![Santa vs. The Grinch match race at Century Mile](/sites/default/files/styles/headline_image_1024_x_577/public/2023-12/SantaVsTheGrinch-CenturyMile-RyanHaynes-1024.jpg?itok=NUPIc-XF)
Santa Claus took a break from Christmas preparations in the North Pole as The Grinch emerged from his lair on Mt. Crumpit this Friday evening (Dec. 22) for a festive holiday showdown at Canadian racetracks.
Santa Claus and The Grinch faced off first at Woodbine Mohawk Park in Campbellville, Ont. (pictured below) in a match race prior to Friday's card.
Santa Claus took the lead into the opening turn of the one-mile race, but The Grinch refused the pocket trip and looped to the lead down the backstretch. He started to draw away; however, Santa Claus came dashing down the lane to win by a length.
Santa Claus and The Grinch then picked up their rivalry after the first race at Century Mile in Edmonton, Alta. (top photo) as young harness racing fans lined the rail for the rematch of "The Race To Save Christmas."
The Grinch cut to the front off the gate and was determined to sleigh the competition this time out, but Santa waved goodbye with a jolly "ho ho ho" as he swept by in the stretch, defeating The Grinch once again.
As Santa left the winner's circle, he could be heard cheering, "Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight!"