Grand River Raceway recently wrapped up a busy weekend of hands-on harness racing initiatives designed to educate and engage staff, newcomers, and race patrons

. The four events saw nearly 300 people drive a horse for the first time.

The Elora, ON track worked in cooperation with the Hands On Horses Program - an umbrella program for initiatives such as the Ontario Harness Racing Youth Camps, Standardbred Xtreme Adult Camps, iDrive, and So You Think You Can Drive.

Grand River Raceway’s Showtime Staff Training program spanned two days and gave more than 45 frontline employees - including staff and management from the OLG Slots at Grand River Raceway - a hands-on appreciation and understanding of the industry.

The track’s third annual Open House was held on May 29 and featured six interactive stations which covered a gamut of topics and included volunteers and resources from organizations such as OHHA, Standardbred Canada, the Ontario Racing Commission, the Standardbred Breeders of Ontario Association and the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society.

The following race night, 20 lucky race patrons jogged their first horse around the track between the races in the popular So You Think You Can Drive program.

Grand River Raceway extends its sincere appreciation to all of the efforts put forth by industry participants and organizations in helping to stage these four events. In particular, thanks to the staff of the Hands On Horses Program, Anna and Dr. Pat Meyers, Standardbred owners Anthony and Janet Wagner, and the Gregg McNair Stable.

To view photos from all of these events, visit the following public galleries on the Grand River Raceway Facebook page:

• Showtime Staff Training

• Open House

• So, You Think You Can Drive

(Grand River Raceway)