News & Updates

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sallysmokingun's record mile heads Great Lakes Stakes

from the Michigan Harness Horsemen's Association

FOWLERVILLE, Mich. — Lance Baylis' Sallysmokingun sat off dueling leaders and pounced in the stretch for a track-record 1:57.3 victory in the $20,500 Great Lakes Stakes for 3-year-old pacing fillies on Monday (July 27) at the Fowlerville Family Fair.

With Brandon Bates at the lines for trainer Tim Roach, Sallysmokingun latched onto second-over cover behind Ima Victorious (driven by Ty Goodell) just before pacesetter Lady Victorious (LeWayne Miller) completed the first half in :59.3. Ima Victorious advanced steadily up the backstretch to force Lady Victorious' hand to the 1:28 three-quarters, towing Sallysmokingun into striking range. In the stretch, Sallysmokingun rallied off cover and eclipsed the dueling leaders to win by a widening length and knock 1-2/5 seconds off the previous divisional track mark of 1:59, set by Princess Michi and driver Peter Wrenn in 2007.

Sallysmokingun, a daughter of Captain Victorious-Girllookatthatbody, is now a seven-time winner from 17 starts with $63,590 in career earnings. She gave Bates and Roach their second Great Lakes win, after the tandem had previously scored a 6-3/4-length, 2:01.2 win with 2-year-old pacing filly All The Best for Green Rock Stable.

Driver David Lake and trainer Kent Hess also teamed up for a stakes double, winning with 3-year-old trotting filly Weezabouttofindout (2:02) and 3-year-old pacing gelding What Ma Says (1:58.2).

Rounding out the octet of Great Lakes Stakes winners were 2-year-old trotting filly Mite B The Life (2:05.1, Marshall L. Makin), 2-year-old trotting gelding Life Blue Bayou (2:06.2, Vince Copeland), 2-year-old pacing gelding Mega Rolls (second-placed-first, Ty Goodell) and 3-year-old trotting gelding Powerful Ending (2:02.2, LeWayne Miller).

In total, $164,100 in purses were disbursed on the eight-race Monday program.

Tuesday's (July 28) 14-race card featured the fifth round of the Michigan Colt Stakes Blue Division, led by a 7-3/4-length, 1:59 win from Believeincaptain in the first of three sections for 3-year-old male pacers. Kody Massey drove the Captain Victorious-Believeincarrie colt for trainer Allen Sisco.

Massey and Sisco also teamed to win with 2-year-old pacing gelding Kirk (2:01) and 3-year-old pacing gelding Handsome Joe (2:01).

Bates and Roach followed their Great Lakes Stakes double with a Colt Stakes hat trick, taking top honors with a trio of sophomores: pacing gelding Victorious Boomer (2:00.1), pacing filly Maize N Boo (2:00.4) and trotting filly Claires Samone (2:05.2).

Not to be outdone, Kelly Goodwin led all conditioners on Tuesday with four winners, all 2-year-olds: trotting filly Campten Curves (2:13.1), trotting gelding Rigz (2:10.2), pacing filly Krypto Key (2:03.4) and pacing gelding Full Body Slam (2:04). Ty Goodell handled the driving duties on all of Goodwin's winners, along with Bill Webb trainee What Spooks You, who overcame early trouble to post a 2:04.1 win in another division of the 2-year-old male pace.

The Michigan fair harness racing circuit reconvenes in Harrison, Mich., on Wednesday, Aug. 5, and Thursday, Aug. 6, with post time both days at noon.

James Witherite (he/him/his)
Founder & Partner, 412 Communications LLC

james@412communications.com• 412.223.7213

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Track records fall at Big Rapids (Mich.)

from the Michigan Harness Horsemen's Association

BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — All-age track records for both gaits at the Mecosta County Fairgrounds, in Big Rapids, Mich., fell on Monday (July 13), the first program of the track's three-day harness racing stand.

In the $12,250 Michigan Colt Stakes Blue Division event for 3-year-old trotting fillies, Westwinds Yahtzee and trainer-driver LeWayne Miller edged out of the pocket with a sixteenth to go and nabbed Weezabouttofindout in a track record 2:01.3, shaving a fifth of a second off the previous mark, taken in 2024 by Rankin. 

