Pinnacle Wants 2011 Race Dates

The owners of the Detroit, Mich.-area Pinnacle Race Course, which has been shuttered since November due to financial problems, including property tax issues, are working out details to try to host a limited racing schedule in 2011.

“Attempting to launch a racetrack in a depressed area with the financial situation of the country and of that area was obviously a challenge—much bigger than the owners anticipated,” said trainer Bob Gorham, a director of the state’s Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, of Jerry and Lisa Campbell’s decision to open the track in July 2008.

Gorham said the Campbells are currently trying to work out a deal with the HBPA and the Michigan Gaming and Control Board to host a 2011 race meet. The track, which also suspended simulcast operations at the end of its live meet Oct. 31, has already been awarded 84 days for 2011, however everything depends on funding.

“It would probably be in the neighborhood of a 30-day total race day meet; three days a week for 10 weeks is the current plan,” said Gorham, adding that the season was projected to run from July through September.