Grand River Raceway is set to host Industry Day on Monday, Aug. 7 with a card headlined by the $138,400 Battle of the Belles and the $205,200 Battle of Waterloo, presented by Winbak Farm.
Hall of Fame conditioner Bob McIntosh heads the charge for the Battle of Waterloo trophy following a sweep of the eliminations by his rookie homebreds. Always A Thrill and driver Bob McClure started things off by converting off a two-hole trip to deliver a half-length score in 1:57.2. In the next elimination, stablemate Do Better kept his undefeated streak intact by cruising to a gate-to-wire victory in 1:56 for driver Sylvain Filion. Always A Thrill will start from post five, while Do Better scores from post three.
McIntosh will look to add a second Battle of Waterloo trophy to his resume on Monday, with his first coming in 2014 courtesy of Go Daddy Go. McClure and Filion will be looking to win this signature event for the first time in their decoreated careers.
There was also a sweep in the Battle of the Belles eliminations, courtesy of driver Louis-Philippe Roy. Collusion Hanover and Roy kicked things off in the first elim with a first-over score in 1:56.4. Roy then delivered in the next elimination with heavy favourite Pass Line, an easy winner in 1:55.3. With a choice between two elim winners going into the final, Roy opted for the Blais trainee, Collusion Hanover, who secured the pylon spot. Roy will look to capture his second Battle of the Belles, winning previously in 2021. Pass Line drew post position three and gets the services of driver James MacDonald for trainer Dave Menary.
Grand River’s stakes card will also include two divisions of the Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Series for three-year-old pacing fillies, carded as Race 4 ($100,400) and Race 7 ($101,300) on the program. In addition, the card will feature three Preferred 2 events (Races 6, 8 & 9), headlined by 2021 Somebeachsomewhere Horse of the Year, Desperate Man. The Battle of the Belles and Battle of Waterloo will wrap up the card as Race 10 and Race 11, respectively.
Winbak Farm has proudly returned as Battle of Waterloo presenting sponsor for the second year in a row.
“Winbak Farm is proud to sponsor a prestigious event that is fun for all attendees,” said Jack Burke, Winbak Farm General Manager. “Grand River Raceway is a great fan-friendly atmosphere for watching these talented equine athletes compete. The team is excited to be part of this Canadian racing tradition.”
“Winbak Farm was thrilled with being a first-time Battle of Waterloo sponsor in 2022 and decided to continue the sponsorship this year,” said Pat Woods, Winbak Farm of Canada Manager. “We believe in helping to support an industry that we love. The Battle of Waterloo race card will highlight some of Canada’s best athletes and we are happy to be involved. We always enjoyed working with Chad Rozema in his previous position and congratulate him on his new role as Racing Manager and look forward to collaborating with him in the future. The Winbak Farm stallions are always well represented by their offspring in Canada’s richest events and their two-year-olds have been off to a great start this season. We look forward to cheering them on in the Battle of Waterloo race card.”
Grand River Raceway's expert handicapper Robert Reid Jr. returns for the on-site broadcast coverage and will be joined by Hall of Fame driver and four-time winner of the Battle of Waterloo, Randy Waples.
The wagering menu that day will consist of two Pick 5s. The early Pick 5 will begin in Race 1, with a guaranteed pool of $7,500. The late Pick 5 will begin in Race 7, with a guaranteed pool of $10,000. There will also be two Pick 4s, which will be available in Races 2 & 8, both of which will also be guaranteed at a pool of $7,500. The Battle of Waterloo (Race 11) will offer a Super Hi-5 wager with a guaranteed pool of $7,500. All wagers listed above will offer a low 15 per cent takeout.
Now entering its 34th year, Industry Day brings together harness racing fans, families and the community to enjoy entertainment both on the track and on the apron. The NEIGHbourhood Kids Area will offer face painting, glitter tattoos, inflatable axe-throwing and more. Food trucks will be on-site for all guests at the East Gate, which will include the likes of Berlin 95, MegaCone Creamery and The Serial Griller. Elora Brewing will also be The Brewery on The Grandway Patio as well.
First post time is set for 12:30 p.m. For entries, click on one of the following links: Grand River Raceway - Monday Entries || Monday Program Pages (courtesy TrackIT)
(with files from Grand River)