by John Pawlak, marketing director, USTA

Columbus, OH — An unusual circumstance has resulted in the rescheduling of the Michigan Sires Stakes Final for 2-year-old filly trotters, which had originally gone to the gate this past Saturday, September 22.

Just prior to the start, three Canadian Geese were caught crossing the racetrack; they interfered with the horses scoring on the inside, and one of the birds was caught on the wing of the starting gate.

The race was declared “no contest,” and the Michigan Department of Agriculture, after consulting with the U.S. Trotting Association, has informed the Michigan Harness Horsemen’s Association that the field should be assembled once again.

A letter to the MHHA said “There is no precedent for purse distribution on a no contest results. Given this fact and that this race is one of our premier events for Michigan breed racing; the Department has made the determination that the race will be rescheduled. Management of Hazel Park Raceway has agreed to hold the race on October 4, 2007.”

Video of the incident was posted online this past weekend at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAhK7AL_u7s.