
Michigan may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of horse racing, but the state has a rich history with the sport, and the tracks here have seen their fair share of thrilling finishes.
While the glory days of Michigan horse racing are in the rearview mirror, a few tracks continue to hold their own, giving fans and bettors the chance to enjoy the excitement of live racing.
If you're looking for a place to watch the ponies and maybe place a wager or two, Michigan still has some tracks worth checking out. Even if you aren’t quite sure what “win, place, or show” means. You mudder.
One of the more well-known venues was Hazel Park Raceway, a storied location in the Detroit area that opened in 1949. Known for both thoroughbred and harness racing, Hazel Park was a fixture for decades, offering locals a chance to feel the rush of live racing under the lights.
Sadly, the track closed in 2018, much to the disappointment of horse racing fans across the state. People still talk about its charm, including the time a jockey once joked, “If you can make it around the turn at Hazel, you can make it anywhere,” due to its sometimes tricky course.
If you’re still itching for a live race, Northville Downs is your best bet. Located just outside of Detroit, this harness racing track has been in operation since 1944, making it the oldest harness racing track in Michigan. Northville Downs is not flashy, but it’s authentic—a place where regulars swap tips, and the horses go all out.
The track is known for its friendly, laid-back atmosphere, where even the most serious of bettors might crack a smile when their long-shot favorite comes up short (again).
For new bettors exploring simulcast options, learn how to bet on top racing events with 3-Way Moneyline: What Does 3 Way Mean in Betting? which covers various betting approaches for major races.
Michigan racing fans used to have another gem in Sports Creek Raceway, located near Flint. The track, which opened in 1986, hosted harness racing and simulcasts of other major races before it closed in 2015.
There’s a saying among racing fans: “Sometimes you pick the right horse, and sometimes you pick Sports Creek.” For a time, it was a lively spot, attracting crowds on weekends, but as the economy shifted, so did the racing scene in Michigan.
While live horse racing has diminished, Michigan still offers simulcasting at tracks and some off-track betting locations. Northville Downs remains the place to go for harness racing and simulcast wagering on major thoroughbred races like the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness, and the Belmont Stakes.
Though the number of live horse racing venues has decreased, the spirit of the sport lingers in the Mitten State. There's something about watching a group of horses charging down the final stretch, knowing that even in Michigan, you can still feel the thundering hooves and, if you're lucky, walk away with some winnings in your pocket.
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