The Celebrity Pegasus-Keep The Cash filly yielded early control to Weezabouttofindout (driven by David Lake) and rode the golden chair behind splits of :30.1, 1:02.3 and 1:33. After being boxed on the far turn, Miller found room to angle Westwinds Yahtzee between foes in mid-stretch, and the pair lifted to collar Weezabouttofindout by a narrow margin.

Now a six-time winner from 11 starts for owner/breeder Samuel Eicher, Westwinds Yahtzee won last year's Michigan Sire Stakes final and finished third in the Grade 1 Jim Doherty Memorial.

Another Miller trainee etched her name in the Big Rapids record books: Lady Victorious sustained first-over gains to engulf Ima Victorious (Ty Goodell) in mid-stretch and hold off a late charge from Sallysmokingun (Tim Roach) for a 1:58.2 score in the $12,350 3-year-old filly pace, taking a fifth of a second off Kourageous Key's all-age mark of 1:58.3, taken in 2024.

But one race later, in the $12,200 3-year-old male pace, the fair's overall pacing record fell again when Allamerican Beach and driver Art McIlmurray made every pole a winning one in a lifetime best 1:56.4.

Leaving from the pole position, Allamerican Beach rebuffed an early push from What Ma Says (David Lake) to protect the lead, and the Wakazashi Beach-Graney gelding controlled splits of :29, :58.3 and 1:27 before steadily edging clear on the far turn en route to a nearly 8-length victory over Eleanor's Knight (Kim Pluta). What Ma Says faded to finish third.

Trainer Al Tomlinson co-owns seven-time winner Allamerican Beach with Jack Mitchell Jr.

In all, Miller drove four winners and trained three on the Blue Division program. Tim Roach recorded a driving and training triple.

Tuesday's (July 14) card featured 10 $4,500 Michigan Colt Stakes Green Division events for 2-year-olds, headlined by matching 2:01.2 miles from pacing filly Krypto Key, whom Ty Goodell drove for trainer Kelly Goodwin; and pacing gelding LV Victorious, trained and driven by Anthony Gutierrez.

Wednesday (July 15) featured nine $4,500 Green Division events for 3-year-olds, and Otis Octane took top billing with a career-best 2:00 mile in his split. John Moody drove the Captain Victorious-Amasa Arion gelding paced to his third career win for trainer Kevin St. Charles and E C S Racing.

Thursday's (July 16) 10-race overnight program was abandoned on account of deteriorating air quality in the region.

The Michigan fair racing circuit shifts to the Barry County Fair, in Hastings, Mich., for a nine-race Michigan Colt Stakes Mixed card on Saturday (July 18) and a 10-race Michigan Colt Stakes Blue Division card on Sunday (July 19). Post time both days is noon.

James Witherite (he/him/his)
Founder & Partner, 412 Communications LLC

james@412communications.com• 412.223.7213

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Entries open for Winner's Circle Speed Sale

from the Winner's Circle Speed Sale

FOWLERVILLE, Mich. — Entries are now being accepted for the 2026 Winner's Circle Speed Sale, which will take place Thursday, Oct. 8, on the campus of Michigan State University, in East Lansing, Mich.

The Winner's Circle Speed Sale has become a popular marketplace for Michigan-eligible yearlings, with 105 horses passing through the sales ring at last year's sale for a total of $769,200, the highest-grossing edition of the sale since its inception in 2022.

Entries will be accepted through Aug. 10, and can be made online at www.winnerscirclesale.com/enter/.

For more information, visit winnerscirclesale.com.

James Witherite (he/him/his)
Founder & Partner, 412 Communications LLC

james@412communications.com• 412.223.7213

Mitch Nault (USTA ID Tech) will be in Michigan in the next couple weeks. If you need his services, call him Mon. or Tues., March 2-3, to see if he can schedule you in. 740-505-0182

The Michigan House of Representatives has officially passed House Bills 4346 and 4347 with strong bipartisan support, marking a significant step forward for Michigan’s horse racing industry and agricultural community.

