House gearing up to defend Drivers Holiday Challenge Title

London, ON – December 5, 2025 – Local harness racing driver Lorne House is gearing up to defend his title in the 6th Annual Drivers Holiday Challenge, taking place Tuesday, December 9 at The Raceway at Western Fair District. The festive event supports Toys for Tots, a local charity that has benefited from more than $50,000 in donations since the challenge began.

House will represent Team Ontario alongside Garrett Rooney in the 11-race showdown, which also features top drivers from across Canada:

• Team West: Phil Hudon & Daryl Thiessen
• Team Maritimes: Paul MacKenzie & Austin Sorrie
• Team Quebec: Louis-Philippe Roy & Samuel Fillion

The post-position draw is complete, and House is optimistic about his chances with a strong lineup, including two horses from his own stable: Max Shadow in the opening race and The Great Reset, The Raceway’s trotting track record holder, in the evening’s finale.

“It’s really exciting to have the chance to defend my title, it’s going to be a lot of fun,” said House. “This is for a great cause and that’s number one, but it is a good bunch of guys taking part and it is going to be ultra competitive.”

“It would be a lot of fun to be in the hunt going into the final race with the chance to win it behind our barn favourite (The Great Reset). I am really hoping I can bookend the competition,” House joked.

How to Support Toys for Tots:

The Raceway extends a huge thank you to Kelley McNiven and her team for their continued support of the event. Cash donations can be given directly to Kelley McNiven, Kim McNiven, Brinsley Brickman or Erin Brickman. Toys can be dropped off to those individuals or one of the various drop off locations below:

• E-transfer to mcnivenk2@gmail.com.
  • All donors will also be entered to win gift certificates from Britt’s Custom Creations, Mare Flare Equestrian, and The Keg (courtesy of Twinbrook Farms).
• Toy Donations: Drop off at any of these locations:
  • Wilson’s Tack Shop at The Raceway
  • Mare Flare at Flamboro Downs
  • Wilson’s Tack retail location in London
  • Western Fair District (Top of the Fair, The Market, The Sports Centre)

Event Details:

• First Post: 5:50 p.m.
• Dining Experience: Trifecta Tuesday at Top of the Fair – buffet-style dinner, racing and gaming vouchers, plus special seniors’ pricing. Limited seating remains; reserve at topofthefair.com.
• Broadcast: The event will be featured on Primetime Racing, marking its final show of the 2025 season.

Join us for an evening of exciting racing, holiday spirit, and community giving as we celebrate the season and support a great cause!

by Greg Blanchard for The Raceway