The Hands On Horses Program has toured Southwestern Ontario over the past two weekends, with fans lining up for their chance to sit behind a racehorse.

This past Sunday many young fans appeared at Clinton Raceway for Kids Day. The previous weekend the program made stops at Grand River Raceway, Hiawatha Horse Park and Leamington Raceway.

At all events patrons were offered the opportunity to take a ride around the racetrack between races. As an added bonus, fans at Hiawatha Horse Park had the opportunity to pose and take a picture in between races with long-time program horse Hollywood Ham. Fans lined up for the unique opportunity for a picture with a racehorse.

Large crowds were in attendance as legendary race announcer Roger Huston was in the house to announce the evening’s races. Driver Mark Williams was thrilled to capture his 5,000th win on the card and have it announced by Huston. After the win Mark took the lines of one of the program horses and gave some happy fans a trip around the track.

The following afternoon Huston met up with Mark for a congratulatory photo at Leamington Raceway where he was announcing that track's card of racing. Huston indicated that Leamington was the 139th racetrack that he has now announced at in his illustrious career. As a special bonus 'The Voice' hopped in the jogger and gave Essex Mayor Ron McDermott a thrill as they toured the Leamington oval together.

The weekend finished off with a hockey players' challenge race between the Wheatley Omstead Sharks and the Leamington Flyers. The WannaDrive team assisted with outfitting the participants and providing the two-seater joggers.

Special thanks to all of the trainers that provided the horse power for the event which was won by the Flyers' Cale Phibbs in an exciting finish.

The next Hands On Horses event will be next Saturday, August 27 at Georgian Downs. The team looks forward to offering this interactive experience to racing fans across the province. For a chance to participate, check out the schedule at the Hands On Horses website. To see photos of all of the events visit the Hands On Horses Facebook page.

(with files from Hands On Horses)