ELORA – Grand River Raceway is excited to welcome guests for the 36th annual Industry Day on the Civic Holiday this Monday, August 4. Kicking off at 12:30 p.m., this action-packed afternoon features thrilling harness racing and plenty of family-friendly fun for all ages!
Grand River Raceway is proud to welcome back Winbak Farm as the presenting sponsor of the Battle of Waterloo for the fourth consecutive year. Industry Day’s headline events include the $227,100 Battle of Waterloo, presented by Winbak Farm, and its companion race, the $153,000 Battle of the Belles—both showcasing Ontario-sired two-year-old pacers. The Battle of Waterloo remains GRR’s signature race, and an early season highlight on the Ontario Sires Stakes calendar. This year’s undercard will also deliver top-tier action, featuring Ontario’s elite three-year-old pacing colts in a Gold division of the Ontario Sires Stakes.
Horseplayers can look forward to an enhanced wagering menu for this upcoming Industry Day. Highlights will be a Super-charged, late Pick 5 which will feature a $10,000 guaranteed pool and will be comprised of some of our top-notch races, including the Battle of the Belles and The Battle of Waterloo, presented by Winbak Farm. The early Pick-5 will start in Race 1 and offers a $10,000 guaranteed pool. Horseplayers will also have a pair of Pick 4 opportunities – the early Pick 4 will begin in Race 2 with a guaranteed pool of $5,000 and the late Pick 4 starting Race 8 with a guaranteed pool of $7,500. All of the feature wagers are offered at a low 15% takeout.
Beyond the featured harness racing, Grand River Raceway offers a fun-filled NEIGHbourhood Kid’s Area with FREE activities for families all afternoon. This fun kid’s zone is located at the East Gate is packed with entertainment and hands-on fun for kids of all ages, including:
· A petting zoo
· Face painting
· Glitter tattoos
· Inflatable axe throwing
· Play area with lots of games
· Horseracing Educational activities
· Equine Guelph with educational resources
· …and more!
The afternoon also includes a variety of food options, including a BBQ on The GrandWay Patio with a special feature – hamburger or footlong hot dog served with kettle chips for $10; a BBQ on the main tarmac; food trucks at the East Gate, and of course you can order off of GrandWay Lounge menu.
Want to become a VIP and watch the races from the comfort of indoor air-conditioned seating? The horses race rain or shine! Buy VIP tickets to The Captain’s Quarters (CQ) and get reserved seating all afternoon, a delicious hot buffet lunch, race program, private tv, and more. The CQ has the BEST seats in the house! Limited number of seats left, sales close Thursday, July 31 at 10:30 am.
There are several special guests joining the fun – Olivia Padfield will be singing the national anthem, Bill Galvin Racing Alliance are bringing their VR experience (hosted in The GrandWay Lobby), Equine Guelph, Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals, and Ontario Equine Education and Employment Program will have booths on site. Winbak Farm will also have a team here and have a draw for a fabulous prize which will be on The GrandWay Events Centre Patio.
Important notices about Industry Day:
· No driving or tailgating on the Back Berm again this year.
· Parking and alcohol is not permitted on the grassy area near the East Gate.
· GRR wants to remind guests that there is no smoking on all GRR and GrandWay premises, smoking is only permitted in the parking lot.
· No alcohol in the space between GRR tarmac and The GrandWay patio. Also, no alcohol is to be brought into the parking lot area.
More details on the day can be found here: https://grandriverraceway.com/events/industry-day/
