The first of 49 nights of live harness racing kicks off at Grand River Raceway on June 1.

During its 12th season, the Elora, ON oval will race Monday and Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. from June 1 through September 30. The track’s signature Fun & Frivolity Friday Race Nights are featured from June 5 through September 4 at 6:30 p.m. There are two exceptions to the aforementioned schedule: no racing on Friday, August 21; and post time is 1:30 on Monday, August 3.

An ambitious renovation project began last month and will conclude in autumn. Racing guests will notice many of the facelifts, which include painting, lighting, flooring and new furniture. The rejuvenation areas include the Simulcast Lounge, upper lobby, Wellington Room, Board Room, Captain’s Quarters Dining Room, and Lighthouse Restaurant.

A new Customer Care Counter will be featured in the main lobby. The hub is just one component in an initiative to transform guest care at the facility throughout the year. The effort includes comprehensive research, development and staff training.

A new Grand River Raceway website is also in the making, scheduled to launch prior to the season opening on June 1.

OPEN HOUSE

The week prior to Opening Night of the live horse racing season, Grand River Raceway will host its sixth annual backstretch Open House. On Sunday, May 24, guests are invited to drop-in any time from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for a rare glimpse of horse racing behind-the-scenes and the unique opportunity to drive a racehorse. Admission is free.

OPENING NIGHT – JUNE 1

Opening Night on June 1 marks the sixth annual Local Biz Night, presented in cooperation with the Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce. The event hosts more than 100 local businesspeople paired with a horse in the Local Biz Night Race. Prior to the dash, guests are treated to a cocktail reception hosted by the OLG Slots At Grand River Raceway, followed by dinner and a trip to the paddock to meet their horse.

JUNE 3 – BETTING CONTESTS BEGIN

The Grand Betting Contest will be offered each Monday and Wednesday race night (34 total) starting June 3, when the first 100 players to register will receive a complimentary HPIbet t-shirt. Each nightly contest challenges players to select the top two finishers in four races. Players finishing second and third win $25 apiece. The crowned winners will be featured on the Tarmac Show later that evening where they will choose from three boxes to win $50, $75 or $100.

JUNE 5 – 2ND ANNUAL MEDIA RACE

Kelly Waterhouse, News Director of The Grand 92.9 FM, returns to defend her title in the second annual Media Race. Waterhouse will face-off against three fellow media personalities as they take to the track in double-seated race bikes, accompanied by a pro driver, to compete in a half-mile dash.

FUN & FRIVOLITY FRIDAY NIGHTS

The crew from 107.5 DAVE FM returns to broadcast live from the tarmac every Friday race night all summer long.

Kids will enjoy the NEIGHbourhood, a free interactive horse education program held under the Tarmac Tent from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Programming includes a barn tour and photo in the Winners Circle with the winning horse of The NEIGHbourhood Race.

INDUSTRY DAY CELEBRATION

Grand River Raceway features its 25th anniversary Industry Day Celebration on Monday, August 3 at 1:30 p.m. The popular afternoon card features the 18th annual Battle Of Waterloo and the 7th annual Battle Of The Belles.

RACE NIGHT BUFFET

Grand River Raceway’s popular $16.99 buffet will be featured every race night in the Captain’s Quarters tiered dining room overlooking the racetrack. Some dates are already sold-out and others filling quickly with group bookings. Reservations are always highly recommended by calling (519) 846-5455 ext. 247.

Other special events at Grand River Raceway this race season include the Giddy Up & Gallop Fun Run for kids (June 12), Doors Open (June 20), national Bring A Friend Night (July 10), Racing Under Saddle (July 24 and August 3), the return of the Horse Name Costume Game (August 14) and Wanna Drive (September 4).

Post time for the season-opener on June 1 is 6:30 p.m.
For more information, visit www.GrandRiverRaceway.com.

(Grand River Raceway)