October 30, 2020
Detroit, October 30, 2020 – Michigan horse racing fans may look forward to 54 days of live pari-mutuel horse racing at Northville Downs on Fridays and Saturdays in 2021 under an order issued Oct. 27 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 2021 except on April 4, Nov. 25, Dec. 24 and Dec. 25.
“It has been a challenging year for live horse racing, and we hope the 2021 season will go well,” said Richard S. Kalm, MGCB executive director. “The added option of mobile betting approved this year provides extra support for Michigan’s horse racing industry and may draw new fans to the sport.”
Northville Downs will split its 2021 live standardbred horse racing season with pari-mutuel wagering into two segments: March 19 through June 26 and Oct. 1 through Dec. 18.
The 2020 live racing season will end Dec. 12. Originally scheduled to begin March 20, the season opened Aug. 14 due to COVID-19 health-related concerns. The current season includes 36 live racing dates although 52 were scheduled prior to the pandemic. The 2020 live racing season was extended under an Oct. 6 order granting 18 additional race dates.
A second applicant was denied 2021 race meeting and simulcast permits. AmRace & Sports LLC's 2021 applications for Sports Creek Raceway near Flint did not comply with Michigan statutory licensing requirements. Following review of the application and its contents, the agency determined it was incomplete and lacked necessary and required supporting information.
"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."
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