Michigan Harness Track Fights Plans

NORTHVILLE, Michigan – As reported by the Detroit News: "Fears that a new competitor will doom the Northville Downs harness racing track has its officials fighting a new racing venue planned in Romulus.

"A lawyer for Northville Downs on Tuesday filed an appeal of a license granted last month to Magna Entertainment Corp. to build a thoroughbred racing facility just north of Detroit Metro Airport.

"Northville Downs argues a third in Metro Detroit will oversaturate the market and force the 61-year-old track to close. The Downs is among Northville's top 10 sources of tax revenue, generating more than $500,000 for the city last year.

"The Michigan Racing Commission in May awarded a license to allow Magna to build Michigan Downs on 212 acres it owns at Interstate 94 and Vining Road. 'We'll get into a money-losing situation and we'll have to close,' said Northville Downs lawyer Ed Draugelis. 'With the competition from casinos, we think the area can really only support two tracks.'

"…Magna proposes to build and operate a $100 million thoroughbred racetrack, also with simulcast wagering, about 20 miles from Northville.

"…The state plans to fight the Northville Downs appeal, said Dominic Perrone, spokesman for the Office of the Racing Commissioner…"