House Bill 4346 addresses the lifted cap, while House Bill 4347 strengthens the distribution of funds to support fairs, horsemen, breeder awards and incentives, and continued investment in Michigan agriculture.

This achievement reflects the dedication and advocacy of bill sponsors, co-sponsors, and the many MHHA members who worked tirelessly to move this legislation forward.

While this is an important milestone, the process is only halfway complete. The bills now advance to the Michigan Senate for further consideration.

Watch the Facebook video from MHHA President Brett Boyd for more details on the vote and what comes next.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Harness Horsemen’s Association (MHHA) today applauded Governor Gretchen Whitmer for her proposal to increase the cap on revenue from the internet gaming tax directed to the Agriculture Equine Industry Development Fund (AEIDF). The MHHA stated that the Governor’s initiative demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting Michigan’s historic equine industry and its county fairs.

Governor Whitmer’s proposal would provide a vital increase in resources for the AEIDF, which sustains the state’s equine community, funds purse programs, enhances breeding operations, and preserves Michigan’s agricultural heritage and racing at historic fairgrounds.

“Governor Whitmer’s proposal is a tremendous step forward for Michigan’s horsemen and the entire equine industry,” said Brett Boyd, President of the Michigan Harness Horsemen’s Association. “Raising the cap on revenue directed to the AEIDF means more opportunities for rural jobs, family-owned farms, and the thousands of people whose livelihoods depend on horses. Her leadership recognizes our industry's economic impact, our partnership with numerous Michigan county fairs, and the importance of ensuring growth for generations to come.”

Boyd added that the proposed change would help restore funding levels that have not kept pace with the growth of Michigan’s internet gaming revenues.

“Harness racing and the broader equine sector are essential to Michigan’s cultural and economic fabric,” Boyd said. “This proposal gives our industry the ability to compete, create jobs, and continue contributing to the state’s vibrant agricultural economy.”

The Michigan Harness Horsemen’s Association (MHHA) represents the owners, breeders, trainers, and drivers who form the backbone of the state’s harness racing industry. With member farms located throughout Michigan, the association represents more than 4,000 jobs tied directly and indirectly to the equine sector. The MHHA and it's members will continue to work with Governor Whitmer, state legislators and county fair leaders to advance House Bills 4346-47.  The MHHA works to advance the interests of Michigan horsemen, strengthen the equine industry, and promote sustainable economic development for rural communities. 

Dear Members,

The MHHA Board remains committed to protecting your financial interests and supporting your family businesses and farms. As we navigate current industry challenges, I want to provide an update on our progress and the path forward.

Congratulations to the connections of the state champions honored at our Annual Meeting and Banquet. A few years ago, program champions earned less than $50,000. This year, we celebrated 20 horses earning over $50,000, including seven state champions exceeding $80,000. Notably, the trotter New Plan Stan set a state record for a non-champion by earning over $94,000. 

The Sixth Circuit Court recently ruled that the State of Michigan cannot require revenue-sharing agreements for ADW wagers from residents. This results in a devastating loss of nearly $5M in annual revenue, including $1M for the AG Equine Fund and $2M each for our association and the licensed track.

Considering this devastating reduction in revenues the Board has requested the MGCB for a 10-day meet at Hastings for September 2026, featuring overnight events and the Michigan Sires Stakes.  Sires Stakes Eliminations will take place the first week, with finals ($80,000–$100,000) scheduled for September 9. This is the most viable strategy given the ruling. We are working with our attorneys and the Carlo family on a legislative fix and have requested formal opinions from the MGCB and the Attorney General regarding potential taxation of these wagers.

With the loss of simulcast and ADW revenue, our primary funding source is Casino Tax Revenue. We expect approximately $4M for the Ag Equine Fund in 2026. Our top priority is the passage of HB 4346-47, which would increase the funding cap from $3M to $9M this year, reaching $15M by 2028.

This vital legislation would provide:

• Up to 20% Breeders Awards.
• Estimated Doubled purse levels for 2 and 3-year-old programs.
• New 4-year-old programs with potentially six-figure finals.
• An expanded fair racing season from mid-April to late September.
• Annual revenue payments for all 86 fairs.
• Additional revenue opportunities for racing fairs.

