For harness racing fans looking to get their racing fix over the holidays, The Raceway at Western Fair District kicks off a busy stretch of eight race programs in 13 days with an excellent 10-race program tonight at 7:05 p.m.
The London oval will also host a special Saturday matinee program tomorrow at 1:15 p.m. along with the traditional Boxing Day afternoon card next Tuesday, also starting at 1:15 p.m. A pair of Alliance Series Finals -- both contested at 1-1/16 miles -- will highlight the Boxing Day program.
The $13,700 Final for $7,000 horse and gelding claiming pacers goes in Race 6 and is led by 2-1 morning line choice Veroi Bayama who was a solid winner in leg two of the series, a race he was claimed out of by trainer Lindsey Kerr. The eight-time winner this season starts from post 4 with Garret Rooney listed to drive.
Remus Blue Chip enters the final fresh off a pair of wins in London, including a 2:05.3 win at the distance two starts back. He will have to overcome the trailing Post 9 on Tuesday with Nick Steward in the bike.
Remus Blue Chip, winning on December 12
A wide-open field will square off the in the $14,400 Alliance Final for $15,000 claiming pacers in Race 11. Phone In, Godro Hanover, Lyons William and Now What Hanover were all impressive winners in the series with Godro Hanover given morning-line favourite status from Post 4 with Colin Kelly listed to drive for trainer Joe Pereira.
A number of local drivers, along with Santa, will be on hand to greet fans as they arrive on Boxing Day with a commemorative giveaway item. Three lucky fans will have a chance to pick a prize from the Gift Tree and there will be second chance draws throughout the afternoon. There is limited seating available for the Boxing Day Brunch at Top Of The Fair. To make a reservation, email [email protected] or call (519) 438-7203 (ext. 252).
Live racing is also scheduled for next Friday, December 29 and again on Sunday, December 31 (New Year’s Eve).
Fan favourites Weskey and Pacific Oak will make their final career appearances in the Old Lang Syne Trot and Pace as part of the New Year’s Eve card. The night also features a pair of fantastic prize giveaways including a pair of tickets for next summer’s Trackside Country Music Festival at The Raceway and a Coors Light Snowboard.
The wagering menu will be bolstered by a $10,000 guaranteed pool in the late Pick-4 that night and there will be a New Year’s Eve after party following live racing at the Top Of The Fair.
Fans are reminded that there is live racing on New Year’s Day, Monday, January 1st, which kicks off the track’s four-day-a-week schedule throughout the end of May. The Raceway will feature live racing every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 6:15 p.m. and Friday at 7:05 p.m.
To view the entries for Western Fair's upcoming cards, click the following link: Entries - Western Fair.
(with files from WFD)