Northville Downs To Hold 52 Live Race Dates In 2024
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Starting Friday, April 7, Northville Downs is all set to welcome another thrilling season of horse racing.
In October, the Michigan Gaming Control Board granted an executive order allowing the lone Michigan horse track to host 52 live race dates next year.
In addition to hosting live racing, Northville Downs has received authorization to continue simulcasting races in 2024, marking the 90th year of pari-mutuel wagering in Michigan.
According to a statement by MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams, horse racing became the initial form of legal gambling in Michigan. On September 2, 1933, the first licensed, pari-mutuel race took place at the former State Fairgrounds in Detroit. Williams expressed his well wishes to Northville Downs and the Michigan Harness Horsemen’s Association for carrying on the live horse racing tradition in Michigan throughout 2024. He also extended his congratulations to the horse racing industry for their achievements in pari-mutuel wagering over the course of 90 years in the state.
The 2024 Northville Downs schedule
The race schedule for 2024 will have 10 races less compared to 2024. Nevertheless, simulcast racing will be available on a daily basis, except for April 9, November 23, December 24, and December 25.
The year’s first live racing at Northville Downs will commence on April 7, while the concluding live race is scheduled for September 30.
A minimum of eight races and a maximum of 16 races must be included in each live race date.
What to know about Northville Downs
Since 1944, Northville Downs has been operating at its location on 301 S. Center St. in Northville.
Every day, admission and parking are provided free of charge. Children are invited to visit Northville Downs as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.
On Friday and Saturday nights, the dining room at Northville Downs is open for reservations as well.
Harness racing is the main event at Northville Downs when it comes to the actual racing. The live races kick off at 7:30 p.m. on the designated dates.
The races consist of standardbred horses competing on a half-mile oval track. The final stretch measures 440 feet and includes a designated passing lane.
From noon onwards, you can enjoy simulcast racing on most days, with races continuing throughout the day. However, please note that the program stand, where you can find information about both simulcast and live racing, closes at 9 p.m.
Make sure to refer to our guide for first-time visitors if you are interested in visiting Northville Downs for live or simulcast racing.
