June is Michigan's month

Michigan Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm has declared June as “Michigan Horse Racing Month” to honor Michigan’s 74 years of horse racing history.

Michigan has six licensed pari-mutuel racetracks, including four harness tracks (Hazel Park, Northville, Swartz Creek and Jackson), one Thoroughbred track (Muskegon) and one mixed breed racetrack (Mt. Pleasant).

“Horse racing is a Michigan tradition that makes an important contribution to our state’s economy,” said racing commissioner Christine White. “It’s a very labor intensive business, requiring hard work and dedication from the breeders, stable workers, grooms, trainers, drivers and jockeys. Michigan Horse Racing Month is a great way to show appreciation for the tireless efforts of everyone involved in the industry.”

The recent release of the Office of Racing Commissioner’s (ORC) 2006 annual report showed that 1.2 million Michigan horse racing fans wagered more than $281 million--generating approximately $9 million in state wagering tax revenue and providing local communities $1.1 million for police and fire protection costs. Horse racing remains an important part of Michigan’s agriculture industry providing 26,000 related jobs and $1.2 billion for the state economy. 

Events occurring throughout June include:

• the release of the ORC’s new website www.michigan.gov/horseracing,
• the distribution of ORC’s e-newsletter,
• events and promotions planned at the various tracks.

A historical perspective on Michigan’s horse racing industry can be found at www.michigan.gov/hal. 

The Office of Racing Commissioner is the official state agency charged with regulating, promoting and serving the horse racing industry in Michigan.  For more information about Michigan horse racing, the six tracks or to obtain the 2007 racing schedules, visit www.michigan.gov/horseracing. (MORC)

« Back