(Hot Middles, with jockey Hannah Leahey in the saddle, won the Corningstone Handicap at Horseshoe Indy on Wednesday / Photos by Coady Media)

From the Horseshoe Indianapolis Media Team / Tammy Knox:

Hot Middles tops in $55,000 Corningstone Handicap at Horseshoe Indianapolis

 

SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (Wednesday, May 13, 2026) – There are several female Thoroughbreds that stand out in Horseshoe Indianapolis history. Corningstone just completed her racing career last fall as the state’s all-time richest Indiana bred. It’s only fitting that a race named in her honor was won by a horse who has captured the hearts of many local racing fans. Hot Middles picked up the first title in the $55,000 Corningstone Handicap Wednesday, May 13 during Caesars Day at Horseshoe Indianapolis.

Hot Middles was joined by Hannah Leahey, the only jockey to ever ride her. In fact, it’s notable that Leahey has been aboard her during training and races more than 500 times in her career. The jockey and horse fit well together, and it showed in the final stages of the Corningstone Handicap.

Hot Middles began from post two and got away in mid pack as Werk It Wendy and Evin Roman set the pace up front, tracked closely by Ekati Flatter and Fernando De La Cruz in the six-furlong sprint. Around the final turn, Hot Middles was on the far outside and moving with authority. By the time the field entered the stretch, she had the advantage over her rivals.

Hot Middles then went to work, moving out to an open length advantage with her ears up like she was on a Sunday stroll. She was on cruise control by Leahey at the wire for the win by one and one-quarter lengths. Three Coats and Tyler Gaffalione closed from the back to finish second followed by Imagine the Moon and Rodney Prescott.

“Normally, when you see a horse put their ears up, I get worried they might lose focus and need some encouragement, but that is just Hot Middles,” said Leahey. “That’s the way she races. Once she gets to the front she puts her ears up. She moves her job. She is such a blessing and super talented.”

Hot Middles, who has kicked off the 2026 racing season with two wins in three starts, returned $6.60 to her backers for the win. The four-year-old chestnut filly is owned by Thirstyacres Racing and trained by Tianna Richardville, longtime owner-trainer-breeder in the state. She is by Klimt and was bred and raised by Richardville, who owns a farm just a few miles away from Horseshoe Indianapolis.

“Once we got her fit for racing, she really doesn’t need anything special,” said Richardville. “We just try to keep her happy. We have had some issues with her tying up (muscle cramps) but we just keep an eye on her and we are ready to adjust if needed. She likes everything her way, so in the mornings, we try to keep her schedule pretty regular. She goes out the same time every day and if she wants to stop and look around, you have to let her do it.”

Leahey, who is in the barn with her every day, added, “This is Hot Middles world, and we are just living in it.”

The win in the Corningstone was her sixth trip to the winner’s circle in a career that has netted more than $257,000 in earnings. She has turned in all 16 career starts at Horseshoe Indianapolis.

“Hot Middles loves to make a big impression,” added Leahey. “When she trains, she can be tough and can be dramatic. Otherwise, she is low key in the barn and calm and collected. Tianna and I both have a special bond with her.”

The 24th season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse extends through Friday, November 13. For more information on racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis/racing or find details on social media @HSIndyRacing.

###

About Horseshoe Indianapolis
Horseshoe Indianapolis, owned and operated by Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: CZR), holds multiple awards for customer service, entertainment, gaming, racing, dining, and diversity. Located just minutes from Indianapolis in Shelbyville, Ind., this one-of-a-kind property has wall to wall excitement on the 105,940 square foot gaming floor, featuring more than 1,600 slots and 72 table games along with a state-of-the-art World Series of Poker Room containing 20 tables. In addition, Horseshoe Indianapolis offers the only live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing in the state showcased on a one-mile dirt racecourse and a seven-eighths mile turf course. Simulcast and sports wagering is offered year-round at Caesars Race & Sportsbook, also located on the casino floor, with additional gaming provided at Caesars Race & Sportsbook in Clarksville, Ind. Players can reap benefits from Caesars Rewards, the industry’s most lucrative bonus program now offered at more than 50 destinations. Please visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis for more information and find Horseshoe Indianapolis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Must be 18 or older to wager on horse racing at racetracks and 21 or older to gamble at sports books and casinos. Please play responsibly. If you think you or someone you care about may have a gambling problem, call 1-800-9-WITH-IT (1-800-994-8448). ©2026 Caesars License Company, LLC.