Great Lakes Downs

MUSKEGON, Mich. - Better late than never.

With only three weeks left in the Great Lakes Downs meeting, the long-awaited jockeys' room and grooms' dormitory are ready for occupancy. The $2.4 million project replaced temporary buildings that had been leased for the first three seasons of racing. The backstretch dormitory has 48 double rooms, each with a private bath.

Gary Tinkle, executive director of the Michigan Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association announced a 25 percent purse increase, retroactive to Oct. 1. "Simulcast revenues exceeded projections for the season," Tinkle said. "It's a good problem to have."

Jockey Mary Doser has been hot this week. Doser, second in the rider standings, visited the winner's circle nine times over a three-day period.

On Sunday she won the third aboard Lotta Dust ($4.60) for trainer Dan Slisz. Dave Kueffner then gave her a leg up on Border Beat ($6.40) in the sixth and Barry County ($4.40) in the seventh.

On Monday evening, Doser scored four times, winning every other race, starting with True Ruby ($3.40) in the second, followed by Quest for Speed ($3.40) in the fourth, Leapshin ($11.60) in the sixth, and Bugsy N Tuff ($3.20) in the nightcap.

Doser finished the week with a double on Tuesday evening, riding back-to-back winners Litenup ($50) and Untamed Irish ($8.20).