With three weeks of qualifiers in the books, Northville Downs has posted the condition sheet for opening weekend, which commences on April 7 and 8. 

In an effort to ensure that the box fills for each night’s program, horsepeople are to enter all horses for both programs by Monday, April 3, 12 p.m. (EDT). Friday night’s program will be drawn on Monday after the box closes and Saturday night’s program will be drawn on Tuesday. Owners and trainers are advised to use the USTA’s Online entry system, which is recommended and preferred.

Horsepeople and fans alike are reminded that Northville’s post time for each Friday and Saturday night will be 7 p.m. (EDT) throughout the meet that ends Sept. 30. This is a change from last year’s 7:30 p.m. start time. Horsepeople are advised to keep an eye out for an updated Lasix and paddock schedule that will be different from past years. Northville Downs will post the updated schedule on its website under the ‘Horsemen’ tab in the coming days so that horsepeople can plan accordingly. 

Additional qualifying races will be held weekly, each Friday evening, prior to the start of the pari-mutuel program.

Trainers are also advised to be sure they have a negative coggins (within past 12 months) and current proof of rhino vaccination (EHV-1) (within the past six months) on file prior to entry with the state vet office and this will be strongly enforced for 2023. Horsepeople may fax these in to 248-349-9139. In addition, horsepeople should refer to the condition sheets on USTrotting.com for all 2023 Northville Downs’ race meet guidelines and requirements.

It is important to note that the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) is instructing all horsemen and women, as well as all racing participants (including racetrack employees at all levels) to complete fingerprinting and licensing requirements before horses are entered to qualify and race. In doing so, this will allow ample time for the MGCB to receive said fingerprint results on-time prior to qualifiers and the race meet commencing. In 2023, before you can be granted a license, you must get fingerprinted, and the results must be received by the MGCB Licensing Office. Please refer to the MGCB website for additional licensing and fingerprinting resources.

Northville Downs has announced that the meet will open with purses having a nightly average of $70,000. It is expected that horse owners and trainers will fill the box with enough entries to provide full fields and competitive races throughout the 52-night race meet. 

The return of the ever-popular ‘dollar night’ at The Ville will begin Friday, April 7 and continue each Friday throughout the meet. One-dollar hot dogs, popcorn, live race programs and win bets, as well as two-dollar hamburgers and beer will be offered to fans in attendance on-track. For live racing dining reservations, be sure to call Northville Downs in advance at 248-924-2073. 

(With files from Northville Downs)