Elora, ON –  Grand River Raceway (GRR) is pleased to announce that Winbak Farm will be the presenting sponsor of the 25th edition of Battle of Waterloo, to be held on Aug. 1, 2022.

Village Blitz and driver Jody Jamieson were the 2002 Battle of Waterloo winners. Photo courtesy of Grand River Raceway.

The Battle of Waterloo, a stake for Ontario Sired 2-year-old pacers, is the signature race held annually at GRR and a key early season race for all colts racing in the Ontario Sires Stakes program. The stake, with a projected purse of C$250,000, is the feature event during the annual Industry Day Civic Holiday Monday (the first Monday in August) special afternoon race card.

With less than a week until GRR’s race season begins, GRR is excited for their upcoming season as they plan to return to full capacity, after the subdued 2020 and 2021 seasons.

“We are thrilled to have a standardbred industry leader such as Winbak Farm partner with Grand River Raceway,” says Jamie Martin, Raceway Manager at Grand River Raceway. “Their drive to breed winners and ongoing commitment to raising awareness of the industry in Ontario aligns with what we strive to do at GRR. This made them a natural fit for The Battle of Waterloo.”

Founded in 1991 by Joe and JoAnn Thomson, the flagship Winbak Farm is located on 2,000+ acres of lush Maryland farmland, with operations extending into Delaware, New York, and Canada. The farm is the industry’s largest single family owned and operated breeding farm. Winbak Farm’s dedication to raising top quality harness horses has earned them Breeder of the Year on three occasions, and three Horse of the Year graduates, among other accolades. They are also breeder of 2021 Canada Horse of the Year, Desperate Man, and a leading breeder for Ontario Sires Stakes (#1 in 2010, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021).

“Grand River Raceway has always been an integral part of the Ontario harness racing industry,” says Pat Woods, Canada Manager, Winbak Farm.  “It was an easy decision for Winbak Farm to partner with Jamie Martin and the GRR team. We love their vision, dedication, and commitment to improving this sport and racing here in Ontario. It is an honor for us at Winbak Farm to have our name associated with such a great 2-year-old “Battle of Waterloo” race. So many outstanding horses have won this event over its 25-year history and we are so proud to be a part of it.”

“Winbak Farm is proud to partner with Grand River Raceway,” says Joe Thomson, Winbak Farm Owner. “The Battle of Waterloo is a prestigious race that horses bred by Winbak Farm and horses sired by Winbak Farm stallions have raced well in. We look forward to starting a partnership with Grand River.”

GRR will open its doors on Friday, June 3, 2022, and be welcoming guests back at full capacity. This year will be different but as always you can EXPECT AN EXPERIENCE.

For up-to-date information about the race schedule or events visit grandriverraceway.com.