The staff at The Raceway at Western Fair District are busy gearing up for what promises to be a busy and exciting month of May with a couple of new initiatives thrown in for good measure.
Beginning on Monday, May 1st, the London oval will be contesting two races daily – races 6 and 10 - at the distance of 1-1/16 miles. The designated races are the Super Hi-5 races which feature 9-horse fields and an added trailer in the second tier.
The added distance races will be conducted as a trial for the month of May to evaluate how it affects the style of racing and what impact is has on wagering and payoffs.
“We decided to give this a try after consulting with fans and horse people,” said Director of Racing Greg Blanchard. “The hope is that it adds another dimension to those races and makes the handicapping puzzle more intriguing while at the same time giving horses and drivers a longer distance to the first turn and a better opportunity to get good early position. The added 330 feet should also benefit horses racing from off the pace.”
The Super Hi-5 has become a very popular wager at The Raceway with .20 cent payoffs averaging more than $1,000 for most of the season.
For the first time in several years, The Raceway will also feature live racing on Mother’s Day, which lands on Sunday, May 14. First post for the afternoon program is 1:15 p.m. and seating is going fast for the Mother’s Day brunch that day. To make reservations, contact 519-438-7203 (ext. 252) or email topofthefair@ westernfairdistrict.com.
The Raceway’s Annual Wall of Fame Night will take place on Friday, May 12. This year’s inductee is long-time owner, breeder and track man Mac Lilley who operates Mac Lilley Farms in nearby Dutton. Lilley will be honoured during a trackside ceremony on a night that also features the Wall of Fame Pace and a special Mini Horse contest.
As always, the season will end on a high note when the track hosts its signature event, The Molson Pace, on Friday, May 26. Many of North America’s best older pacers will square off in the $150,000 contest and the powerful undercard will feature Ontario Sires Stakes Gold divisions for three-year-old colt pacers along with a quartet of City of London Series Finals.
“This is the night we look forward to each year,” said Blanchard. “One of the strengths of our venue is that fans are in very close proximity to the horses. When you combine world-class horses, music, good food, contests and giveaways and great wagering opportunities, it really does make for a fun and exciting atmosphere.
“Our new tarmac area in front of the grandstand is still a work in progress but will be open and functioning that evening and will give us an added outdoor viewing area that we have not had before. We are proud of how this night has evolved and look forward to another great night this year.”
For more details on the Molson Pace and everything happening at The Raceway, visit www.westernfairdistrict.com.
(The Raceway)