The Raceway at Western Fair District is gearing up for what is going to be a very busy final month of racing at the London, Ont. oval.

A total of 17 race programs are slated in May, including a special matinee program on Saturday, May 7 (Kentucky Derby Day) with first post at 1:15 p.m.

“It’s the first time we’ve raced live on Derby Day and something we’ve discussed internally for the last two or three years,” said racing manager Greg Blanchard. “We always have a large crowd on hand that day and it’s traditionally one of the largest wagering days of the year so we hope that translates into a large on-track crowd that afternoon.”

The Derby Day program will also be held in conjunction with the annual SARI Therapeutic Riding Fundraiser held at the track. Tickets to that event are $75 per person and available at westernfairdistrict.com, with all proceeds going towards this worthwhile cause.

On Friday, May 13, Western Fair will also host its annual Wall of Fame Night. This year’s inductee is the longtime, beloved track photographer Harry Holme. In addition that night, Western Fair, in conjunction with Standardbred Canada will host an ownership ‘Mini Tradeshow’ aimed at introducing prospective new owners to various trainers and fractional ownership groups and answering any questions they may have about how to get involved.

The highlight of the racing season is the Molson Pace and it will be held this year on Friday, May 27 with first post at 7:05 p.m. Last year’s event drew a large crowd and produced a record $610,000 handle. Plans are already well underway for this year’s edition.

“We are proud of how this race and this event has grown in stature,” said Blanchard. “We expect State Treasurer will be back in search of a fourth straight title and there are some great horses out there that will be trying to knock him off the perch. It should be a tremendous race.”

The undercard will be strong, once again featuring the Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Divisions for three-year-old colt pacers, a quartet of City of London Series finals and a pair of claiming series finals as part of the new Alliance Series of races. The wagering menu will be beefed up with an additional Super Hi-5 that night and a number of guaranteed pool wagers.

For more information on everything happening at The Raceway during the month of May, visit westernfairdistrict.com.

(With files from Western Fair)