However, the ORC believes horse racing in Michigan is about more than just laws and rules. The ORC values both the people involved in the sport and just as importantly, we respect the horses who are the athletes. A section of the Administrative Rules specifies what is considered an acceptable level of health for a horse to race. This is where our trained team of veterinarians, stewards (judges) and investigators take their responsibility to protect the safety of the horses to heart.

A night at one of our racetracks is like going to any other sporting event. You are there to cheer for strong, skilled athletes to do what they do best. It is heartbreaking to see one of the horses falter, fall or become injured, especially if it could have been prevented. That is why the ORC takes its role seriously before, during and after each race. Our employees are at the tracks, both behind the scenes in the barns, as well as watching every race to observe the horses' performances. If one of our Commission Veterinarians sees something that that indicates a horse isn't healthy enough to race, the horse doesn't race - plain and simple.

The ORC has a special hotline - 800/973- 5000 - that you can call to report an unusual incident or to make a complaint about something at any one of our racetracks. You can also call our office at 517/335-1420 during normal business hours and speak with someone directly. For more information about the ORC and Michigan horse racing, visit us on the web at www.michigan.gov/horseracing.