by Phil Stommen for the MHHA

Okemos, MI — The Michigan Harness Horsemen’s Association, in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Agriculture, the Michigan Standardbred Breeders’ Association, and the Michigan Association of Fairs, is pleased to announce its 2013 fair racing program. This summer’s program will, for the first time, offer dual-eligibility and give horsemen another avenue to race and prove their out of state horses. Michigan is also bringing back its popular fair condition races as part of the ten week program.

The 2013 Great Lakes Championship Series for 2-year-olds will be open to horses that are Michigan sired, Michigan bred, or wholly or partially owned by Michigan residents. With this announcement, Michigan owners who have ventured elsewhere in recent years to breed will also have the option to race their horses back home this summer. The opening of the series, though born out of necessity, is expected to breathe new life into Michigan’s fair racing program.

The GLCS will consist of seven $8,000 preliminary legs and a $20,000 final. Luring horses from richer programs might seem a tall order but, according to MHHA President Brett Boyd, “this series offers horsemen more opportunities to race, because eligible 2-year-olds can stake elsewhere and participate in Michigan too.”

Following a several year hiatus, Michigan is also excited to announce that many participating fairs will once again offer condition races (overnights) during the 2013 fair racing season. The ten week state-supported program is open to Michigan sired, Michigan bred, or Michigan wholly or partially owned horses.

During the ten week program, sixteen fairs will be offering 76 condition races for a total of $76,000 in purses ($1,000 purses with a $35 entry fee). Overnight action will begin in Charlotte during early July and continue through late September. The overnight schedule is ramped up during the last three weeks of September (weeks 8-10) when there is no pari-mutuel racing in Michigan

Nominations for the 2013 Great Lakes Championship Series are due on February 15, 2013. For complete conditions and the nomination form, visit the MHHA website (http://www.mhha-online.com). Mail your nomination form and payment to: MHHA, P.O. Box 349, Okemos, MI 48805. Beginning Feb. 1st, payments may also be made online at http://www.mhha-online.com by clicking on “CS and Stakes Payments” under the Members menu.

Contact:

Phil Stommen

Michigan Harness Horsemen’s Association

phil.stommen@mhha-online.com

269-491-0060