Legislation could rescue harness racing, Wolverine Futurity

[PJMIII]

Harness racing supporters in Michigan are hoping help is finally heading down the homestretch.

Two bills in the state Legislature up for consideration would change how the sport is funded after it has struggled since then-Gov. Jennifer Granholm approved changes in 2009.

http://www.hollandsentinel.com/news/x1837746529/Legislation-could-rescue-harness-racing-Wolverine-Futurity

[violabella]

That's my hometown! I was at both days of the Futurity to boot- my parents sponsor a division of the 2yo Filly Trot each year in memory of their first broodmare. :) Brett Boyd is an absolute jewel and I truly believe that the industry would be gone already if not for him.

Holland always has a great turn out for the races (as do several other fairs). And plenty of the spectators are younger 20- and 30-somethings with families. County fairs are, in many regards, our lifeblood as these families always end up wandering into the barns to see the racehorses afterwards. I was always happy to hold one of ours so the kids can pet them and ask questions. Making the horses accessible is crucial in my opinion.