Hastings, MI, September 17, 2025

News Summary

On September 16, Northville Downs in Hastings, MI, achieved a remarkable milestone as three track records were broken during a day of thrilling harness racing. Go Go Lyla Jane, ENA Mega Delight, and Randall Howey T each set new records, showcasing the impressive talent and revival of live racing in Michigan. With two victories, Kim Pluta stood out among the drivers, hinting at a bright future for harness racing at Northville Downs.

Hastings, MI

On Tuesday, September 16, Northville Downs at Barry Expo Center in Hastings, MI, witnessed a remarkable day of harness racing, resulting in the breaking of three track records. This event marked a significant milestone in the revival of live racing in Michigan.

The first race of the day saw Go Go Lyla Jane, a four-year-old pacing mare, shatter the existing record with a time of 1:56.4. The horse, whose lineage includes Rockin Amadeus and Rei to Go, is owned by John Turgliatto, trained by Gerald Malady, and driven by Kim Pluta. Go Go Lyla Jane’s victory came after the race favorite, Racing Glory, retired early due to fatigue, leaving her to clinch the win by two and a quarter lengths. This achievement broke the previous track record set by Pair of Hardts, which stood at 1:56.9 since September 2, 2025.

In the second race, Kim Pluta returned to the winner’s circle, this time driving ENA Mega Delight, a horse bred from Megatron and Angel From Above. Pluta, who trains and drives the horse, led ENA Mega Delight to a new track record time of 2:00.3, breaking the old mark by a full two seconds. The horse is owned by Kathy Todd.

The third race featured Olivia Turner piloting Randall Howey T, a trotter known for its strong pedigree, being a product of Here’s Johnny and Baked Azalea. Randall Howey T made history as the first aged trotting horse to win at the newly renovated Northville Downs, finishing the race in a time of 2:05.3 and winning by three-quarters of a length. The horse is both owned and trained by Orrin Turner.

Kim Pluta dominated the day’s races, leading all drivers with two victories. Following the excitement of this record-breaking event, racing at Northville Downs will continue on Wednesday, September 17, at 1 PM ET. This ongoing schedule is part of a broader initiative to rejuvenate harness racing in Michigan after a tough period for the sport.

Background of Northville Downs

Northville Downs has been a key player in the harness racing scene, offering live racing opportunities to enthusiasts in Michigan. The recent renovations and improvements to the facility signify a commitment to bringing harness racing back to its former glory. The track faced significant challenges in recent years, but the successful races on September 16 indicate a positive trend for the future of the sport in the area.

Key Details of the Record-Breaking Day

• Go Go Lyla Jane – Record time: 1:56.4, Owner: John Turgliatto, Trainer: Gerald Malady, Driver: Kim Pluta
• ENA Mega Delight – Record time: 2:00.3, Owner: Kathy Todd, Driver/Trainer: Kim Pluta
• Randall Howey T – Record time: 2:05.3, Owner/Trainer: Orrin Turner, Driver: Olivia Turner
• Next race day: September 17, 1 PM ET

Upcoming Events

As excitement builds in the harness racing community, fans can look forward to more races at Northville Downs, part of broader efforts to revitalize the sport locally. The performances witnessed during this record-breaking event can inspire future races and enhance local interest in harness racing.

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Additional Resources

• Harness Link: Northville Downs Kicks Off 2025 Racing Season
• Detroit Free Press: Northville Downs Closes
• Harness Racing Update: Churchill Downs Legal Battle
• Wikipedia: Harness Racing
• Patch: Plymouth Twp Lawsuit Dismissed
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Horse Racing

Author: STAFF HERE NORTHVILLE WRITER

The NORTHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENorthville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Northville, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Summer Concert Series, Tunes on Tuesday, and the Northville Farmers Market. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Northville Chamber of Commerce and Northville Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, software, and retail that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Reliable Software, and Attendance on Demand. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.