Live harness racing returns to The Raceway at Western Fair District in London, Ont. next week, with the season opener set for Monday, Oct. 2.

A 10-race card will open the meet, which includes 123 race dates through May. The meet will begin with racing three nights per week on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays this month.

The feature race on Monday's 5:50 p.m. program is the seventh race, a $7,500 conditioned pace with Head Honcho as the heavy 9-5 favourite with the inside post draw. Paul MacKenzie picks up the catch-drive on the four-year-old Control The Moment gelding, a six-time winner this year who took his lifetime mark of 1:53.3 in his latest victory in a Pop-Up Series consolation on Aug. 24 at Woodbine Mohawk Park for trainer Alvin Hamilton. Some of the top contenders include three-year-olds Murrays Watching, the 2-1 second choice from post six, and 3-1 Leave It To Luther from post four.

The Raceway will showcase a revamped race day broadcast with other upgrades including a new photo finish and timing system, new lounge spaces, a new menu at the track's Top Of The Fair dining room and grandstand renovations.

Several special events are planned this fall, including the Donnie McElroy Memorial on Friday, Oct. 13, London Classic Yearling Sale with a special menu at the Top Of The Fair on Tuesday, Oct. 17, the 18th annual Harness The Hope Night on Friday, Oct. 20, Caretaker Appreciation Day on Nov. 3 and the annual Holiday Drivers Challenge in support of Toys For Tots on Sunday, Dec. 10.

To view Monday's harness racing entries, click the following link: Monday Entries - Western Fair Raceway.