Live horse racing has seen a decline through the years in terms of revenues and audience. However, abolishing the state racing office is not a reasonable move for the government, per officials from Michigan’s horse racing industry are concerned.

Reports surfaced that the officials are planning a move to oppose the recent executive order issued by the state governor abolishing the racing office and transferring the leadership to the board that regulates casino operations.

Michigan Harness Horsemen’s Association General Manager Dan Rakieten said that the horse racing industry is an agribusiness and as such should not be classified together with the casinos.
The organization is now looking for state lawmakers to oppose the executive order.

Rakieten said that the gaming board officials can’t understand pari-mutuel wagering thus their opposition on the move by the governor, adding that live horse racing is a different form of gaming.

In an effort to regain the interest of the public to horse racing, the officials in Churchill Downs have decided to conduct live horse racing sessions at night beginning June 19, Friday. The sessions, dubbed as “Downs After Dark,” will run for three nights for the meantime. This move is the first of its kind for the Kentucky Derby’s 135-year history.

The other two sessions will take place on June 26 and July 2. The third and last live horse racing event will serve as a kickoff for the Independence Day weekend. The sessions will start at 6 pm and will each have 11-race card lineup.

Churchill Downs Inc. Senior Vice President Kevin Flanery said that live horse racing has been the core of the establishment’s operations. He added that after more than a century, changes must be made in order to keep up with the customers’ demands.

Some of the best horse racers in the US and abroad are expected to take part in this rare event. The racetrack is said to undergo some changes to fit the night session experience. A red carpet event where customers can walk on by will take place before the sessions.