The horses are back — and so is the excitement! Grand River Raceway will kick off its 2025 harness racing season on Wednesday, June 4, with a new post time of 6:20 p.m.
The Elora, Ont. five-eighths-mile oval will host 48 Standardbred race nights, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through to the end of September, with feature events including its signature Battle of Waterloo Stakes and 22 Ontario Sires Stakes events.
"Grand River Raceway has something for everyone,” said Jenna MacDonell, Raceway Manager. “Whether you're looking for a fun, an affordable outing with the kids, or a lively night of harness racing with friends, it’s the place to be for great energy, good food and a night well spent. Admission is always free for race nights.”
New for 2025, Grand River Raceway will introduce The NEIGHbourhood Kid’s Area, a fun-filled zone designed just for young fans, located in the Tarmac Tent near the East Gate. This exciting new space features a VR station with a live Standardbred race, along with interactive educational games, hands-on activities, crafts, colouring and more – all focused on learning about horses and the exciting world of Standardbred horse racing. The NEIGHbourhood will be open on Friday nights in June and September, and Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings throughout July and August, making it the perfect family night out all summer long.
GrandWay Patio Parties are back. Guests can plan a VIP patio experience for a group of 12 or more people with a reserved space beside the track for a front-row seat to the action, delicious meal, race program, barn tour, named horse race and more. Availability is limited and excludes special race nights. Contact [email protected] to reserve a date.
The GrandWay Lounge will offer a revamped menu this season. The updated menu maintains the classic favourites while introducing fresh, exciting options to tempt tastebuds. Also new this season, the GrandWay Lounge has a new outdoor pizza oven and will be firing up unique flavour combinations and experimenting with delicious ingredients throughout the summer. Stay tuned on social media and the track's website for pizza oven availability.
Grand River's special race nights include:
- June 4 – Opening Night
- July 4 – Wiener Dog Races
- Aug. 4 – Industry Day (featuring the Battle of Waterloo, presented by Winbak Farm – First race post time is 12:30 p.m.)
- Aug. 15 – Harness the Hope Night (breast cancer fundraiser night)
- Date TBD - National Caretaker Appreciation Day
All tickets and event details are available at grandriverraceway.com.
The Captain’s Quarters remains open for first-come, first-served spectator seating (excluding specialty race nights). While the tiered indoor dining buffet is now closed, guests are welcome to pick up food from The GrandWay Lounge or the trackside BBQ and bring it up to The Captain’s Quarters.
Grand River Raceway and The GrandWay Events Centre are smoke-free facilities. Smoking is not permitted in the grandstand, tarmac, patio or any racetrack-facing public areas.
To view entries for Grand River Raceway's 10-race opening night card, click the following links: Wednesday Entries - Grand River Raceway // Program Pages (courtesy TrackIT).
(With files from Grand River Raceway)