by Kelly Spencer, for Grand River Raceway

Elora, ON — A large crowd under clear skies kicked off the 15th race season at Grand River Raceway on Friday (June 1).

Scott Wray piloted the inaugural winner, Celestial Lady, in a one length score over Miller Time and Cape Coral. Celestial Lady is trained by Darell Vleeming for owner John Landuyt.

Grand River Raceway photo

Mike Farwell with driver Anthony MacDonald, warming up Master Saver (winner of race six) prior to the race.

The Fun & Frivolity Friday Race Night lineup included guest announcer Mike Farwell, host of The Mike Farwell Show and the voice of the Kitchener Rangers on 570 NEWS.

Farwell runs an annual fundraising campaign called Farwell4 Hire, during which he does odd jobs in exchange for a donation to Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Farwell4Hire has raised more than C$183,000 in the past four years and is shooting for C$100,000 in this year’s campaign which wraps up on June 2.

As part of his paid duties, Farwell jogged eventual race six winner Master Saver alongside driver Anthony MacDonald, then joined track announcer Gary Guy to call race seven. Grand River Raceway donated C$500 to his campaign and track guests donated another C$350.

Alfie Carroll closed the Opening Night card with a three length win aboard Drake in the Preferred Trot in 1:56.3. It was the 6-year-old gelding’s fifth win of the season for trainer/co-owner Justin Robson.

Live harness racing continues Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights from June 1 through Sept. 26.

Other special racing events include Ren’s Pets Depot Wiener Dog Races (July 6), the Industry Day horse racing celebration featuring the Battle of Waterloo (Aug. 6) and the National Driving Championship (Sept. 26).