Sweepstakes Winner Bowen Excited to Make Indiana Derby First Live Racing Experience

Pop Culture
Fans celebrate a winner at the racetrack. (Penelope P. Miller/America's Best Racing)

Last month, thousands of people entered to win a trip to the Indiana Derby via the Feel the Energy at Indy Sweepstakes, Presented by America's Best Racing and Horseshoe Indianapolis. The contest’s winner and a guest will be treated to an expenses paid trip to the Indiana Derby and enjoy the races with influencer and Indiana native Joey Mulinaro.

Mulinaro, an impressionist and content creator, is also a horse racing owner as part of America’s Best Racing’s new “A Stake in Stardom” initiative.

Prior to the Indiana Derby, America’s Best Racing most recently partnered with Santa Anita Park to host the Santa Anita in Style Sweepstakes, which saw one lucky new fan venture to California for the Santa Anita Derby on April 9.

As anticipation builds for the Indiana Derby on July 9, we caught up with Feel the Energy at Indy Sweepstakes winner, Benjamin Bowen, to ask him six quick questions about his background with horse racing.


Q: Would you describe yourself as a new, casual, or core racing fan?

Courtesy of Benjamin Bowen

A: I would definitely describe myself as a newbie! This will be my first ever time attending a horse race, and although I have no idea what to expect, I am excited to see what’s in store. I have seen races on TV over the years, but I'm intrigued by the idea of actually being at the track for a big race day.

Q: How did you learn about the Feel the Energy at Indy Sweepstakes?

A: I saw it advertised online and entered with my email. I liked the idea since I had never been to a race, and it sounded really fun!

Q: Are you a fan of Joey Mulinaro?

A: I am going to be honest; I have never heard of him until now, but he seems like an awesome person to hang out with.

Q: Do you have a favorite horse racing memory?

A: I anticipate I will have a favorite memory after attending the Indiana Derby with my family. We are making the trip out from Charlotte, N.C., and this will be my wife and son’s first time at a horse race.

Q: What is your go-to gambling strategy at the races?

A: I have yet to place a bet on a horse race, however I plan to put my money on whatever horse has the best record. As part of winning the sweepstakes, I have a total of $750 to make picks with on Indiana Derby day, so I’m excited to test my strategy and learn a few things from other horse bettors at the track!

Q: Do you have an all-time favorite racehorse?

A: Seabiscuit!

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