Grand River Raceway kicked off its 11th season of live harness racing on June 2 with some exciting new features and returning favourites.
Grand River Raceway will stage 48 cards this season, which spans June through September. The half-miler will feature racing on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights at 6:30pm, through September.
Opening night on June 2 marked the fifth annual Local Biz Night, presented in cooperation with the Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce.
Local media celebs put down the mic and pick up the lines this Friday, June 6 during Grand River Raceway’s first ever Media Race.
Each media personality will be paired up with a driver and both will take a seat in a custom two person jog cart. This exhibition race substitutes a purse for bragging rights, and all of the personalities are preparing for the winner’s circle.
Randy Steinman is the Sports director for CTV Kitchener and has been delivering local Sports content since 1997. Steinman is no stranger to horse racing. He recalls watching racing at Dresden back in 1984. His driving career has been a long time coming and he’s going to give it his all.
Simon McGhee has been an on-air host for three years with Corus Radio Kitchener and has occasionally broadcasted live from Grand River Raceway. McGhee knows what he’s getting himself into and is predicting his first-ever drive will end in the winner’s circle.
Kelly Waterhouse hosts the morning show for the Grand 92.9 FM. She has been working locally in the media for the last 10 years. Most recently she was hired as the News director for The Grand. Waterhouse loves horse racing and cannot wait to get her chance to drive a race horse.
Meagan Leonard has just begun her career as a reporter for the Wellington Advertiser. She is a self-described adventurer and loves the idea of trying something new. Leonard has never been to the horse races before and ironically on her first visit she will be driving one.
Steinman, McGhee, Waterhouse and Leonard will square off in the half-mile exhibition dash following race 10 on June 6 (approximately 9:10 p.m.).
All of this action kicks off the first Fun & Frivolity Friday night of the season. June 6 also hosts the second annual Bring a Friend (BAF) night. BAF night encourages those who love the races to bring someone they know who has never been before. Grand River Raceway will be offering free rides in the starting car, winners circle presentations and paddock tours to those who register for the Bring a Friend challenge. (Click HERE to register) The first 200 will also receive a free program upon arrival.
Kids will enjoy the NEIGHbourhood, an interactive horse education program held under the tarmac tent from 6:30 to 8:30pm.
Upcoming summer happenings at Grand River Raceway include an all new murder mystery dinner show twice each month starting June 19 and 21, a mutt show on July 6 and an online handicapping tournament each race night between June 16 and Aug. 4.
Major stake races this season include 11 Ontario Sires Stakes (OSS) events and the 24th annual Industry Day Celebration on Aug. 4. The afternoon card features the 17th Battle Of Waterloo and the sixth Battle Of The Belles.
A newly formatted buffet will be featured every race night in the Captain’s Quarters tiered dining room overlooking the racetrack. Several race dates are already sold-out and reservations are always highly recommended by calling 519-846-5455 ext. 247.
For more information, visit www.GrandRiverRaceway.com.
