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Michigan pari-mutuel horse tracks to offer 70 live racing days in 2019 as thoroughbreds return

Detroit, Oct. 31, 2018 - Michigan horse racing fans can expect 44 days of live standardbred racing at Northville Downs and 26 days of live thoroughbred racing at Sports Creek near Flint in 2019 under orders issued Oct. 31 by the Michigan Gaming Control Board.

“We are cautiously optimistic about the reopening of Sports Creek and the reestablishment of thoroughbred racing in Michigan,” said Richard Kalm, executive director, MGCB. “The track must meet several licensing conditions before simulcasting and live thoroughbred racing can begin next year. It’s good for the industry when fans can enjoy both harness and thoroughbred racing live in Michigan.”

Northville Downs will offer live racing on Fridays and Saturdays from March 22 through June 8 and from Sept. 13 through Nov. 16. Northville Downs will offer 16 fewer live race dates in 2019 compared with 2018 when the track applied for and received 60 race dates. Simulcasting will operate throughout the year.

Kalm approved an application for AmRace & Sports L.L.C., a Delaware company, with several conditions.

On or before Dec. 1, AmRace & Sports must complete a lease, contract or agreement to use the track at 290 Morrish Road, Swartz Creek.

On or before Dec. 28, AmRace & Sports must sign agreements with the Michigan Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association and a totalisator company and complete needed inspections and licensing.

If the conditions are met, AmRace & Sports may offer simulcasting after Jan. 1, 2019. The MGCB may suspend or revoke the license if the track operator fails to fulfill the conditions in the order.

The order will allow live racing on Fridays and Saturdays from June 15 through Sept. 7. Simulcasting will operate throughout the year.

Sports Creek closed in 2015 as a standardbred race track. The track must be modified for thoroughbred horse racing.

 

"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."