The Raceway at Western Fair District is gearing up for the 3rd Annual Drivers' Holiday Challenge in support of Toys For Tots this coming Sunday afternoon (Dec. 18). Post time for the special nine-dash program is 2 p.m. (ET).
This third edition of the Drivers' Holiday Challenge will feature Woodbine Mohawk Park’s leading driver James MacDonald and circuit regular Scott Young, plus six top drivers from The Raceway including Colin Kelly, Travis Henry, Brett MacDonald, local favourites Tyler Borth and Scott Wray, as well as this year’s OLG Ontario Women’s Driving Champion, Natasha Day.
COSA TV, presented by CUJO Entertainment, will provide live coverage of the event again this year. The broadcast, featuring Greg Blanchard and Randy Waples, will be available on the COSA TV social media platforms along with the Standardbred Canada website.
Robert Reid Jr. will join Raceway announcer Sugar Doyle for the broadcast commentary throughout the afternoon and Doyle mentions the program looks to be quite competitive and horseplayers may be challenged when looking for a winner.
"These driver challenges tend to shake things up in a big way," said Doyle. "I see a few horses getting class relief on Sunday and for some of the drivers -- they've never been on these horses before... Travis Henry, The Raceway's leading driver for wins in 2022, appears to have drawn well -- I have him picked to win three of the nine races, but it may come right down to the wire!"
To support the Toys For Tots toy drive, please drop off new and unwrapped toy donations to Wilson's Tack at The Raceway until Friday, Dec. 16, and at Wilson's Tack Warehouse. Donations are also being accepted at the Woodbine Mohawk Park paddock and race office until Saturday, Dec. 17. E-transfers can be sent to [email protected] and cash donations are also accepted. Every donation receives a ballot for a chance to win a $100 Keg gift card donated by Twinbrook Farms and a $100 Wilson’s Tack gift certificate donated by Scott and Kim McNiven Stables.
"Last year, we did receive a lot of support and Toys For Tots was very gracious by the amount of donations received -- more support than expected was given!" Kelley McNiven, who is leading the toy collection drive for the second year in conjunction with the event, told Trot Insider. "We hope the same results come this year! It is great to see the horse community come together for such a great cause."
To view Sunday's harness racing entries, click the following link: Sunday Entries - Western Fair.
(With files from Western Fair District)