The first of 48 nights of live harness racing at Grand River Raceway will kick off on Wednesday, June 1.

Grand River Raceway was awarded the 2016 Business Excellence Award for Hospitality/Tourism by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, and the track’s seasonal lineup reflects its award-winning ambitions.

During its 13th season, the Elora, Ont. oval will race Monday and Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. from June 1 through September 28. The track’s signature Fun & Frivolity Friday Race Nights will be featured from June 3 through September 2 at 6:30 p.m. There are two exceptions to the aforementioned schedule: no racing on Friday, August 26; and first-race post time will be at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, August 1 (to view the full schedule, click here).

OPENING NIGHT CONTEST
Racehorse ownership will be in the cards for one contest winner when Grand River Raceway awards a $500 gift certificate to thestable.ca on June 1. Entries will be considered via social media shares and retweets, emailed entries and on-track entries submitted on June 1. ‘The Stable’ is a fractional racehorse ownership stable owned by Anthony & Amy MacDonald of Guelph, Ont.

LOCAL BIZ NIGHT
Opening Night will also mark the seventh annual Local Biz Night, presented in cooperation with the Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce. The event will host more than 100 local businesspeople that will be paired with a horse in the Local Biz Night Race. Prior to the dash, guests will be 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 1 – BETTING CONTESTS BEGIN
Grand Betting Contest – Jackpot Edition
The Grand Betting Contest will be offered each Monday and Wednesday race night (34 total) starting June 1. Each nightly contest will challenge players to select the winner in five races. Players finishing second and third will win $25 apiece. The night’s highest point-earner will be featured on the ‘Tarmac Show’ later that evening where they will choose from three boxes to win $50, $75 or a jackpot minimum of $100. The jackpot builds by $25 or $50 each night the winner selects a box other than the jackpot.

Survivor Contest
An online Survivor Contest, sponsored by HPIbet, will be offered each Wednesday race night beginning June 1. Entry is free and the winner will receive a $100 HPI account deposit.

JUNE 3 – 3RD ANNUAL MEDIA RACE
Barry Finn, editor of ‘The Rider’ magazine, will return to defend his title against newcomers Darryl Law of 107.5 DAVE ROCKS and Lisa Richards of Magic 106.1 FM. Award-winning equine photographer Dave Landry will round out the field in what will be his driving debut. The media personalities will take to the track in double-seated race bikes, accompanied by a pro driver, to compete in a half-mile dash. Race fans will vote for the winner for a shot at a $50 betting voucher.

FUN & FRIVOLITY FRIDAY NIGHTS
The crew from 107.5 DAVE ROCKS will return to broadcast live from the tarmac from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. 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 will include horse crafts, a guided barn tour, and photo opportunity in the Winners Circle with the winning horse of The NEIGHbourhood Race.

JUNE 24 – ONTARIO REGIONAL DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIP
Eight of the province’s best drivers compete in an eight-race competition to earn a berth in the 2016 National Driving Championship.

JULY 8 – REN’S PET DEPOT WIENER DOG RACES
Back by popular demand, one of the biggest events of the season will feature 30 Dachshunds in a bid for glory. Enjoy four dog races and 10 horse races, and an Agility Course provided by Diamonds In The Ruff. There are no losers, only wieners on July 8 at Grand River Raceway. Dog registration will open on June 6.

INDUSTRY DAY CELEBRATION
Grand River Raceway will feature its 26th anniversary Industry Day Celebration on Monday, August 1 at 1:30 p.m. The popular afternoon card features the 19th annual Battle of Waterloo and the 8th annual Battle of The Belles.

Other special events at Grand River Raceway this race season include:

National Bring A Friend Night (July 15), Great Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce Night at The Races (July 20), Racing Under Saddle (August 1), the Horse Name Costume Game (August 19). The final Friday night of the season will offer ‘Wanna Drive’ (the opportunity to drive a racehorse between the races) and a miniature horse race.

RACE NIGHT BUFFET
Grand River Raceway’s popular $17.99 buffet will be featured every race night in the newly renovated 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).

First-race post time for the season-opener on June 1 is 6:30 p.m.

For more information, visit grandriverraceway.com.

(Grand River Raceway)