Grand River Raceway kicked off its 2013 season on June 3 and the night was highlighted by Battle River Storm in the fourth annual Local Biz Night Race and a driver with extremely hot hands.

The popular event saw more than 120 people from 19 local businesses paired with a horse in race six. Horizon Furniture and Home Smart were the winning local enterprises paired with Battle River Storm.

Rod Boyd trains the pacer for Battle River Stables and Tim McCoy of Edmonton, AB. The race favourite, he circled past pacesetter Emerging Grin at the first quarter and cruised the rest of the mile with Brad Forward to finish four lengths the best in 1:55.4. The mark matched the five-year-old’s career best and bumped his lifetime earnings to $69,850.

Horizon Furniture and Home Smart received a trophy to display in their workplace and an equal share of a staff party for 20 at Grand River Raceway.

Local Biz Night is a joint-effort between the raceway, the OLG Slots at Grand River Raceway and the Centre Wellington Chamber Of Commerce.

In other opening night news, 2012 driving title-holder Trevor Henry began the season with five winners (races 2, 4, 5, 9, 11). Henry will be honoured on Wednesday at the Elora, ON track as he prepares to represent Canada in the World Driving Championship next week in France.

Drivers Bobby McClure and Robert Shepherd scored driving doubles in the season opener.

Live harness racing continues at Grand River Raceway on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights at 7:05 p.m.

To view results from Monday's season opener at Grand River, click the following link: Monday Results - Grand River Raceway.

(Grand River)