October 31, 2014
PRESS RELEASE |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 31, 2014
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Michigan Gaming Control Board Sets 2015 Horse Racing Meet Dates
Detroit—The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) today announced 110 live horse racing meet dates during 2015 for Hazel Park Raceway, Northville Downs and Sports Creek Raceway. Compared with the 69 race dates running in 2014, next year’s calendar offers a 59 percent increase in race dates approved between February and December 2015.
“The 2015 calendar offers Michigan horse racing fans opportunities to enjoy thoroughbred or standardbred racing almost every weekend of the year,” said Richard Kalm, MGCB executive director. “Today’s pari-mutuel horse racing environment is challenging, but the return of thoroughbred racing and the extensive standardbred racing calendar provide optimism for the 2015 season.”
Hazel Park will offer thoroughbred race dates May through early September and standardbred race dates in October and November. Northville Downs will run standardbred race dates in February through early July. The racing seasons will overlap during May, June and July when Hazel Park runs weekend races and Northville offers weekday races, but race days will not overlap. The MGCB approved 10 standardbred race dates for Sports Creek Raceway in Swartz Creek in November and December.
Jackson County’s request for a track license remains under review. The MGCB denied Jackson Raceway LLC’s request for a 2015 race meeting license because of insufficient purse funding.
“When considering the 2015 Michigan horse racing dates, the MGCB focused on what’s best for the state’s citizens, tracks and horsemen,” Kalm said. “The 2015 calendar offers more opportunities for everyone to enjoy horse racing in Michigan.”
"The Michigan Gaming Control Board shall ensure the conduct of fair and honest gaming to protect the interests of the citizens of the State of Michigan.”
