by Kelly Spencer, for Grand Ricer Raceway

Elora, ON — Grand River Raceway kicked off its 2016 season on Wednesday (June 1) and the night was highlighted by Imacutiepatootie in the seventh annual Local Biz Night Race.

Wayne Simpson photo

2016 Local Biz Night Race winner Imacutiepatootie in the paddock prior to the race with his Local Biz Night partners.

The popular event saw more than 70 people from 12 local businesses matched with a horse in race eight. The Fergus company Shift: A Family Health Centre were the winners paired with Imacutiepatootie and received a trophy to display in their workplace, plus a staff party for 20 at Grand River Raceway.

The three-quarter length victory in 1:57.2 was the homebred mare’s fourth career win for trainer Annemarie Colville and co-owners Jennifer Giles and Mike Wade.

Local Biz Night is a joint-effort between the raceway, the OLG Slots at Grand River Raceway and the Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce.

Click here for photos from the event.

Bill McDougall of Elora was the winner of the Opening Night Contest — a $500 voucher towards owning a share of a racehorse with The Stable.ca.

Racing continues at Grand River Raceway on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights at 6:30 p.m.