by Kelly Spencer, Mgr. Marketing & Communications, Grand River Raceway

Elora, ON — Grand River Raceway concluded its 2010 race season on October 25, posting an increase in handle, dining room sales and attendance.

In 2010, the on-track wager for Grand River’s live racing product increased 3.3 percent over the previous year, returning wagering on live racing to the level of 2008. Although it was a slow start during the first third of the 69-day season and wagering levels declined significantly during that period, the on-track wager increased and ultimately surpassed 2009 totals.

The Elora, Ontario track made significant schedule adjustments this year, swapping most of its Tuesday nights for a new spot on Wednesdays, and beginning Friday nights in June rather than its traditional start in July.

“As patrons adjusted to the new schedule, and with a vigorous promotional campaign to attract people to the track, positive results occurred,” says Grand River Raceway General Manager, Dr. Ted Clarke. “During the final 46 days of the 2010 campaign, even the off-track wager on Grand River Raceway exceeded the level achieved during the same period in 2009.”

The half-miler introduced several new initiatives during its seventh season, including the Paddock Report — a live, behind-the-scenes segment from the backstretch on Monday nights hosted by Darryl MacArthur.

The track also partnered with its horsemen and the Ontario Harness Horse Association to present new, interactive events, such as Project iDrive, the Horse Name Costume Game, Local Biz Night and Tarmac Chat on the Tarmac Show.

In all, 13 track records were set at Grand River this season, including Prodigal Seelster’s 1:53.2 score in the Battle of Waterloo, which also set a new stakes record. Mystical Starlight also set a new all-time Canadian trotting record on Industry Day in 1:54.2.

Grand River Raceway extends its sincere appreciation to all of the individuals and organizations which assisted in its efforts in 2010 to engage fans and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of harness racing, and to its valued patrons for their continued support.