Michigan Horse Racing Advisory Commission Announces Recipients of 2026 Equine Grants

LANSING, Mich. The Michigan Horse Racing Advisory Commission (HRAC) today announced the recipients of the 2026 Equine Grants.

The grants will provide a total of $125,000 to support the following six projects:

• Huron County Fair Association (Bad Axe) $15,000 for track maintenance
• Michigan Harness Horseman's Association (Okemos) $25,000 to support livestreaming services for race events
• Michigan Harness Horseman's Association (Okemos) $24,900 to support county fair track maintenance
• Michigan Harness Horseman's Association (Okemos) $15,000 to purchase a new equipment trailer and construct a holding base for the safe transportation and operation of their water wagon
• St. Joseph County Grange Fair (Centreville) $21,600 for track maintenance
• Tuscola County Fair Association (Caro) $23,500 for track maintenance

The Equine Grant Program, established by the Horse Racing Law of 1995 and supported by the HRAC, provides grant funding to support:

• The promotion and marketing of horse racing
• Equine-related research
• Equine-related support and aftercare
• Other equine-related horse racing programs

To qualify for equine grants, entities must:

• Have been in business for at least two years
• Be in good standing with the State of Michigan
• Provide financial statements for the previous fiscal year

A joint evaluation committee reviews grant applications through a competitive process with final decisions made by the HRAC. For more information about equine grants, visit the Equine Grant Program web page.

The HRAC is an entity within the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) that establishes procedures governing the operation and promotion of horse racing in Michigan. For more information, visit the HRAC web page.

Visit MDARD's grant web page for more information about agriculture and rural development funding opportunities.

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