It was announced today (Tuesday, May 1) that there will be some additional racing opportunities in Michigan this summer.

According to an article by The Detroit News, the Michigan Gaming Control Board has announced that 24 live racing dates that had been scheduled for September through December at Northville Downs have been moved forward on the calendar.

The dates will now be contested throughout the summer months. Northville had previously scheduled a break in live racing from June 10 to September 1.

Michigan Gaming Control Board Executive Director Richard Kalm has issued an order that will allow Northville to offer live racing on Fridays and Saturdays from June until September.

“The MGCB supports Northville Downs and the Michigan Harness Horsemen’s Association as they look for ways to keep live racing viable in Michigan,” said Kalm, who added, “They believe the live racing calendar changes are in the best interests of the industry.”

A drone captures the action while high above Northville Downs (Image courtesy Northville Downs)

Kalm had earlier given approval for Northville to host programs of live racing on three upcoming Thursdays (May 3, May 17 and June 7).

It was announced last month that Northville Downs was in the process of being purchased by a housing developer, but that it will continue to offer live harness racing at the track through 2020.

The April announcement also stated that Northville was in the process of exploring multiple other locations to develop a first class, state-of-the-art racing and gaming facility that Michigan will be proud of. The announcement went on to say that Northville will continue to work closely with state and local representatives to implement the necessary changes that neighbouring states have, so that it can bring racing back to its finest day.

(With files from The Detroit News)