Comments Off on Grand River Raceway season opens June 5
And they’re off!
Grand River Raceway’s 16th race season kicks off Wednesday, June 5 at 6:30 pm.
Opening night’s race card also includes four Grassroots divisions of the Ontario Sires Stakes for three-year-old trotting colts.
Fun & Frivolity Friday Race Night returns this year with the fan-favourite Drive A Racehorse event included most Friday race nights. Guests of all ages can sign-up the night-of at the Tarmac Booth to experience the thrill of driving a racehorse (accompanied by a professional) on the racetrack.
All Fun & Frivolity Friday Race Nights also include an extended Tarmac Show between the races and The NEIGHbourhood kids’ activity area in the new Homestretch Tent.
Visitors to Grand River Raceway will notice some changes to the facility as Elements Casino undergoes renovations. The Guest Care Counter, as well as betting windows and TV monitors for viewing the races, have been temporarily relocated to the new 3,200 sq. ft. First Turn Tent, located beside the Lighthouse Restaurant. During this time, temporary signage and site maps have been installed to help guests find their way around the facility.
Live harness racing is featured on most Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights from June 5 through September 27. Details about dinner reservations for the $20.99 Race Night Buffet can be found online.
Other special racing events include the fifth annual Ren’s Pets Wiener Dog Races (July 5) and the 29th Industry Day horse racing celebration featuring the Battle Of Waterloo (August 5).
Grand River Raceway’s 10-race program for June 5 will be available here (by June 3) and streaming video will be available starting at 6:00 p.m. Parking and admission are always free.
Photo credit:Grand River Raceway (Dave Landry Photo)
Comments Off on Industry Day at Grand River Raceway
There is something about the sound of horse’s hooves thundering passed the rail, going at breakneck speed along the track, so gallant and strong, making the final turn running for position, with the yips from the drivers leaning back long in their sulkies, steering them into position.
And all the while the animated commentary of the sportscaster keeps pace with the action, broadcasting from the speakers, his excitement booming out over the crowd so everyone is in the know for their win, place or show. Then there is the cheering, the energy of the crowd, the pure anticipation of the first horse to cross that post line. This is racing! Alive and in the moment.
And there is no better place to experience it than Elora’s Grand River Raceway.
We’ve never missed an Industry Day in Elora for good reason. It’s truly a summer highlight and one of the most fitting ways to cross the finish line of the August long weekend in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. We’ve been there in the rain and we’ve basked in the summer sun, but we’ve never left early, because there is something special about this day that can only be appreciated by being there.
First off, It goes without saying that the signature races – Battle of Waterloo and Battle of the Belles – are incredible races and a true testament to the work, dedication and skill behind the standardbred racing industry. If you like horse-racing at all, or even if you’re new to the sport you’ll love the pomp and pageantry of these races. But the competition? Well, we’re placing bets two seriously close races this year and some records being set! There are some racing legends and family legacies we can’t wait to see compete.
But you don’t have to love horse racing to go – we just happen to believe you will once you experience it. So, here are a few reasons why Industry Day at Grand River Raceway is awesome:
Admission is FREE. Where else can you have this much fun and be in on the action without paying a cover fee?
Parking is FREE and there is lots of it. Some people even park in the back field, where the views are just as great. There’s room to move!
You can bring the kids. There is plenty to do for the young and young-at-heart. Pony rides, a petting zoo, bouncy castle, face-painting and more is available with an all-access Kid’s Zone pass for just $5. The tarmac at Grand River Raceway is absolutely a family-friendly environment too. Everyone can get in on the action. (Please note: Children are not allowed in Elements Casino slots area).
The Young Gunz miniature pony race is going to be hit this summer, because, who doesn’t love a miniature pony?
You can go everywhere with free people-mover transportation making frequent stops throughout the event to get you to and from the parking lot, the back-stretch, the paddock building and to the tarmac for the home-stretch. This makes the raceway grounds accessible to explore.
Come meet past Battle of Waterloo champion Button Up (race fans will not miss this photo op)
This year’s Industry Day Garage Sale will take place in the Paddock Annex, a charity fundraiser to support 4 organizations within the standardbred racing industry
Without a doubt, one of our favourite highlights is the time-honoured Grand River Raceway tradition of the Halftime Show, featuring the Bouncy Pony Stakes – Drivers’ Edition. Don’t miss this. It’s a laugh a bounce.
There are various places to enjoy food and a nice cold beverage, such as the 4 outdoor barbecues, 2 beer tents, the 3i n-house restaurants (though be advised, Captain’s Quarters is already booked), and a food truck.
Interactive fun with the Tarmac Show, plus prizes and giveaways – always a good time.
If you want to try your luck at the slots, you’re in the right place with Elements Casino.
We’re betting you’ll have the best time, with 11 races on the card and the heart-pounding excitement of the Battle of Waterloo and the Battle of the Belles, the two signature races of the day, plus so much more. And don’t worry if you don’t much about harness-racing. The staff at Grand River Raceway make it easy and fun and there are no silly questions.
The fun begins August 6 at noon, with Post Time for Race 1 set for 12:30pm.
We’re betting you’ll have as much fun as we do at our favourite summer tradition – #IndustryDay28!
Title Photo by NCJ Photography: Ideation Hanover with Jody Jamieson sets a new Canadian season’s record of 1:55 (2-year-old pacing fillies over a half-mile track) in the second of four Battle Of The Belles elimination races on July 30 at Grand River Raceway.
Crowd photo and groom with horse photo by Dave Landry Photography.
