London, ON — The Raceway at Western Fair District closed out its 2026 live racing season in spectacular fashion on Friday night (May 29), delivering a thrilling Camluck Classic program that showcased top-tier talent, record-setting performances, and a large, boisterous crowd enjoying the action.
Lou Hill dominates Camluck Classic
Headlining the evening was the $C150,000 Camluck Classic, presented by Seelster Farms, where Lou Hill delivered as the prohibitive favorite, stopping the clock in 1:51.2.
Driven by Jason Bartlett, the reigning 2025 Dan Patch Award winner as U.S. Driver of the Year, Lou Hill executed a textbook two-hole trip, tracking pacesetter Helium through blistering fractions of :26.3, :54.4 and 1:22.4. Helium came under pressure from a first-over bid by Donegal Luther N, softening the leader just enough for Lou Hill to explode from the pocket in the stretch and surge to a decisive win.
Helium held gamely for second, while Calicojack Hanover closed to finish third.
The victory marked Lou Hill’s seventh win in 11 starts this season, pushing his lifetime earnings beyond C$700,000. The standout pacer is owned by Tom Hill, of Hamilton, Ont., and trained by Per Engblom.
Grit N Grace sets track record in Forest City Pace
The undercard feature, the C$50,000 Forest City Pace, for older mares, saw Grit N Grace deliver a front-end masterpiece for driver Jody Jamieson.
The 5-year-old mare blasted to the lead early and never looked back, carving out fractions of :26.4, :56 and 1:23.3 before stopping the clock in 1:52.2 — a new track record for older pacing mares at The Raceway.
Grit N Grace held off a late charge from Raptors Won to win by a half length while defending champion Caviar N Crackers rallied for third.
The victory was Grit N Grace’s first in four starts this season and elevated her career earnings to over C$440,000. She is owned by Loraine Rey of Manitoba and trained by Mike Kwietnowski. Notably, the performance marked a triumphant return after finishing as runner-up in last year’s edition.
London Classic Sale Series finals highlight strong favorite performances
Favourites shone brightly in the quartet of $40,000 London Classic Sale Series finals, capturing three of four divisions:
- Southern Cowboy – Horse & Gelding Trot (2:00)
- Aunt Gertrude – Filly & Mare Pace (1:56.2)
- Skip The Honey – Horse & Gelding Pace (1:55.4)
The lone mild upset came in the Filly & Mare Trot, where second-choice Look A Diamond prevailed in 1:59.2.
Ontario Sires Stakes action and record trot performance
A trio of Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots divisions for 3-year-old filly pacers added further depth to the card. The winners were:
- Could Be A Queen – 1:55.3 (Driver: James MacDonald)
- My Girl Friday – 1:54.4 (Driver: James MacDonald)
- Tainted Love – 1:56.3 (Driver: Jason Bartlett)
Garry Merner, who trains Tainted Love, enjoyed a memorable evening, also sending out Passarino to victory in the C$16,000 Preferred Trot. Driven by Mark MacDonald, Passarino delivered a historic performance, stopping the clock in 1:54.3 to establish a new track trotting record at the London oval.
Strong wagering caps memorable night
The Camluck Classic program attracted a total handle of C$825,000, marking an increase over the 2025 figure. On-track wagering was particularly strong, posting a 15% increase year-over-year, as local fans were out en masse for the closing night card.
Friday’s program wrapped up another solid season for the London oval, which will now be dark until racing returns in early October.