One of Canada’s biggest racing events, the $150,000 Camluck Classic presented by Seelster Farms, is set to take place on Friday, May 26 at The Raceway at Western Fair District.
The track’s signature race is just part of a powerful program which also features the $50,000 Forest City Pace for mares, a quartet of $40,000 (estimated) City of London Series finals, Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots divisions for three-year-old pacing fillies and the new London Classic Yearling Sale Preferred Trot.
The Raceway team is busy scouting potential starters for this year’s event and will have a close eye on the $511,000 Borgata Series final this Monday at Yonkers Raceway while other budding local stars like Saulsbrook Victor and Nautical Hanover have been strutting their stuff just down the highway at Woodbine Mohawk Park of late and are also on The Raceway’s radar.
“The Camluck Classic has become one of the most important early races for older pacers and continues to draw many of the sport’s best each year,” said Greg Blanchard, Director of Equine Programming. “We strive to put together one of the strongest half-mile programs you’ll see anywhere in North America along with a fun night of entertainment. The team here is really looking forward to this night.”
Aside from the world-class racing on track, the night will feature a host of on-track promotions and giveaways and will be expanding the Party on the Patio, which features the best in local food, drinks and live entertainment.
The Raceway is also teaming up with the London Brewing Co. to offer a brand new promotion this year. Bulldog Brew is a specially-made summer Lager that pays homage to the great Bulldog Hanover, who recently retired to stud at Seelster Farms as the sport’s fastest all-time pacer. The specially-labelled beer will be available on track on Camluck Classic night with $1 from each can sold going to support the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society.
The artwork for the special label was created by Western Fair District’s graphic designer Jake MacDonald and the photo was taken by Woodbine Entertainment’s award-winning photographer Clive Cohen.
“Bulldog Brew is something we are excited to unveil and we think it will be a hit with fans,” said Amy O’Toole, Manager of Equine Programming. “Bulldog Hanover rallied the entire industry with what he accomplished on the track this past year and it’s amazing to have him standing locally at Seelster Farms. We wanted to commemorate him in a fun and unique way.”
More details on this year’s Camluck Classic event, along with updates on who has received invites, will be available at camluckclassic.ca. First post for the May 26 program will be 6:30 p.m. and COSA TV will be on hand with live coverage beginning at 8:30 p.m.
(With files from Western Fair District)
Tattoo Artist
I'd be very surprised if we DON'T see Borgata participant Tattoo Artist entered in this year's Camluck Classic. He's a smaller horse that has always done well on half-mile tracks.