Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

Michigan Groups try to keep TB Racing Alive

September 2, 2007

Three groups are interested in keeping thoroughbred racing in the state after the operator of the Michigan's only thoroughbred track decided earlier this year not to hold meets beyond 2007.

The separate groups have filed applications for 2008 race dates with the Office of Racing Commissioner, part of the Michigan Department of Agriculture, The Muskegon Chronicle reported. The filing deadline was Friday.

Winfield Cooper III, a commercial real estate developer from Flint, applied to run a shortened meet at Great Lakes Downs in Muskegon County's Fruitport Township, while Jerry Campbell submitted applications on behalf of Post It Stables Inc. for Detroit-area track license and the rights to operate a meet in Wayne County as early as next year.

Fruitport Township supervisor Ron Cooper recently received permission from the township board to request an application and formally submitted a "letter of interest," according to the ORC. A public hearing was set for Oct. 8, and the ORC has until Oct. 31 to determine the 2008 race calendar.

"It's exciting for the industry," said Gary Tinkle, executive director for the Michigan Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association. "It's been an up and down year, mostly down, and our biggest concern is to run a meet in 2008.

"This proves there is still interest in the sport and we look forward to negotiating with those individuals involved."

In January, Aurora, Ontario-based Magna Entertainment Corp. said it decided not to hold meets at Great Lakes Downs beyond 2007, citing continuing losses and a restrictive regulatory environment in Michigan.

But Magna encouraged the state's thoroughbred horse breeders and racers to try and organize their own meet in 2008.