by Kelly Spencer, marketing & communications manager, Grand River Raceway

Elora, ON — Grand River Raceway’s 2011 season opener on Monday (April 25) was highlighted by a 53-1 shocker in the second annual Local Biz Night race.

The sold-out dinner event saw more than 200 people from 39 local businesses paired with a horse in race eight. Tobruk, in rein to Bob McClure, conquered the field and lit up the toteboard, returning $108.30 for the win.

The 9-year-old pacer was represented by local businesses Fergus Monuments, GHC Safety & Security, Keating Construction and Remax Real Estate Centre Inc. Brokerage. Tobruk is owned by his trainer James Morton of Campbellville, Ontario. The six length victory marks his third career win and bumps his earnings to $80,061.

Tobruk’s Local Biz Night connections received a trophy to display in their workplace and an equal share of a staff party for 20 at Grand River Raceway.

Local Biz Night is a joint-effort between the raceway, the OLG Slots at Grand River Raceway and the Centre Wellington Chamber Of Commerce. All photos from the evening are available in a public gallery on Grand River Raceway’s Facebook page.

Hometown favorite Doug McNair scored three wins on the card with Tax Riteoff (race two), Kid Carson (race four) and Southern Watch (race 12). McNair will be officially recognized as the 2010 top dash driver at Grand River Raceway — alongside 12 other top performers — during the track’s May 2 broadcast.

Racing continues at the Elora, Ontario oval on Mondays and Wednesdays at 7:15 p.m. Friday night racing is added to the mix starting June 3.