October 31, 2019
Detroit, Oct. 31, 2019 – Michigan horse racing fans will enjoy 52 days of live standardbred racing with pari-mutuel wagering on Fridays and Saturdays during the spring, late summer and autumn of 2020 at Northville Downs under an order issued today by the Michigan Gaming Control Board. Northville Downs also received a permit to simulcast races to and from the track and conduct simulcast pari-mutuel wagering throughout 2020 except on April 12, Nov. 26, Dec. 24 and Dec. 25.
“The live racing experience boosts both the industry and the fans, and I’m pleased it will return to Northville Downs next year,” said Richard S. Kalm, MGCB executive director.
A second applicant, AmRace & Sports, L.L.C., received a conditional 2020 race meeting license and simulcast permit for Sports Creek Raceway in Swartz Creek.
“The AmRace & Sports license was granted with conditions because the applicant currently doesn’t meet the statutory requirements to conduct a race meeting,” Kalm said. “The track cannot offer live racing or simulcasting until a further order is issued.”
The conditions include:
Northville Downs will split its live standardbred horse racing season with pari-mutuel wagering into two segments: Friday, March 20, through Saturday, June 20, and Friday, Sept. 11, through Saturday, Nov. 28.
Kalm said live race dates would be allocated in the further order issued for Sports Creek once the license conditions are met. The applicant requested 10 dates for thoroughbred racing.
Northville Downs 2020 race dates
"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."
