The Raceway at Western Fair District will once again offer another exciting season of live racing beginning today (Monday, October 2).
The weekly fall schedule features racing every Monday and Tuesday at 6:15 p.m. and Friday nights at 7:05 p.m.
Racing fans and participants are eager to get the season underway.
“I think it’s that time of the year where all the trainers and drivers in this area are talking about Western Fair,” said driver Scott Young. “It’s a nice long meet and it has a family atmosphere throughout the fall/winter months,” he said. “There always seems to be promotions going on from the racetrack and it's great for everyone involved.”
Young, a resident of Guelph, Ont., is enjoying a career year in both wins and earnings with 125 trips to the winner's circle along with $886,000 in seasonal earnings.
“I think it’s just maturity and experience,” he said. “Obviously, good horses and horse power are key, but gaining experience is second to none in this business and I’m thriving off that this season. I look forward to Monday at London and hopefully the success continues.”
The Raceway will also be celebrating the 250th Anniversary of horse racing in Canada on Friday, Oct. 6. Some of the special events planned include $1 programs, an eight-foot commemorative cake, ‘Wanna Drive’ team on hand, seminar for potential new horse owners, a bouncy pony media celebrity race and prize giveaways including an opportunity to win a $250 cash prize.
Also, in co-operation with the upcoming London Selected Yearling Sale, a free racehorse ownership seminar will be hosted at The Raceway at Western Fair District that same evening. The seminar will focus on fractional horse ownership and take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. (just prior to the live card of harness racing).
The seminar will feature presentations from ownership groups LandMark Racing Stables, thestable.ca and the Standardbred Breeders of Ontario Association (SBOA), and answer prospective owners' questions about racehorse ownership.
The betting menu will also offer a slight change to its profile as the early Pick-3 will now offer a $2,500 guarantee. It has grown into one of the more popular wagers on the daily menu, which also includes a pair of $5,000 guaranteed Pick-4 pools and a pair of Super Hi-5 wagers -- all are 15 percent takeout wagers.
The Super Hi-5 races were contested at 1-1/16 miles during the final month of last season as a trial and The Raceway team was encouraged by the results. For more details on the upcoming meet, visit westernfairdistrict.com. To make reservations for Grand Opening night at the Top Of The Fair, email [email protected] or call 519-438-7203 (ext. 252).
To view Monday's harness racing entries, click on the following link: Monday Entries - Western Fair.
(With files from Western Fair District)