Grand River Raceway’s live harness racing season will consist of 48 dates in 2014. The recent announcement from the Ontario Racing Commission confirmed approved race dates for nine Standardbred tracks in the province.
During its 11th season, the Elora, Ont. oval will race Monday and Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. from June 2 through September 29. The track’s signature Fun & Frivolity Friday Race Nights are featured from June 6 through September 5 at 6:30 p.m. There are two exceptions to the aforementioned schedule: no racing on Friday, August 22; and post time is 1:30 on Monday, August 4. (For the full schedule, click here)
Grand River Raceway is one of eight racetracks in the Standardbred Alliance — a newly formed structure within the Horse Racing Partnership Plan announced by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food. The Alliance members represent a three-tier racing hierarchy, ‘Grass Roots’ (Clinton, Hanover), ‘Signature’ (Flamboro, Georgian, Grand River and Western Fair) and ‘Premier’ (Mohawk and Woodbine).
OPEN HOUSE
The week prior to opening night of the live horse racing season, Grand River Raceway will host its sixth annual backstretch open house. On Sunday, May 25, guests are invited to drop in any time from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a rare glimpse of horse racing behind-the-scenes and the unique opportunity to drive a racehorse. Admission is free.
OPENING NIGHT
Opening night on June 2 marks the fifth annual Local Biz Night, presented in cooperation with the Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce. The event hosts more than 150 local businesspeople paired with a horse in the Local Biz Night Race. Prior to the dash, guests are treated to a cocktail reception hosted by the OLG Slots at Grand River Raceway, followed by dinner and a trip to the paddock to meet their horse.
TAKEOUT RATES
In 2013, Grand River Raceway made major reductions (totaling 23 per cent) to its takeout rates. Those rates remain intact for this season, giving the half-miler one of the most attractive take-out structures in North America.
FUN & FRIVOLITY FRIDAY NIGHTS
The crew from 107.5 DAVE FM returns to broadcast live from the tarmac every Friday night all summer long.
Kids will enjoy the ‘NEIGHbourhood,’ an interactive horse education program held under the Tarmac Tent from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
INDUSTRY DAY CELEBRATION
Grand River Raceway features its 24th annual Industry Day Celebration on Monday, August 4 at 1:30 p.m. The popular afternoon card features the 17th annual Battle of Waterloo and the sixth annual Battle of The Belles.
RACE NIGHT BUFFET
A newly formatted $16.99 buffet will be featured every race night in the Captain’s Quarters tiered dining room overlooking the racetrack. Several dates in June are already filling quickly with group bookings; reservations are always highly recommended by calling 519-846-5455 (Ext. 247).
Post time for the season-opener on June 2 is 6:30 p.m.
(Grand River Raceway)