Just four Sundays are left in the 2025 live harness racing season at Clinton Raceway. The summer meet will wrap up on Sunday, Sept. 14, extended later than usual this year due to a two-week delay at the start of the season while construction on the new grandstand was completed.
One of the most anticipated events of the year, the 45th Annual Charity Driver’s Challenge, returns on Sunday, Aug. 31. Top drivers from across Ontario racetracks will go head-to-head in support of four local Royal Canadian Legion Branches — Clinton, Seaforth, Hensall and Exeter. As part of the tradition, fans can enjoy the ever-popular Pineridge Chicken BBQ following the races. Tickets are $25, with $10 from each ticket going directly back to the participating Legion branches.
Six of the nation’s top 10 drivers are headed to Clinton Raceway, making this one of the most competitive lineups in event history. Clinton’s own Travis Henry, currently fifth in Canada, will be joined by hometown stars Paul Mackenzie (9,400 career wins), Darryl Thiessen (fourth in Canada for wins this year) and Lorne House (winner of last year's Western Fair Drivers' Holiday Challenge). They’ll go head-to-head with national standouts, including Austin Sorrie (Canada’s dash-win leader this year), Samuel Fillion (third for wins in Canada this year), Garrett Rooney (ninth on this season's national leaderboard) and Tyler Borth (sixth nation-wide this year and Clinton’s 2023 Challenge champion).
The first eight races on the card will feature the point-based challenge with enhanced purses, thanks to generous community sponsors. The back half of the program will spotlight Ontario-sired two-year-old colt pacers, promising a full day of fantastic racing action.
The excitement continues in September with special events each week. On Sunday, Sept. 7, Clinton Raceway will host 50+ Day and a fundraiser for the Clinton Co-Operative Childcare Centre. The season finale on Sunday, Sept. 14 will feature Clinton Raceway's All Memorial Race Day and a fundraiser for the Goderich Track Re-Build (athletic track project). Families wishing to sponsor a memorial race in honour of a loved one are encouraged to contact the raceway for details.
Meanwhile, the Bet Exotic Promotion is nearing its conclusion, with just two weeks left to qualify for the grand prize — a $3,000 travel voucher. All non-winning exotic wagers (Exactor, Triactor, Superfecta, Pick 3, Pick 4, Pick 5, etc.) are eligible for entry. Each Sunday in August, 10 qualifiers were drawn and invited (with a guest) to return for the Grand Prize Party and Giveaway on Sept. 14. Full contest rules and the list of qualifiers are available at clintonraceway.com.
With thrilling racing, free parking and admission, community fundraisers and exciting promotions, Clinton Raceway is closing out the 2025 season in style.
(With files from Clinton Raceway)