These bills have passed the Agriculture and Rules Committees and await a House vote. Your outreach to Speaker Matt Hall is making an impact. We did get some encouragement from some key legislators this week and hope for House approval in February and Senate approval by May to secure additional funding for the 2026 season. We have unprecedented bipartisan support in both chambers, and we remain optimistic the Governor will sign the bills.

I would like to thank our team at AMR.  They did a great job with our Annual Meeting & Banquet and Katy Stanke is preparing the 2026 Stallion Guide, which will be mailed to members soon. Staking guides are available at mhha.com and can be mailed upon request. Please note that postmarking rules have changed this year and we encourage you to mail forms early or pay online by February 17.

Thank you for your continued engagement and support.  Please continue to contact your legislators and push for support for House Bills 4346-47!

Happy New Year,

Brett Boyd

MHHA President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LANSING, Mich. — A total of $769,200 changed hands at the Winner's Circle Speed Sale, held Thursday (Oct. 9) at Michigan State University, making the one-day event the highest-grossing edition of the sale in its four-year history.

The Overtime Stable consignment accounted for the two highest-priced trotters of the 34 who left with new owners. Faceofafranchise, a Lindy The Great-Homefortheholidays gelding attracted a sale-high bid of $27,500 from Marotta Investments. As I Am (Lindy The Great-As You Are) was the second highest-priced trotter, attracting a bid of $26,000 form Keya Morgan.

Sunsetacresjaguar, a Captain Victorious-Gotagetuptogetdown colt, was the highest grossing pacer at $26,000, purchased by Ron Davis from Sunset Acres. Vicky (Captain Victorious-Joyful Game) attracted the highest bid for a pacing filly, selling to Steve Oldford for $24,000 from Ernie Lambright.

Oldford was the sale's overall top buyer, spending a total of $82,000 on four horses: pacing fillies Vicky and Mathematics (Captain Victorious-Always A Plus, $18,000), trotting filly Sunset Acres Jojo (Muscles For Life-Classic Rewind, $22,000), and pacing colt Kirk (Captain Victorious-Dreamadreamforme, $18,000).

LilliVin Farm was the highest-grossing consignor, selling 16 horses for a total $202,500, followed by Overtime Stable (11 horses, $171,400) and Sunset Acres (five horses, $76,500).

In total, of the 105 horses to pass through the sales ring, 89 went home to new owners with an average price of $8,643.

For complete sale results, visit winnerscirclesale.com/2025-results.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

from the Winner's Circle Speed Sale

FOWLERVILLE, Mich. — Updated pedigrees for yearlings selling at the Winner's Circle Speed Sale, which will take place Thursday (Oct. 9) in Lansing, Mich., are now available online.

Pedigree pages on the Winner's Circle roster page have been updated to reflect accurate data through Monday (Oct. 6) and will be updated again the day before the sale. Additionally, yearlings will be available for inspection the day before the sale (Wednesday, Oct. 8) at the Farm Bureau Pavilion on the Michigan State University campus from their arrival until 7 p.m.

The Winner's Circle Speed Sale, Michigan's Standardbred Yearling Sale, will begin promptly at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday in the main auditorium at the Farm Bureau Pavilion, 4310 Farm Lane, Lansing, MI 48910.

To browse the catalog and yearling videos online, visit www.winnerscirclesale.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Winner's Circle Speed Sale catalog available online

FOWLERVILLE, Mich. — Pedigree pages for all 110 yearlings entered to the 2025 Winner's Circle Speed Sale are now available online.

The pages, which include three-generation pedigrees and notable performers through each yearling's maternal line, can be accessed at winnerscirclesale.com/roster. Yearling videos will be added to the roster as they are made available.

The full catalog is available for view and download at winnerscirclesale.com/catalog.

The sale will take place Thursday, Oct. 9, at the Michigan State University Sales Pavilion, in East Lansing, Mich., at 12:30 p.m.

For more information, visit winnerscirclesale.com.