It was 1945 when harness racing made its debut in Clinton, and 1946 when the first meet was held at Clinton Community Park. Now, 70 years later, racing is set to make its return for 2016.

Purses have changed, horses have changed, the game has changed, but one thing remains constant: the passion and excitement that harness racing brings to the small southwestern Ontario community.

The trotters and pacers will head to the gate for the unofficial kick off to summer on Sunday, May 22. The card will see its first race head to post at 1:30 p.m. The 15-date season will feature live racing, fundraisers and family-friendly entertainment through Sunday September 4, with the exception of Sunday, June 5, to accommodate for the 161st Clinton Spring Fair.

The 2016 season will be focused on hosting fundraisers for groups and clubs from across the county. “It’s important for us to give back to the communities that have supported harness racing for so many years here in Clinton, this is a great way to get people involved, and some new faces to the track,” stated Jessica Carnochan, who has been in marketing with the track for 13 seasons. "We've got a brand new video tote board – this is big for us, and our fans will really enjoy the change."

The track will host the Central Huron Secondary School on opening day, as they continue to raise funds for their WE day initiatives through a BBQ, silent auction, car wash, bake sale and 50/50 draw. Race fans will also have the chance to win one of two sets of tickets to see country superstar Carrie Underwood live at Bud Gardens in London on Monday, May 31 and a wonderful garden package valued at $500 from Verbeeks Farm and Garden in Clinton. The Super Sunday Show is always on hand to educate and entertain fans between the races and it wouldn’t be an opening day with out iconic Clinton Raceway opening day t-shirts for $2.

Officials with Clinton Raceway have informed Trot Insider that the draw for this Sunday (May 22), which is Clinton’s meet-opening card, has been delayed until 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 19.

For complete information, click here.

A season-long schedule of events can be accessed at clintonraceway.com.

(Clinton Raceway)