When Wilsonator set a divisional track record at Grand River last week, she had a dozen beaming faces to greet her in the winners circle. Heading into the OSS Gold Final on Monday, the two-year-old trotter has a crowd twice that size booked into the dining room to watch her much-anticipated performance in the $130,000 dance.

The Wilsonators, God bless them, epitomize all that is right with the harness racing experience. They’re loud and proud and full of spunk. And heck yes, the fact that three dozen people are eating, drinking and presumably betting the merry night away at our tiny track is definitely part of my praise.

When the machine works properly, it’s bliss. Guests spend, the tracks deliver, and everyone wins (so to speak). The OSS program is the catalyst — giving enthusiastic horse owners a full-blast reason to cheer with passion.

The true marketing magic happens when participants draw friends and family into the experience. The best ambassadors for this sport are the converted — you, me, etc. This is something Grand River has tried to optimize with its Ambassador Program, enticing race participants to take an active role in recruiting new blood by simply introducing the racetrack experience to someone already within reach.

Kudos to The Wilsonators for spreading the love with such vigor, and good luck with your filly on Monday night.