Industry Day festivities set for August 7

Grand River Raceway is proud to host Industry Day on Monday, August 7 with a harness racing card headlined by the $138,400 Battle of the Belles and the $205,200 Battle of Waterloo presented by Winbak Farm.

Hall of Fame conditioner Bob McIntosh heads the charge for the Waterloo trophy following a sweep of both eliminations by his rookie homebreds. Always A Thrill and driver Bob McClure started things off by converting off a two hole trip to deliver a half-a-length score in 1:57.2. In the next elimination, his stablemate, Do Better, driven by Sylvain Filion, kept his undefeated streak intact by cruising to a gait-to-wire victory in 1:56. Always A Thrill will start from post 5, while Do Better scores from post 3.

Bob McIntosh will look to add a second Battle of Waterloo trophy to his resume on Monday, with his first coming in 2014, courtesy of Go Daddy Go. Drivers Bob McClure and Sylvain Filion, who guided both eliminations winners to victory, will be looking to win this signature event for the first time in their careers.

In the Battle of the Belles eliminations we also had a sweep of both eliminations, courtesy of Louis-Philippe Roy, who guided a pair of freshman fillies to the winner’s circle. Collusion Hanover kicked things off in the first elimination with a first-over score in 1:56.4. Then, Roy delivered in the next elimination with heavy favourite, Pass Line, to an easy victory in 1:55.3. With a choice between two elimination winners going into the final, Roy opted for the Blais-trainee, Collusion Hanover, who secured the pylon spot. Roy will look to capture his second ‘Belles title for his career. The Menary pupil, Pass Line, will draw post position three and will be driven by James MacDonald.

Grand River’s stakes card will also include two divisions of Ontario Sires Stakes Gold for three-year-old pacing fillies, carded as Race 4 ($100,400) and Race 7 ($101,300) on the program. In addition to that, the card will feature three preferred 2 events (Races 6,8 & 9), headlined by 2021 Somebeachsomewhere Horse of the Year, Desperate Man. The Battle of the Belles and Battle of Waterloo will wrap up the card as Race 10 and Race 11, respectively.

The wagering menu that day will consist of two pick 5’s. The early pick 5 will begin in Race 1, with a guaranteed pool of $7,500. The late pick 5 will begin in Race 7, with a guaranteed pool of $10,000. There will also two pick 4’s which will be available in Races 2 & 8, both of which will also be guaranteed at a pool of $7,500. The Battle of Waterloo (Race 11) will offer a super hi 5 wager with a guaranteed pool of $7,500. All wagers listed above will offer a low 15% takeout.

Industry Day, now entering its 34th year, brings together harness racing fans, families, and the community to enjoy entertainment both on the track and on the apron. The NEIGHbourhood Kids Area will offer face painting, glitter tattoos, inflatable axe-throwing, and more. Food trucks will be on-site for all guests at the East Gate, which will include the likes of Berlin 95, MegaCone Creamery and The Serial Griller. Elora Brewing will also be The Brewery on The Grandway Patio as well. Come on out and enjoy a fun, action-packed day. Post-time is set for 12:30 pm.

Check out the Industry Day details here.

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by Louise Frost, for Grand River Raceway