The fifth edition of the Drivers' Holiday Challenge on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at The Raceway at Western Fair District went right down to the wire. When the dust settled, it was local reinsman Lorne House taking home the title with a one-point victory over 2024 Ontario Regional driving champion Tyler Borth.
It was Tyler Borth who jumped out to an early lead in the competition, winning three of the first four races on the program, including Rising Dragon ($2.70) for trainer Kim Smith, Candescent Hanover ($10.90) for Michelle Sherman, and the Kristopher Haskell trainee Blackcreek Rosebud ($5.70).
Lorne House, who was competing in his first career driving challenge, clicked in race five with the red-hot Sheplaysforkeeps, the 4-5 favourite who won her second in a row at the London oval for trainer Michael Sumner. It was the first of four consecutive wins on the program for the 43-year-old driver who clicked with Pajamas Optional ($5.40) for Jeffrey O'Brien, The Great Reset ($3.90) and Greystone Ian O ($4.20), both trained by House.
After wrestling the lead from Borth, House was able to maintain the top spot heading into the final race of the competition, where they had a two-point margin going into race 12. While Borth and House would finish seventh and eighth, respectively, in the last race, the single point was enough to give House his first title, with 92 points accumulated overall.
Bob McClure finished third in the competition with 74 points.
“It’s for a great event and a great cause,” reflected House during an interview afterward with COSA TV’s Robert Reid Jr. “It was a really great night.”
The annual driving challenge has become a staple on The Raceway’s holiday calendar and was broadcast on COSA TV along with Rogers Community Cable TV for the first time.
Donations of cash and toys from the racing community were gathered in recent weeks. A cheque for $6,500 was presented, representing the cash donations, while the total, including toy donations, was more than $10,000.
(L-R) Manager of Equine Programming Amy O’Toole, President of Toys For Tots Canada Robert Krizanec, and Mutuels Manager Josie Cobel with the cheque presentation.
The Raceway continues its current live racing schedule during the holidays, every Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 5:50 p.m.
There will also be a special afternoon card on Dec. 26 (Boxing Day) at 12:55 p.m. and Dec. 31 (New Year’s Eve) at 6:30 p.m.
To view Tuesday’s harness racing results, click the following link: Tuesday Results - Western Fair Raceway.
(With files from Western Fair District; Top photo of Lucas House, Lorne House and Angela Clark)