The efforts of industry participants were rewarded with great success as hundreds of new people were introduced to harness racing during this past weekend’s Bring A Friend National Challenge.
The initiative, coordinated by Standardbred Canada and ten enthusiastic tracks nationwide, challenged members of the industry to introduce friends and family to the sport. Through individual participation and the VIP experiences coordinated by participating tracks, the second annual Bring a Friend weekend proved to be very successful.
The three-day promotion kicked off at Grand River Raceway in Elora, Ontario on Friday night with an enthusiastic crowd. Continuing throughout the weekend, the event wrapped up Sunday afternoon at Alberta Downs in Lacombe.
Also hosting behind the scenes experiences, draws, giveaways and fun activities were Exhibition Park Raceway, Georgian Downs, Hanover Raceway, Mohawk Racetrack, Northside Downs, Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at Charlottetown and Summerside, and Truro Raceway.
Grand River Raceway hosted their first annual Media Race in conjunction with the many other offers throughout the evening. Kelly Waterhouse donned Jody Jamieson’s colours and steered Echos Black Dress to victory with the help of driver Bob McClure. The News Director at 92.9FM The Grand in Elora said she’s long dreamed of driving a racehorse.
Bring A Friend continued the following night where over 130 new people took part in the festivities hosted by Mohawk Racetrack. Fans got to enjoy some of the best racing action of the meet as the card hosted eliminations for the North America Cup, Fan Hanover Stakes and the Roses are Red Stakes.
Sunday afternoon brought strong results for the hosts at Truro Raceway, who were very pleased with the event. Both horsemen and staff brought friends out to the track, resulting in the largest live wager for the year.
“Volunteer participation was invaluable,” said Coordinator Diane Daniels, “Susan Romo greeted people at the entrance with complimentary tip sheets and how to bet information. Kyle Gillis manned the BAF booth with ballots, providing information on prizes, giving out wagering vouchers as well as complimentary beverages. The wagering vouchers were popular and we are looking forward to building on this event for next year.”
Lee Drake, Manager of Marketing and Sales for Red Shores, also felt that their track’s event went well. “I would love to do more of these types of events. They take time to develop and gain momentum, and we need to keep them going.”
If you brought someone new to the races over the past weekend, give yourself a pat on the back. Your willingness to showcase your connection to racing is what drives this event!
To view more photos from Bring A Friend weekend, click the following link: Bring A Friend National Challenge Photo Gallery.
BRING A FRIEND PHOTO CONTEST
Don’t forget to share the BAF memories you captured on your smartphone or camera. We want to see your best snaps of you and your guests enjoying the evening!
Whether it is reading the program, watching the races or making a bet, show us the fun night you had at the host tracks.
Did one of your friends ride in the starting car? Take part in a paddock tour, win a prize, make a winning wager? Did something impress you? Show us!
The winning entry will receive a $50 gift card to the racetrack of their choice and a $50 Fan Club prize package.
The contest deadline is Thursday, June 12 at 5:00 p.m. The winner will be announced and the best photos featured the week of June 16.
Email your submission to: [email protected]. Include the racetrack, your name, age, address and phone number in your submission.