Northville, Michigan, September 18, 2025
News Summary
During the opening day of the racing meet at Northville Downs, three track records were set, highlighted by Go Go Lyla Jane’s impressive win. The 4-year-old mare clinched victory with a record time of 1:56.4, breaking the previous divisional record. Other notable achievements included ENA Mega Delight setting a new record for two-year-old pacing geldings and Randall Howey T winning as the first older trotting horse at the venue. The day showcased the skills of drivers and the potential for future races.
Northville, Michigan – Three track records were set at Northville Downs at the Barry Expo Center on September 16, 2025, during the opening day of the racing meet. The highlight of the day was Go Go Lyla Jane, a 4-year-old mare, who won her race in a record time of 1:56.4. This victory not only secured her win but also broke the previous divisional record of 1:57, which had been set by Pair Of Hardts on September 2, 2025.
Go Go Lyla Jane is owned by John Turgliatto, trained by Gerald Malady, and driven by Kim Pluta. The victory was significant as it came after Racing Glory, the favorite, made a break in stride while leading. This allowed Go Go Lyla Jane to secure the win by a margin of 2-1/4 lengths.
In addition to Go Go Lyla Jane’s success, ENA Mega Delight, also trained and driven by Kim Pluta, set a new record for two-year-old pacing geldings. ENA Mega Delight clocked in at 2:00.3, breaking the previous record by two seconds.
Moreover, in another impressive feat, Randall Howey T became the first older trotting horse to win at the newly inaugurated Northville Downs. This 8-year-old trotter, owned and trained by Orrin Turner and sired by Here’s Johnny, recorded a remarkable time of 2:05.3, finishing three-quarters of a length ahead of the competition, with Olivia Turner driving.
Kim Pluta’s successes made her the leading driver on the opening day, achieving two victory drives in total.
Racing at Northville Downs is set to continue on September 17, 2025, with the first-race post time scheduled for 1 p.m. (EDT).
Background
Northville Downs has a long history of harness racing, attracting both seasoned fans and newcomers to the sport. The 2025 racing season marks an exciting time for the venue, especially with the breaking of these new records. The opening day showcased not only the talents of individual horses but also the skill of their trainers and drivers, as they aimed for excellence on the track.
Key Details of the Records Set
- Track Records Broken: Go Go Lyla Jane in 1:56.4 (previously 1:57), ENA Mega Delight in 2:00.3 (previously record by 2 seconds), Randall Howey T in 2:05.3.
- Key Horses: Go Go Lyla Jane, ENA Mega Delight, Randall Howey T, Racing Glory.
- Leading Driver: Kim Pluta with two victories.
- Future Races: Northville Downs will continue racing on September 17, 2025.
Upcoming Events
Fans can look forward to a full schedule of races in the coming days, promising more thrilling action and potential for even more records to fall.
FAQ Section
When was the opening day of the 2025 racing meet at Northville Downs?
The opening day was on September 16, 2025.
Which horse set a new divisional record during the event?
Go Go Lyla Jane set a new divisional record with a time of 1:56.4.
What other horses set records on the opening day?
ENA Mega Delight broke the two-year-old pacing gelding record by two seconds, and Randall Howey T became the first older trotting horse to win at Northville Downs.
What is the schedule for upcoming races at Northville Downs?
Racing will continue on September 17, 2025, with a first-race post time of 1 p.m. (EDT).
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Additional Resources
- Harness Link: Northville Downs Kicks Off 2025 Racing Season
- Wikipedia: Horse Racing
- Harness Racing Update: Churchill Downs Wins Another Legal Battle
- Google Search: Horse Racing Michigan
- Paulick Report: Sale of Hastings Racecourse Approved
- Google Scholar: Horse Racing History
- Vancouver Sun: Is Fraser Downs Closure the Death Knell for Horse Racing in BC?
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Horse Racing
- Daily Hive: Fraser Downs Horse Racourse Surrey Closed
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.
