Grand River Raceway concluded its 2010 race season on October 25, posting an increase in handle, dining room sales and attendance

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In 2010, the on-track wager for Grand River’s live racing product increased 3.3 per cent over the previous year, returning wagering on live racing to the level of 2008. Although it was a slow start during the first third of the 69-day season and wagering levels declined significantly during that period, the on-track wager increased and ultimately surpassed 2009 totals.

The Elora, Ont. track made significant schedule adjustments this year, swapping most of its Tuesday nights for a new spot on Wednesdays, and beginning Friday nights in June rather than its traditional start in July.

“As patrons adjusted to the new schedule, and with a vigorous promotional campaign to attract people to the track, positive results occurred,” said Grand River Raceway General Manager, Dr. Ted Clarke. “During the final 46 days of the 2010 campaign, even the off-track wager on Grand River Raceway exceeded the level achieved during the same period in 2009.”

The half-miler introduced several new initiatives during its seventh season, including the 'Paddock Report' — a live, behind-the-scenes segment from the backstretch on Monday nights hosted by Darryl MacArthur.

The track also partnered with its horsemen and the Ontario Harness Horse Association to present new, interactive events, such as Project iDrive, the Horse Name Costume Game, Local Biz Night and Tarmac Chat on the Tarmac Show.

In all, 13 track records were set at Grand River this season, including Prodigal Seelster’s 1:53.2 score in the Battle Of Waterloo, which also set a new stakes record. Mystical Starlight also set a new all-time Canadian trotting record on Industry Day in 1:54.2.

Grand River Raceway extends its sincere appreciation to all of the individuals and organizations which assisted in its efforts in 2010 to engage fans and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of harness racing, and to its valued patrons for their continued support.

The season wrapped up with traditional Hallo’whinny festivities on closing night. More than 150 children and their families took part in the free event which included a mini Halloween carnival, 'Creepy Creatures' show, and costume parade on the Tarmac Show. For more on the Hallo’whinny Costume Parade, click here.

Closing night also included a cheque presentation to the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society (OSAS). The track pledged $1,000 on behalf of race participants in its 10 For OSAS segments which aired on the Tarmac Show on Monday nights. Participants answered 10 questions about themselves in exchange for a $50 donation to OSAS. Several of the 10 For OSAS segments are posted on the video section of the Grand River Facebook page.

All of the Top Performer of Grand River’s 2010 season will be announced in coming weeks, but the top driver and trainer categories were determined on closing night.

Guelph, Ont. reinsman Doug McNair scooped his first Top Dash driving title at Grand River, as he captured 102 wins from 527 drives and $774,782 in purse earnings. The 20-year-old reinsman was awarded the Rising Star Award in 2008, the same year he won the track’s $300,000 Battle Of Waterloo and became the youngest driver in the history of the sport to record a million-dollar season. To view the 2010 Tarmac Chat interview with Doug McNair, click here.

Mark MacDonald was the top percentage driver of 2010 at Grand River Raceway. His 184 Wednesday night drives in Elora spun a .350 average, which included 40 wins and $322,317 in purses. MacDonald also won the second annual $150,000 Battle of The Belles on Industry Day. To view the 2010 Tarmac Chat interview with Mark MacDonald, click here.

Rene Allard celebrated his second Top Dash Trainer title at Grand River Raceway with 20 wins from 79 starts. Joe Pereira picked up his first award in Elora, as he captured the top percentage title with an average of .391 from 68 starters.

All award recipients will be honoured during the race broadcast on the second night of Grand River’s 2011 season.

(Grand River Raceway)