(Edited press release)
The 2009 Pinnacle Race Course season will feature the creation of several new state-bred days as part of a $1,100,000 2009 stakes schedule.
The richest day in Michigan racing, the six-race, $300,000-estimated Michigan Sires Showcase, features the offspring of Michigan-based stallions Oct. 10.
Three new events will be featured on the Pinnacle Race Course schedule. On Sept. 5, the Michigan Sophomore Championships will feature two races for Michigan-bred 3-year-olds: the Mackinac Stakes for colts and geldings and the Michigan Oaks for fillies.
The Michigan Breeders Championships will take place Sept. 12, with four $50,000 stakes: the Farer Belle Lee for fillies and mares, the Frontier Handicap for colts and geldings, the Sickles Image for 2-year-old fillies, and the Patrick Wood for 2-year old colts and geldings.
On Oct. 24, the last day of the 2009 Pinnacle meet, the Michigan Juvenile Championships will feature two more $50,000 stakes for two-year-olds, the Michigan Juvenile Fillies and the Michigan Futurity for colts and geldings.
“Our strategy is to run all stakes races on Saturdays for maximum fan enjoyment, and to move some existing stakes to create several new “big race” days to maximize interest in our racing program,” said Allan Plever, Pinnacle’s director of racing and racing secretary.
Pinnacle Race Course returned thoroughbred racing to the Detroit area after a 10-year absence July 18, 2008. Its 82-day 2009 season runs from June 5 –Oct. 24, with racing on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. For more information, visit www.pinnacleracecourse.com.