Reps. Daley, Graves, Goike, Denby, Johnson, Outman, VerHeulen, Lauwers, Rendon, Brunner, Smiley, Faris, Kivela, Yonker, Muxlow, Cotter, Lane, Brown, LaVoy, Segal, Stanley, Geiss, Lipton, Kurtz, Barnett, Darany, Driskell, Durhal, Heise, Kowall, Roberts and Slavens offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 252.

            A resolution to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Thoroughbred horse racing in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, During the month of September 2013, the Michigan Horsemen’s Benevolent Protective Association will celebrate 80 years of Thoroughbred racing in Michigan; and

            Whereas, Michigan Thoroughbred racing is steeped in history.  On September 2, 1933, Governor William A. Comstock and 20,000 racing fans witnessed “Mayco” win the historic first race on opening day at the Detroit Fair Grounds. During that 31 day meet, over 100,000 fans wagered more than $3.5 million on Thoroughbred races; and

            Whereas, During its 80 year history, Michigan Thoroughbred racing has been recognized as an important part of the state’s agriculture industry. There are an estimated 10,000 jobs across the state linked to the horse racing industry; and

            Whereas, Thoroughbreds such as Seabiscuit have inspired a nation.  A down-on-his-luck racehorse stirred the country during the Great Depression and firmly planted the hope of “a better future” during difficult times. The great Seabiscuit turned his career around at the Detroit Fair Grounds, with a new owner, trainer, and jockey, winning two Detroit handicap races and eventually beating War Admiral in a two-horse match race called by many the “greatest race ever” and becoming a national hero; and

            Whereas, In 1961, Michigan-bred Thoroughbred Bass Clef finished 3rd in the Kentucky Derby; and

            Whereas, In 1993, Michigan native Julie Krone became the first woman jockey to ride and win one of the Triple Crown Races, the Belmont. On August 7, 2000, Ms. Krone became the first woman jockey or trainer ever inducted into the Thoroughbred Hall of Fame; and

            Whereas, Thoroughbreds are magnificent athletes. Ruffian was an amazingly successful filly during the height of the women’s equality movement of the 1970s. Sports Illustrated included her as the only non-human on their list of top 100 female athletes of the century, ranking her 53rd; and

            Whereas, Thoroughbred racing is exciting at every level from the farm to the track.  Thoroughbred enthusiasts share in the joy of watching a horse that was foaled on a Michigan farm cross the finish line as a winner; and

            Whereas, Michigan Horsemen’s Benevolent Protective Association, an association of owners and trainers of Thoroughbred race horses, is working with state policy makers to modernize this treasured sport. New technologies exist allowing even more individuals to experience a live race.  Adopting these new technologies will support and sustain the racing industry in Michigan and is the next logical step for horsemen and other Thoroughbred enthusiasts across the state; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body commemorate the 80th anniversary of Thoroughbred racing in the state of Michigan. We acknowledge and celebrate the rich eighty year history of Thoroughbred racing in Michigan and urge all citizens to join in this observance; and further be it

Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to Michigan Horsemen’s Benevolent Protective Association.