Michigan’s horseracing industry, already reeling from decreases in revenue and the possible closure of Great Lakes Downs after this season, is facing an Oct. 1 shutdown should the state legislature fail to approve a budget.

Michigan lawmakers were in session Sept. 27, attempting to hammer out a temporary budget deal that could hike taxes. The fiscal year begins Oct. 1, which means a budget must be in place by then to avoid a shutdown of state government.

Horse racing, operated under the auspices of the Office of Michigan Racing Commissioner, would shut down as well. Liana Bennett, a spokeswoman for the racing commissioner’s office, said live Thoroughbred and harness racing, as well as full-card simulcasts, would be suspended at all tracks in the state.

Great Lakes Downs, the state’s lone Thoroughbred track, is scheduled to host the lucrative Michigan Sires Stakes for Michigan-bred horses Oct. 6. The racing commissioner’s office on Oct. 8 has scheduled a hearing on racing applications for 2008; there is interest from individuals to operate Great Lakes Downs or build a track in the Detroit metropolitan area