The Raceway at Western Fair District will present its 2016 Wall of Fame induction ceremony this Friday night and will honour a man who captured many of The Raceway’s greatest moments on film – long-time track photographer Harry Holme.
Holme began his career at the Western Fair Raceway in 1961 when he was hired by one of the pioneers of modern-day harness racing in Ontario, Evan McGugan. Holme would ply his trade at the London oval for more than four decades and eventually took over the photography of many of the Western Fair Association’s signature events, including the annual 10-day Western Fair.
Holme, who passed away this past October at age 84, will be honoured during a trackside ceremony and unveiling during Friday’s program.
That same night, The Raceway will host its first ever Horse Ownership Trade Show. The event will take place in the main lobby from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. and will feature fractional ownership groups, private trainers and various industry groups on hand to answer any questions related to becoming involved in Standardbred horse ownership.
Customers will also have a chance to enter the Owner for a Night contest and take a ride behind a Standardbred, compliments of the ‘Wanna Ride’ team who will be on hand throughout the evening.
The mini horses will also be a major part of the show on Friday. Fans will have a chance to meet these pint-sized trotters and pacers prior to racing and get to watch them compete in a pair of races during the night. One of those will be a special match race featuring a pair of minis piloted by two of the sport’s future stars.
The Raceway’s signature event, the $150,000 Molson Pace, is slated for Friday, May 27. Defending champion State Treasurer has a couple of starts under his belt and will be back in search of an unprecedented fourth straight Molson Title.
The race office is busy lining up this year’s field and more confirmed starters will be announced later this week.
(The Raceway at Western Fair District)