by Kelly Spencer, for Grand River Raceway

Elora, ON — Grand River Raceway will host its 10th annual backstretch Open House on Sunday (May 27). Guests are invited to drop-in any time from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a rare glimpse of horse racing behind the scenes.

A full tour of the Open House’s six main stations will last approximately one hour. The itinerary includes the unique opportunity to drive a racehorse.

Admission is free, but participants are urged to make a C$10 donation (per family) at the door to support local organizations which aid in the retraining and placement of retired racehorses into new riding and driving careers. A BBQ lunch and beverages will be available for purchase between 11:30–2.

Other interactive stations include a tour of the judges’ stand and announcer’s booth high atop the grandstand with track announcer Gary Guy.

Back in the barn, visitors will learn about the basics of breeding, owning, training, driving and caring for racehorses. Guests can also view and learn about the equipment and techniques required to maintain the racetrack surface. The starting car will also be on display, and open for photo opportunities.

Members of Standardbred Showcase and Racing Under Saddle Ontario will be onsite to demonstrate the versatility of the Standardbred racehorse in different disciplines.

Representatives from the Youth Literary Derby will also join the Open House to chat with youngsters and parents about their horse-themed writing contest designed to engage Ontario-resident youngsters in grades 5 through 8.

No registration is required for the Open House. The event is suitable for all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. The Open House will run rain or shine. Participants are urged to wear closed-toe shoes and casual, comfortable clothing. Helmets and safety vests will be provided.

The Grand River Raceway Open House is presented in cooperation with the Hands On Horses Program and the Ontario Harness Horse Association. More than 3,000 people have attended Grand River Raceway’s Open House events over the past nine years.

For more information, visit http://grandriverraceway.com/open-house/ or call 519.846.5455, ex. 238 or email info@grandriverraceway.com.

Bursary/Scholarship Program offered at Grand River Raceway

Grand River Raceway and the Board of Directors of the Grand River Agricultural Society (GRAS) have released details and applications for the bursary/scholarship program for local students pursuing agriculture-related studies.

College and university credited programs are eligible for up to a $2,500 award.

The program is designed to provide financial assistance for students residing in Wellington and Perth Counties, and the Region of Waterloo, who are entering, or currently enrolled in, college or university agriculture-related programs.

Since its inception in 2006, the GRAS program has awarded $126,500 to 82 students.

The Application Form (PDF) is available at http://grandriverraceway.com/grasprograms/.

All applications must be received no later than July 16. Successful applicants will be determined by Aug. 15.

Recipients will be recognized during a special ceremony at Grand River Raceway on a race night in September.