ELORA – Grand River Raceway’s 16th race season kicked off on June 5 at 6:30pm.
Opening night launched with Grand River Raceway’s popular Local Biz Night event with 120 guests from 22 local businesses.
Local Biz Night guests were also paired with a horse from Race #7. Guests met their horses in the barn and cheered them home to the finish line.
The race card also included four Grassroots divisions of the Ontario Sires Stakes for three-year-old trotting colts.
Fun and Frivolity Friday Race Night returns this year with the fan favourite Drive A Racehorse event included on most Friday race nights.
Guests of all ages can sign up the night-of at the Tarmac Booth to experience the thrill of driving a racehorse (accompanied by a professional) on the racetrack.
All Fun & Frivolity Friday Race Nights also include a live trackside broadcast with 107.5 Dave Rocks, an extended Tarmac Show between the races and The NEIGHbourhood kids’ activity area in the new Homestretch Tent.
Visitors to Grand River Raceway will notice some changes to the facility as Elements Casino undergoes renovations.
The Guest Care Counter, as well as betting windows and TV monitors for viewing the races, have been temporarily relocated to the new 3,200 sq. ft. First Turn Tent, located beside the Lighthouse Restaurant.
During this time, temporary signage and site maps have been installed to help guests find their way around the facility.
Beginning this fall, Grand River Raceway will also be undergoing renovations.
The $4 million project will include an expanded Lighthouse Restaurant and ship-in barn that will house a new simulcast lounge, expanded kitchen and event space, administration offices, and a maintenance shop.
Renovations are expected to begin in October and be completed by June, 2020.
“We are thrilled to begin another season of racing here at Grand River,” said Jamie Martin, Director Of Operations.
“We look forward to sharing our exciting future plans for the facility with our guests.”
Live harness racing is featured on most Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights from June 5 through September 27.
Details about dinner reservations for the $20.99 Race Night Buffet can be found online.
Other special racing events include the fifth annual Ren’s Pets Wiener Dog Races (July 5) and the 29th Industry Day horse racing celebration with the Battle Of Waterloo (August 5).
Parking and admission are always free.
