Grand River Raceway’s 21st annual celebration of the harness racing industry, Industry Day takes place today featuring an 11-race card boasting $583,000 in purses. Festivities kick off at noon. The broadcast begins at 12:30 p.m., and post time for the first dash is 1:30 p.m.
Grand River Raceway’s signature dash, the $300,000 Battle Of Waterloo is slated for race nine (post time 4:45 p.m.). Warrawee Needy headlines the field of Ontario-sired freshmen pacing colts. Undefeated in six career starts, he won his elimination division by 13 lengths in a new North American season’s record of 1:53.4. The E Dees Cam colt is trained and co-owned by five-time Battle Of Waterloo winner Carl Jamieson. With Jody Jamieson in the U.S. representing Canada in the World Driving Championship (and in the lead at time of press), Carl Jamieson will take on driving duties from post five in the big dance.
Mindsweeper is the one to beat in the $150,000 Battle Of The Belles (race seven, post time 3:45). The Mach Three miss set a new track and stakes record in her elimination division, and matched the North American season’s record, with an eight length score in 1:55. She starts from the outside (post eight) with Sylvain Filion for trainer Eric Adams and Millar Farms.
The afternoon includes a complete roster of side attractions, including:
• The eighth annual Drivers’ Edition of the Bouncy Pony Stakes (after race 10).
• Facepainting, balloon artists, bouncy castles, horse crafts, colouring contest, and pony rides (1:00 – 4:30).
• Mascot Race: Grandy The Grey looks to reclaim the ROMP Mascot Roadshow title against seven furry foes (after race 3).
• Meet & Have Your Photo Taken With Doug McNair & Scott Zeron (12:00 – 1:00)
Compliments of Standardbred Canada’s I Love Canadian Harness Racing Fan Club.
• Ontario Sires Stakes Celebrity Horse Tour: free photos with Paula Seelster (1:00 – 3:00)
Compliments of Grand River Raceway and the Ontario Sires Stakes.
• Battle Of The Belles Prize Draw (for the ladies): Weekend Getaway For Two at the award-winning Breadalbane Inn & Spa in Fergus, ON (includes dinner, one night’s accommodations, breakfast and a spa credit).
• Battle Of Waterloo Prize Draw (for the gents): 2 spots on the Bus Tour to the World Driving Championship/Hambletonian to NY/NJ (Aug. 4 – 7) plus $250 spending money.
• OHHA’s Best Of Show Competition: $500 in prize money to be won by the caretakers of horses racing on Industry Day, as judged in the following categories:
1. Best Of Show Head-To-Toe — 1st: $100 • 2nd: $50 • 3rd: $25
2. Horse & Groom — 1st: $100 • 2nd: $50 • 3rd: $25
3. Harness Shine — 1st: $75
4. Above & Beyond (braids, sparkles, etc.) — 1st: $75
• Free Industry Day Handicapping Tournament:
Free entry forms are inside Industry Day race programs for patrons 18+. Handicap Win and Place selections for races three though nine. The top five bankrolls share in cash prizes of $1,000. The winner also secures a spot in the $25,000 TROT Canada National Handicapping Championship on Nov. 12 at Western Fair.
• Special guests joining the Industry Day festivities include: Post parade leaders Stocrest Percherons, Joanne Colville with Rosie and the Fergus Pipe Band. The broadcast team includes Ken Middleton (WEG), Greg Blanchard (Western Fair) and Darryl MacArthur of Grand River’s Paddock Report.
Battle Of Waterloo Ambassadors Napoleon & The Duke Of Wellington will also be on-hand for winners circle presentations, doling out trophies, trophy coolers, flowers, goodie-bags and packages of Grand River’s exclusive Victory Ale and matching beer mugs to the connections of each Industry Day race winner.
(courtesy Standardbred Canada)