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.
