Ellen Taylor, Brian Elmore, and Terri Austin have made significant contributions to the Indiana Horse Racing Association. On Monday evening (Nov. 11), they were formally inducted into the hall of fame during ceremonies at Horseshoe Indianapolis Racing and Casino. Each of these inductees has a unique connection to the state's racing industry and Harrah's Hoosier Park Racing and Casino.

Celebrating the Legacy of Indiana Horse Racing Hall of Famers

Ellen Taylor: A Lifelong Harness Racing Supporter

Taylor comes from a racing family based in Central Indiana and has been a lifelong supporter of harness racing. At the young age of 16, she took on the role of camp coordinator for the Harness Horse Youth Foundation. In 1990, she succeeded her mother, Margot, becoming the executive director, a position she still holds. She was a driving force behind the creation of the Harness Racing Youth League program, which was first held at Hoosier Park in 1999. This program has led to the annual summer camps conducted by HHYF in the Midwest and East Coast, introducing thousands of youth to harness racing and teaching them about care and horsemanship. Taylor is a longtime member of the United States Harness Writers Association, serving as an at-large director for 15 years and currently holding the same position in the Indiana chapter. She has chaired USHWA's silent auction committee since 2013 and was named USHWA Member of the Year in 2015 and received the Stan Bergstein Proximity Award in 2009. With this distinction, she is the fourth member of her family to be honored in the Hoosier State. Her grandfather, Don Taylor, and parents, Margot and Dick Taylor, are also members of the Indiana Standardbred Hall of Fame. Margot was honored as an Immortal in Goshen, NY last year.

Brian Elmore: A Decades-Long Racing Industry Veteran

Elmore's participation in the racing industry spans five decades. Born in Sullivan, IN, he started with quarter horse racing and eventually moved into track management, spending time in Texas. He returned to Indiana in late 1995 to work at Hoosier Park's off-track betting location in Indianapolis. He rose to the position of director of OTB operations and later took on roles as director of racing operations and general manager of racing at Hoosier Park and Horseshoe Indianapolis. He also served as vice president and general manager at Ellis Park. After leaving track management, he became the executive director of the Indiana Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) and held that title until his retirement earlier this year. He still supports the Indiana HBPA as a consultant and is currently involved in the planning and construction of a $1.4 million community center at Horseshoe Indianapolis, which will provide a 150-person chapel, offices, and meeting space for the chaplaincy program. Elmore was previously honored by The Jockey's Guild in 2016, receiving the prestigious Eddie Arcaro Award.

Terri Austin: A Community Servant and Horse Racing Advocate

Austin served the people of Anderson and Madison County for two decades as a state representative. Elected to the Indiana House of Representatives in 2002, she held several leadership roles during her time in office. She was an ally for Harrah's Hoosier Park, providing unwavering support for horse racing in her district and the state. Her support was crucial in the passage of legislation allowing casinos at Indiana's two pari-mutuel tracks. Austin also served as a teacher and administrator for Anderson Community Schools from 1983-2003 and was a full-time adjunct professor at Anderson University from 2003-11.Taylor, Elmore, and Austin join 24 past IHRA Hall of Fame inductees. The list includes harness racing participants such as Lawrence Borst, Ralph Wilfong, Lynn Wilfong, Harold Barnes, Howard Peterson, Ernie Gaskin, Don Eash, Joe Putnam, and Jay Cross. Portraits of each inductee are on display in the mezzanine at Horseshoe Indianapolis, located in Shelbyville.