Whereas, Pari-mutuel horse racing began in 1933, with 31 days of thoroughbred racing offered at the Michigan State Fairgrounds track in Detroit; and,

Whereas, The inaugural season attracted 101,227 fans, who wagered over $3.5 million and generated $123,783 in state wagering taxes; and,

Whereas, Today, Michigan has six licensed pari-mutuel racetracks, including four harness tracks (Hazel Park, Northville, Swartz Creek and Jackson), one thoroughbred track (Muskegon) and one mixed breed racetrack (Mt. Pleasant); and,

Whereas, In 2006, the six Michigan racetracks presented a combined total of 1,909 days of live and simulcast racing, attracting almost 1.2 million spectators; and,

Whereas, Race horses are a source of agri-tourism and agri-business with 77,000 racing breed equine in the state; and,

Whereas, Michigan horse racing is a $1.2 billion industry responsible for the creation of 26,200 jobs; and,

Whereas, The industry generates $23.5 million annually in state tax revenues and supports capital facilities worth an estimated $570 million; and,

Whereas, Michigan horsemen continue to breed winning horses and race with passion and integrity; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim June 2007, as Michigan Horse Racing Month.