Friday race nights wrap up at Raceway

Sept. 2 marks the final Friday night of the 2016 live horse racing season at Grand River Raceway in Elora and the track has a little extra to highlight the occasion.

Nine miniature horses will compete in an exhibition race following Race 8 (approximately 9pm). The half-mile dash includes returning champion Norton who took the 2015 race.

The field for the Miniature Horse Race:

1. Coors - driver: Travis Henry, owner: Nicole Henry;

2. Norton - driver: Alexis Bandy, trainer: Jackie Panko;

3. Prince Charming - driver: Breanna Lawson, owner: Katie Panko;

4. Simba - driver: Bob Frank, owner: Susie Kerwood

5. Mable - driver: Bruce Richardson, owner: Paula Austin;

6. Emma - driver: Katie Reid, owner: Sondra Miller;

7. Oreo - driver: Karoline Nielsen, owner: Tristen Forgie;

8. Diamond - driver: Danielle Belec, owner: Danielle Belec and Mark Etsell; and

9. Chester - driver: Dawson, owner: Jackie Panko.

The Wanna Drive program will offer guests of all ages the rare opportunity to drive a racehorse, on the track, between the races.

Guests will ride with a pro in double-seated carts, making one lap of the track at a casual pace. A total of 30 spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up at the Tarmac Show starting at 6pm.

The track’s free kids’ program, The NEIGHbourhood, is also offered under the Tarmac Tent, from 6:30 to 8:30pm.

The program offers horse crafts and a group photo with the winning horse of Race 5 followed by a behind-the-scenes barn tour.

Post time is 6:35pm for the first race on Sept. 2.

After Sept. 2, live horse racing continues Monday and Wednesday nights until the season closer on Sept. 28.