The first call to the post for Rideau Carleton Raceway’s 62nd season is scheduled for Sunday, March 24, and it promises to be a great season with numerous special events, a stop from the Ontario Sires Stakes and harness racing's first full-time female announcer joining the team.

“As the only harness racing facility in Eastern Ontario, we know we can offer a unique experience for families and groups,” said Christine Crump, President of Rideau Carleton Casino, Future Hard Rock. “We are leaning fully into that experience this year, and will amplify the season for the whole community!”

The preliminary list of fun events includes: 

• Sunday, May 19: Homecoming (Celebrate Rideau's racing heritage)
• Sunday, June 23: Ontario Sires Stakes featuring Ontario’s best three year-old pacing colts and fillies
• Sunday, June 30: Race for Wishes – fundraiser for Make-a-Wish Canada
• Sunday, Aug. 11: Family Fun Day
• Sunday, Sept. 1: Coville Cup for amateur racers
• Sunday, Dec. 15: Fan Appreciation Night

“After a paddock fire nearly prevented the Raceway from operating in 2023, the season was not only saved thanks to a herculean effort by the team, Ontario Racing and the region’s horsepeople, but it was one of the most successful in its history!” said Peter Andrusek, Rideau Carleton Raceway Racing Manager. “This year, the team is returning stronger than ever and planning memorable events that will be fun for harness racing fans and the broader community alike.”

On June 23, the Ontario Sires Stakes will feature Ontario’s best three-year-old pacing colts and fillies racing for a $100,000-plus purse.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw a track record broken on June 23rd,” said Andrusek. “It’ll be an exciting day for sure.” 

Rideau Carleton Casino, Future Hard Rock is also planning a full weekend of fun activities, including a fireworks display for Canada Day weekend. Stay tuned to rideaucarletoncasino.com for more information on these special events.

Melissa Keith joins as harness racing’s first full-time female race announcer

Rideau Carleton Raceway will welcome Melissa Keith as its new race announcer, replacing longtime announcer John MacMillan, who is stepping down for personal reasons. Keith is well-known across the country as a guest announcer, handicapper and harness racing journalist. 

“An opportunity like this doesn’t come along very often, so I am thrilled,” said Keith. “I have fond memories of visiting the Rideau Carleton Raceway with my father when I was a university student. Watching and betting on harness racing has always been part of our family, and of my life. Taking on the role of full-time announcer at this racetrack brings it full circle for me.”

In addition to her announcing duties, race enthusiasts will be happy to know that Keith will continue to provide analysis as Rideau Carleton Raceway handicapper. 

"John is not leaving Rideau completely, just the full-time race calling," Keith told Trot Insider. "He told me [Tuesday] he will be there on opening day, and I will definitely turn to him with any questions that come up. I visited him in the booth a few times last year when he was announcing and called one race, and he was very helpful. "

MacMillan still plans to help out with other projects at the Ottawa oval when he's able, but told Trot Insider that he won't be able to call the races in a full-time capacity when the season kicks off on Sunday.

"I'm hoping to be able to call the first race and pass it off to Melissa," said MacMillan. "Just sort of pass the torch and show my support. I've been calling the qualifiers and I'm struggling with my speech, but I'd like to do it if I can. And I think the fans will be okay with it for one last race."

MacMillan started working for Rideau Carleton Raceway 37 years ago while he was still a high school student, and became the back-up announcer to well-known Ottawa radio voice Dave Schreiber when he was called into action for the Ottawa Senators, Ottawa Lynx or Ottawa Roughriders. MacMillan thanked Schreiber for acting as a mentor when he was getting his start in the harness racing industry.

"He's a legend around here. So to have someone like Dave show me the ropes in broadcasting meant the world to me. And we became good friends to this day."

Looking ahead to the new season, MacMillan spoke very highly of Keith's skillset and considers her an asset to the track.

"It's lucky [for us] that we have a professional and someone with some experience not just at Rideau Carleton, but lots of other racetracks. She's very passionate about horse racing. It's not just a part time job at night [for her]. It's her life, and she's prides herself as a handicapper as well. I think that is very good for the fans, and she's been doing a great job handicapping races the last few years as well."

Keith is eager to start her first full-time role as an announcer, noting that she enjoys the on-track product provided in the nation's capital.

"I'm looking forward to the continuity of regular announcing, as opposed to occasional guest calling... I'm looking forward to the Rideau meet in general, and hopefully giving out some nice tickets."

Andrusek and Crump also provided high praise for Keith.

"What impressed me the most about Melissa is her incredible passion for our sport," Andrusek told Trot Insider. "I have had the luxury of working with one of the best race callers in horse racing for so many years, therefore when John indicated that he would not be available this season it behooved me to find someone that shares his zealousness for excellence.  Melissa blends a fluid race call with an extensive knowledge of our racing at Rideau Carleton. I am thrilled to have her on our broadcast team this season."

“Hard Rock is recognized globally as one of the best employers for women. It’s fitting we now have the honour of being the first raceway in Canada to hire a female full-time announcer,” said Crump. “We are excited to introduce Melissa to the community and know that she’ll enthusiastically carry on the tradition of exceptional racing insights that our racing fans have come to expect during John’s remarkable tenure!”

The Rideau Carleton Raceway operates Thursdays and Sundays. Sunday races will start on March 24. Thursday races will begin April 25.

To view Sunday's harness racing entries, click the following link: Sunday Entries - Rideau Carleton Raceway.

(Standardbred Canada and Rideau Carleton Raceway)