from the Michigan Harness Horsemen’s Assn.

Lansing, MI — The Northville Downs harness meet has been extended by 28 racing dates by Michigan Gaming Control after receiving request from Northville and MHHA.

The extended racing is to begin on Friday (Aug. 14) and race every Friday and Saturday night until the last night of live racing for 2015 on Nov. 14.

As the horsemen are aware, we have been paying a one percent starting fee for the meet just concluded. Members also must be made aware that the money collected from the starting fee and live wagering did not meet expectations to pay the contractual requirements to Northville Downs for this meet. Consequently, the MHHA Board of Directors has voted to increase the starter fee to one and one-half percent for the extended dates beginning on Aug. 14.

While the payment of starting fees is not ideal for Michigan’s harness horsemen, many of whom are already facing unprecedented financial pressure, the MHHA Board must remove the deficit prior to the end of 2015. The deficit occurred primarily because of live handle that was lost by racing on Wednesday, Thursday for most of the recent meet.

Michigan horsemen must remain solvent with an opportunity to continue racing their horses in Michigan for the most amount of money over the longest possible season. It’s MHHA’s goal to continue working together with Northville Downs in an effort to generate new and/or additional sources of revenue that will potentially offset or eliminate the need to pay starting fees.