Northville, MI –  On a beautiful night for racing Saturday (April 16) at Northville Downs, which featured over $114,000 in purse money and 13 thrilling races (including three Michigan Mini Series Finals, an Open 2 Pace and the Open Pace), the fastest mile, so far this meet, was established by Don’tcallmefrancis (9, G by Rocknroll Hanover – Nanny Withafanny – Incredible Finale) in the $12,000 Open 2 Mares Pace in a dazzling time of 1:54.1 for owner Rocky Wingfield, trainer Jason Seymour and driver Art Mcilmurray (who had a driving double on the night).

Don’tcallmefrancis notched his 49th career win. Renae Parsons photo.

The hot tempo was set in the race by the lone mare Princess Rougarou (7, M Big Bad John – Hammers Princess – Mach Three) who grabbed the early command from the pole position and dictated the fractions of :27.4, :57.1 (29.2), 1:25.1 (28) until she was snapped at the line by the aforementioned pocket-sitting winner.

Don’tcallmefrancis, the 16-time winner in 2021, notched his 49th career win and third on the season and has now earned $558,145 in career purse earnings.

The $12,000 Open Pace in race nine was captured by Lying In Cash (6, G Aracache Hanover – Jokerslitlwhitelie – Cam’s Last Laugh) in wire-to-wire fashion for owner Techia Lohmann, trainer Scott Galloway and driver Jason Merriman in a time of 1:57.1.

The three Michigan Mini Series Finals were captured by Magic Shark (7, G Shadyshark Hanover – Jenna’s Magic – Jenna’s Beach Boy) in race four ($16,000 purse; 1:57) for owner Gary Wilmoth, trainer Ray Farmer and driver Art Mcilmurray; Seattle Hanover (6, G Dragon Again – Scarlet`s Western – Western Hanover) in race six ($14,000 purse; 1:58.3) for owner/trainer Sam Mignano and driver Justin Irvine; and Spades It Is (4, G Real Desire – Just Got Lucky – Camluck) in race 13 ($10,000 purse; 1:56.4) for owner and Northville Downs’ leading trainer Jim ‘Trey’ Brinson and leading driver Marc St. Louis, Jr, who led all drivers on the card with three driving wins.

Live racing resumes at Northville Downs Friday night (April 22) with a first-race post time of 7:30 p.m. Every Friday night is dollar night at Northville Downs featuring $1 programs, $1 pop, $1 popcorn and $2 hot dogs.