Grand River Raceway’s inaugural Battle Of The Belles has attracted 169 nominations. The $150,000 event will be carded as the companion race to the track’s signature dash

, the Battle Of Waterloo.

The Battle Of The Belles will be contested by two-year-old Ontario-sired pacing fillies. Elimination divisions will be held on July 27, 2009. A $20,000 consolation race and the final will be contested during the track’s signature event, Industry Day, on August 3, 2009.

“Grand River Raceway continues to foster initiatives which promote the breeding, raising and racing of Ontario-bred horses,” said Grand River Raceway General Manager, Dr. Ted Clarke.

“Over the past few years, we’ve discussed the introduction of a companion race for the Battle Of Waterloo with several of our local horsepeople,” said Clarke. “We developed the concept with their input and advice. And, the timing is perfect to roll out this race, as 2008 was the final year of the Trillium Series for two-year-old fillies.”

The girls nosed out the boys in the nominations race with 160 hopefuls paid up for the $300,000 Battle of Waterloo.

To view the complete list of nominees for the $150,000 Battle of the Belles, click here.

To view the complete list of nominees for the $300,000 Battle of Waterloo, click here.