Northville Downs To Hold 52 Live Race Dates In 2023

Another season of horse racing is set to come to Northville Downs starting Friday, April 7.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board issued an executive order in October granting 52 live race dates for the lone Michigan horse track next year.

Along with the live racing, Northville Downs has also been granted permission to continue to simulcast races in 2023. This marks the 90th year of pari-mutuel wagering in Michigan.

“Horse racing was the first form of legal gambling in Michigan, and the first licensed, pari-mutuel race was held Sept. 2, 1933, at the former State Fairgrounds in Detroit,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said in a release. “Northville Downs and the Michigan Harness Horsemen’s Association will continue Michigan’s live horse racing tradition during 2023. I wish them a successful season and congratulate the horse racing industry on its accomplishments over 90 years of pari-mutuel wagering in the state.”

The 2023 Northville Downs schedule

The 2023 schedule of races will feature 10 fewer than 2022. However, simulcast racing can take place every day outside of April 9, Nov. 23, Dec. 24 and Dec. 25.

April 7, marks the first date of live racing at Northville Downs for the year. The final live race will be held Sept. 30.

Each live race date must include at least eight races, with no more than 16 races.

What to know about Northville Downs

Northville Downs has been in operation since 1944. The track is located at 301 S. Center St. in Northville.

Admission and parking is free every day. Children are welcome to go to Northville Downs is accompanied by a parent or guardian.

You can also make reservations for Northville Downs’ dining room, which is open on Friday and Saturday nights.

When it comes to the actual racing, Northville Downs features harness racing. Live racing begins at 7:30 p.m. on scheduled dates.

Races feature standardbred horses racing on a half-mile oval track. The stretch runs 440 feet and does include a passing lane.

Simulcast racing is available at noon most days and runs throughout the day. The program stand with all simulcast and live racing information closes at 9 p.m.

If interested in visiting Northville Downs for live or simulcast racing, be sure to check out our guide to first-time visitors.