Pinnacle Race Course opens to large crowds as Michigan celebrates the return of thoroughbred racing

New era of racing begins under bright skies, excitement and an enthusiastic racing crowd estimated at 9,500

HURON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Opening day at Pinnacle Race Course, North America’s newest thoroughbred track, was a success beyond expectations. An estimated 9,500 people poured in to the facility to celebrate its opening, experience the new track and facilities, and watch more than 70 horses participate in nine exciting races.

“I can’t count the number of race fans who approached me to offer their thanks for bringing thoroughbred racing back to Michigan,” said Pinnacle Race Course Founder Jerry Campbell. “They were pleased to be here, they enjoyed the show, and they said they are coming back.”

Under a beautiful sunny sky and warm breezes, thoroughbred racing returned to the metro Detroit area for the first time in 10 years since the closing of Ladbroke DRC; and the first time in a year in Michigan, since the closing of Great Lakes Downs in Muskegon.
 

	Photo by Mark Hicks/WestSide Photographic

Opening ceremonies included a ribbon-cutting featuring Campbell and his wife, Felicia (Lisa) Campbell, the Chairman and CEO of Pinnacle Race Course. Also participating was Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, Commissioner Christine White of the Michigan Office of the Racing Commission, Pinnacle Race Course Director Jack Krasula, Pinnacle Race Course President Michael McInerney, and Huron Township Supervisor John Mitchell, among others.

While the day featured great excitement and racing, a few challenges occurred. The opening race was delayed for 30 minutes due to a malfunction with the starting gate. The remaining races went as planned. Additionally, some guests who were trying to attend could not due to the huge crowd and resulting traffic and parking tie-up. “It’s a new facility and we knew we would have some unexpected challenges,” said Campbell. “We’re meeting with our entire team first thing on Saturday to review and assess how the first day went, and to make adjustments. I’m particularly disappointed that some people who wanted to attend were not able to, and others had to wait in long lines of traffic caused by the opening day crowds. I can assure you that these are at the top of our list to address.”
 

	The winner of the first race at Pinnacle Race Course was Equally Good, a Michigan-bred thoroughbred.

The inaugural season at Pinnacle Race Course includes 63 days of racing through November 2, with racing beginning at 2:30 p.m. every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, and at 4 p.m. on Sunday. This fall, Sunday racing will be replaced by Monday racing, also beginning at 2:30 p.m. Parking and admission are free for the inaugural season.
 

Photo by HB Meeks/Tell Us Detroit

Pinnacle Race Course (www.pinnacleracecourse.com) is being developed by the “best of the best” in both track design and guest services, and will join an elite group of modern day race courses in the nation. Once completed, it will include state-of-the-art facilities for guests, jockeys, track employees and horses, and is designed as a family-friendly entertainment environment with areas for picnics and tailgating, equestrian and horse-jumping events, and other opportunities to see the horses up close. It offers opportunities for community schools and organizations to encourage school field trips and special tours to widen equine and agri-business appreciation, as well as educational seminars and classes. Pinnacle Race Course is located on 320 acres near Detroit Metro Airport in Huron Township, Mich., where it will be a major employer and community citizen.

Pinnacle Race Course is located at 18000 Vining Rd., New Boston, Mich. – east of I-275 (Sibley Rd. exit 13), south of I-94 (Middlebelt Rd. exit), between Pennsylvania and Sibley Roads where it will be a major employer and community citizen.