Rozema Takes New Role At Grand River Raceway

Longtime Woodbine Entertainment on-air personality Chad Rozema will be leaving his broadcast role to pursue a new opportunity in the horse racing industry with Grand River Raceway (GRR).

Rozema has accepted a position as Raceway Manager at Grand River Raceway and will begin his new role on April 11. Rozema will fill the vacant role left after Jamie Martin retired in October 2022, after five years at the Elora, Ont. racetrack and overall 20-year career in the Standardbred horse racing industry. 

“He is an exceptional communicator and has a solid understanding of the wagering products, the horse racing industry and race day operations,” said Rena Edmondson, HR Manager, Grand River Raceway. “Rozema’s experience, passion for the sport and charismatic leadership style will be an asset leading the GRR operations.”

“I’m excited to be joining the strong team at GRR and returning to my roots," said Rozema. “Jamie is a former colleague I have a lot of respect for and I’m eager to help fill the void left by his departure. I look forward to continuing growing the great racing product and reputation GRR has in the community; the best years are still come.”

Rozema calls Elmira, Ont. home with his wife and two children. He looks forward to working in Centre Wellington and, of course, welcoming back GRR race fans from all over for its upcoming race season, which begins June 2.

Rozema brings 16 years of experience working at Woodbine Entertainment as an on-air commentator and race announcer. 

Rozema originally joined Woodbine in 2007 as a commentator for HPItv before becoming a mainstay host and analyst for Woodbine’s Standardbred simulcast coverage. He also served as a back-up race caller and has contributed to Woodbine’s Thoroughbred and Standardbred social content.

Notably, Rozema has been a trusted host and analyst for Woodbine’s network coverage over the last decade-plus. Rozema contributed to "Bet Night Live" on The Score, "Racing Night Live" on TSN and many of Woodbine’s marquee events, including The Queen’s Plate and Pepsi North America Cup.

“Chad has been an integral member of our Woodbine team, providing great enthusiasm and professionalism to our racing products and broadcasts,” said Jim Lawson, CEO, Woodbine Entertainment. “We will miss having Chad on the Woodbine team, but we’re excited to watch him excel in his new role. On behalf of Woodbine and our fans, I would like to thank Chad for his contributions and wish him the best of luck in his new endeavour.”

Rozema's final Woodbine broadcast will be in late March.

(With files from Grand River Raceway and Woodbine)