Brett Boyd elected MHHA president

Popular Jackson Raceway announcer Brett Boyd of Hillsdale was elected president of the Michigan Harness Horsemen’s Association at its Feb. 21 board meeting in Okemos. A director of the statewide organization for only a year, Boyd’s charisma and promotional flair catapulted him into the leadership role.

“The state of Michigan greatly benefits from a thriving race horse industry,” asserts Boyd. “And I, for one, will not rest until harness racing regains its place as the state’s most attended spectator sport.

“Michigan can’t afford to lose any more jobs,” Boyd insists. “And no business is more labor intensive than horse racing.  We’re struggling, and we still provide over 20,000 jobs in this state.” 

Besides announcing at Jackson Raceway, Boyd trains, drives and breeds harness racehorses at his farm in Jonesville, Michigan.  He also manages two family supermarkets, the Market House stores in Hudson and Hillsdale.  In 2007 he was awarded the “Key To The City of Hillsdale,” for rescuing an 80-year-old local Independence Day tradition from extinction.  Galvanizing the local business community, Boyd spearheaded last year’s All American Celebration complete with the most dramatic fireworks display in Hillsdale history. 

As president-elect of the MHHA, Boyd vows to apply his energy and enthusiasm to gaining new fans for Michigan horseracing. “I plan to take this message to the legislature,” announces Boyd.  “Growing and developing racehorses is an important part of Michigan agriculture. And the health of Michigan agriculture is essential to the economic recovery of our state.” 

Boyd adds, “Indian casinos do not pay state taxes, and Detroit casinos don’t help the outstate areas.  Farmers and rural areas deserve to share in this state’s gigantic gaming profits.”

Also at the meeting, Frank Kayden was re-elected first vice president; Marilyn Breuer-Bertera was re-elected secretary; and Hank Vaupel was re-elected treasurer. (with files from Weathervane Communications)

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