Northville Downs, Michigan’s last horse track, is set to close its doors with plans on relocating in the future.
The track will be holding its final race day on Saturday, Feb. 3 after 80 years of operation at 301 S. Center St. in Northville.
Patrons will no longer be able to place simulcast racing wagers at Northville Downs starting Monday, Feb. 5.
Northville Downs to be demolished after closure
The current Northville Downs location will be demolished following its closing for a $250 million redevelopment project. The project will include new homes and commercial space.
Dated back to 1944, Northville Downs is the last remaining track in Michigan to provide live horse racing.
“The Michigan Gaming Control Board expresses our deepest gratitude to all of the Northville Downs patrons who have made each race day memorable and thrilling,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said in a press release.
“We appreciate the support of those who have kept Northville Downs going for 80 years and look forward to the next chapter of horse racing in Michigan at a new location.”
The final slate of races is set to take place on Feb. 3.
Consumers have until Feb. 10 to cash tickets
Due to the scheduled closure of Northville Downs, simulcast wagering will no longer be available, starting on Monday, Feb. 5.
Patrons of the track should also be aware that Saturday, Feb. 10 will be the last day to cash in any winning wagers at the track.
Following this date, patrons can mail winning tickets to Northville Downs, 47526 Clipper St. PO BOX 701220, Plymouth, MI 48170.
With Northville Downs closing, Michigan horse racing bettors will be able to use mobile platforms to bet within the state.
Michigan has TwinSpires, Xpressbet, FanDuel Racing and NYRA Bets available for placing horse racing wagers in the state.
Northville Downs looking to reopen in Plymouth Twp.
Northville Downs has purchased 128 acres of land near the corner of Five Mile and Ridge roads in Plymouth Township to build a new harness racing facility, pending approval of the township board.
Proposed early in 2023, the new location is just a few miles from the current location.
As part of the expansion is a proposed 54,000-square foot gaming facility adjacent to the track, pending legislative approval.
Also included in the project would be:
- Construction of a half-mile oval harness racetrack
- A two-story, 4,900-square-foot grandstand with a large patio for standing-room race viewing
- 23,000-square-foot racing building
- 35,000-square-foot horse barn
- 3,200-square-foot maintenance building
The gaming facility wouldn’t be part of the initial phase of the new project. Once the listed additions were completed, then owners would move on to building the gaming facility and seeking licensing approval.
The initial proposal had this as a $25 million project.
Once Northville Downs opens at its new location, simulcast wagering will be able to resume.
There is no current timeline for the new track to open, leaving Michigan without live horse racing for the foreseeable future.
