Grand River Raceway in Elora will feature the final Fun & Frivolity Friday Night of the 2016 live horse racing season September 2, and the track has a little extra to highlight the occasion.
Nine miniature horses will compete in an exhibition race following Race 8 (approximately 9:00 p.m.). The half-mile dash includes returning champion Norton who took the 2015 race with driver Alexis Bandy for owner Jackie Panko.
Looking to shine in his driving debut is long-time racehorse owner Bob Frank, proprietor of Frank’s Jewellers in uptown Waterloo. Frank will pilot Susie Kerwood’s starter, Simba.
The field for the Miniature Horse Race:
1. COORS - Driver: Travis Henry | Owner: Nicole Henry
2. NORTON - Driver: Alexis Bandy | Trainer: Jackie Panko
3. PRINCE CHARMING - Driver: Breanna Lawson | Owner: Katie Panko
4. SIMBA - Driver: Bob Frank | Owner: Susie Kerwood
5. MABLE - Driver: Bruce Richardson | Owner: Paula Austin
6. EMMA - Driver: Katie Reid | Owner: Sondra Miller
7. OREO - Driver: Karoline Nielsen | Owner: Tristen Forgie
8. DIAMOND - Driver: Danielle Belec | Owner: Danielle Belec & Mark Etsell
9. CHESTER - Driver: Carl Dawson | Owner: Jackie Panko
The Wanna Drive program will offer guests of all ages the rare opportunity to drive a racehorse, on the track, between the races. Guests will ride with a pro in double-seated carts, making one lap of the track at a casual pace. A total of 30 spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign-up at the Tarmac Show starting at 6:00 p.m.
The usual Fun & Frivolity Friday Night antics include 107.5 DAVE ROCKS’ live broadcast under the Tarmac Tent from 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 pm. The track’s free kids’ program, The NEIGHbourhood, is also offered under the Tarmac Tent, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The program offers horse crafts and a group photo with the winning horse of Race 5 followed by a behind-the-scenes barn tour.
Post time is 6:35 p.m. for the first race on September 2.
After September 2, live horse racing continues Monday and Wednesday nights until the season closer on September 28.
(Grand River Raceway)