Pinnacle Race Course Ends First Weekend With Strong Finish

Crowds soar to 20,000 over three-day opening weekend, proving thoroughbred racing is alive and well in Michigan

HURON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Race fans from throughout the Midwest joined in on the fun and a great horse-racing experience at the opening weekend of North America’s newest thoroughbred track, Pinnacle Race Course. An estimated 20,000 people enjoyed the new thoroughbred racing facility that features a world-class track, up-close seating, and patio and dining areas in what many visitors enthusiastically call an ideal racing facility.

“This has been a fantastic experience from day one,” said Pinnacle Race Course Founder Jerry Campbell. “The enthusiasm and excitement of the crowds have been remarkable – they are excited about the return of thoroughbred racing to the Detroit area for the first time in 10 years.”

The opening weekend live handle was more than $530,000 for the three days of racing, also surpassing expectations.

“Owners, trainers, jockeys and the hundreds of support personnel involved with making this a great entertainment experience are echoing the positive comments from our guests,” said Campbell. “It is evident there is a lot of pent-up demand for thoroughbred racing in this region, and we’re pleased to provide an excellent venue that’s only going to get better with time.”
 

	Photo by Mark Hicks/WestSide Photographic

Completed for the inaugural season of racing at Pinnacle Race Course are a one-mile dirt track; corporate pavilion (events/sportsbar/simulcasting and group sales venue); covered patio area; 1,000 premium temporary seats and deluxe tents, similar to those used at the Breeders' Cup World Championships, Ryder Cup and Super Bowl XL; and, 15 barns with 600 horse stalls.

The track was created by world-renowned track designer Joseph H. King. King has been involved in the design and construction of many of the major new or rebuilt racing facilities in North America during the last 30 years, including Pimlico Race Course, Emerald Downs, and Indiana Downs.
 

	Photo by Mark Hicks/WestSide Photographic

Still planned for Phase II are a four-story, 60,000 sq. ft. clubhouse that includes private suites and boxes; 4,000-seat grandstand; 15 additional barns with another 600 horse stalls; a 100-room grooms’ quarters; jockey quarters; and, a 7/8 mile turf (grass) track, also designed by King.

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.

The 2008 schedule features $1,520,000 in stakes races, including the $720,000 Michigan Sires Stakes series on Saturday, October 18. The schedule provides opportunities for Michigan-bred thoroughbreds in a variety of divisions.
 

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.