In a celebration of Michigan horse racing, Governor Granholm, has signed an official proclamation declaring, "June is Michigan Horse Racing Month."

Michigan has six licensed pari-mutuel racetracks, including four harness tracks (Hazel Park Harness Raceway, Northville Downs, Sports Creek Raceway and Jackson Harness Raceway), one mixed breed racetrack (Mount Pleasant Meadows) and one thoroughbred track under construction (Pinnacle Race Course). Live racing is offered all year rotating between the tracks but simulcast is available all year round at all of the tracks.

"Horse racing is a Michigan tradition that makes an important contribution to our state's economy," said Racing Commissioner Christine White. "It's a very labor intensive business, requiring hard work and dedication from the breeders, stable workers, grooms, trainers, drivers and jockeys. Michigan Horse Racing Month is a great way to show appreciation for the tireless efforts of everyone involved in the industry."

The ORC licensed approximately 4,500 individuals to participate at some level in pari-mutuel horse racing; 3,500 of these licensees permanently reside in Michigan. The recent release of the Office of Racing Commissioner's (ORC) 2007 annual report showed that over 1,935 days of live and simulcast racing, more than one million Michigan horse racing fans wagered over $260 million-generating $8 million in state wagering tax revenue and providing local communities $1.1 million for police and fire protection costs. In addition, the industry generated income for the State through taxes including personal income, property, Michigan Business Tax and the wagering tax unique to the horse racing industry.

Horse racing is inextricably linked to Michigan agriculture. Michigan is home to several hundred racing-breed horse farms with thousands of acres of land solely dedicated to the 5,700 race horses with the racing breeds of Quarter Horse, American Paint, Arabian and Standardbred being the most numerous breeds in all of Michigan equine.

The Office of Racing Commissioner is the official state agency charged with regulating, promoting and serving the horse racing industry in Michigan. During 2008, Michigan horse racing is celebrating its 75th Anniversary of pari-mutuel horse racing in our State. For more information about upcoming events, the six pari-mutuel horse race tracks, racing schedules and Michigan horse racing, browse through the rest of our website.