from the Michigan Harness Horsemen’s Assn.

Lansing, MI — For nearly 25 years, the Michigan stakes program has been restricted to Michigan sired horses only. An amendment to the State of Michigan’s Horse Racing Law of 1995 Act 279 now allows Michigan bred along with Michigan sired to be raced in the Michigan Early Closing Colt Stakes.

A Michigan bred horse is defined as all foals from a mare that was owned or leased exclusively by a Michigan resident(s) at the time of conception and is listed on the registration papers as the breeder with the USTA.

The Michigan Sire Stakes are still restricted to Michigan sired horses only.

The 2017 program will consist of an 11 week colt stake circuit, for both Michigan bred and Michigan sired 2- and 3-year-olds with estimated total program purses of $800,000.

Racing will be offered at both the county fairs and Northville Downs.

Details of the program, condition sheets, and nomination forms will be posted on the Michigan Harness Horsemen’s Association’s website when they are available. Please visit www.mhha.com/.