each receive a monetary contribution in Seaman’s name on Saturday evening, at the Indiana Derby.

"I am very humbled to be the honorary chairperson for the 2018 Indiana Derby. Indiana Grand is being extremely generous by donating to the Indiana Children's Wish Fund which allows children of Indiana who face terminal or life-threatening health conditions to fulfill a dream and to Agape Unbridled Hope Therapeutic Riding Resources which helps individuals who face specific challenges through teaching them horseback riding skills,” said Seaman. “I would like to personally thank Indiana Grand for their hospitality and humanity.”

Also making an appearance, radio personality and sportscaster Dan Dakich will officially kick off the Indiana Derby festivities with a live broadcast from the post-position draw luncheon on Wednesday, July 11 at Indiana Grand. Recognized as a former basketball player and coach, as well as an outspoken media commentator for ESPN 107.5/1070 the Fan, Dakich will also serve as a celebrity host for the Indiana Derby on Saturday, July 14.

Indiana Derby celebrity commissioners in attendance for this year’s Indiana Derby will include former Indianapolis Colts Stars Marlin Jackson, Gary Brackett, and Robert Mathis, as well as Indianapolis native, former Indiana University basketball star and Dallas Mavericks’ Yogi Ferrell, and Indiana Fever players Erica Wheeler, Stephanie Mavunga, and Shenise Johnson. Playboy’s 2017 Playmate of the Year Nina Daniele and former Indiana Fever basketball player and four-time Olympic gold medalist Tamika Catchings are also included in the VIP lineup.

As a part of the festivities, Indiana Grand will host the annual Knight in Arms Celebration – a tribute to those who serve and protect – on Friday, July 13. The Indiana Derby Queen’s Court will make an appearance on Saturday, July 14 with the crowning of the 2018 Indiana Derby Queen beginning at 8 p.m.

Indiana Derby day will be highlighted by six stakes races and purses in excess of $1.1 million including the 23rd running of the Grade III $200,000 Indiana Oaks. First post of the day will be 5:30 p.m.

Miller Lite serves as the 2018 presenting sponsor of the Indiana Derby. McNamara Florist, Family Leisure, and Scientific Games are associate sponsors of the event. More information, including the full racing schedule and a complete list of racing promotions and events, is available at www.indianagrand.com.