Industry Day returns to ‘historic feel’ on Aug. 2

ELORA – The Grand River Raceway will once again welcome spectators at its signature races on Industry Day next month.

The event, which features the Battle of Waterloo and Battle of the Belles, will be held on Aug. 2, officials announced in a July 21 press release.

“With a post time of 12:30pm guests can expect an afternoon packed with racing entertainment,” the release stated.

The raceway, which just recently reopened to spectators, is able to accommodate 75 per cent of its capacity outdoors and 50% indoors under step three of the province’s COVID-19 reopening plan.

“Industry Day will return to its historic feel in 2021 with a crowd of 1,500 allowed in attendance,” states the release.

Officials say the backstretch area will be open for guests to picnic, while the Captains Quarters dining room will be open for seating only (no food or beverages).

The track will offer “a host of dining options, including food trucks and access to the recently opened GrandWay Lounge and Kitchen.”

The 24th annual Battle Of Waterloo and 13th annual Battle Of The Belles will be contested for estimated purses of $240,000 and $160,000 respectively.

Elimination dashes for both finals will be drawn on July 21 and contested on July 26 starting at 6:30pm.

The Industry day racecard will also feature Ontario Sires Stakes action, in the form of three-year old filly pace Gold and Grassroot divisions.

Entries for Monday’s elimination racecard will be available by clicking here.

Officials say more details will be released later in the week.