More than 230 people of all ages attended Grand River Raceway’s Doors Open on June 20 for a rare glimpse of horse racing behind-the-scenes.

The event offered a tour of the judges’ stand and announcer’s booth with track announcer Gary Guy, and the unique opportunity to drive a racehorse.

Grand River Raceway extends its gratitude to the following horsepeople and other volunteers who graciously committed their time and horses to help with this event: the Hands On Horses Program (Stacey Reinsma and Brian Tropea of the Ontario Harness Horse Association), Tanya Martin, Stacey Currie, Anna Glide, Mark Herlihy, Paula McGuire, John and Nancy Braid, Gary Guy, Kathy Tropea and Chris Polifroni.

Every year, Doors Open Ontario attracts large crowds across the province. From April to October, residents and visitors are invited to discover first-hand Ontario’s hidden heritage treasures, some of which have never been open to the public.

The racetrack was one of 12 local attractions included in the self-guided tour throughout Fergus and Elora.

Grand River Raceway’s 2015 live racing season continues Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights at 6:30 p.m.

(Grand River Raceway)