by Kelly Spencer, for Grand River Raceway

Elora, ON — The live horse racing season is winding down at Grand River Raceway. Monday and Wednesday race nights continue until the season finale on Sept. 27, but Fun & Frivolity Friday Nights wrap-up Sept. 8 when the Elora, Ontario track is hosting its first-ever Young Guns Miniature Horse Race.

The exhibition dash features seven youngsters — ages two through eight — driving miniature ponies. The contenders are all daughters and sons of drivers, trainers and caretakers within the harness racing industry.

These pro adults will accompany the young racers in their double-seated carts in the very short (one-eighth mile) trot.

The Young Guns Race is featured after race six (approximately 8:20 p.m.). The participants and their ponies will conduct a Meet and Greet with fans on the tarmac after race three (approximately 7:20 p.m.). Both events will be shown live on the track’s Facebook page.

The field for the Young Guns Miniature Horse Race:

1. Polly Pockets
Young Gun: Ollie MacDonald (Age: 4)
Accompanied by: Amy MacDonald

2. Prince
Young Gun: Liam Davis (Age: 2)
Accompanied by: Billy Davis

3. Mullingar
Young Gun: Ava MacDonald (Age: 6)
Accompanied by: Debi O’Brien Moran

4. Wally
Young Gun: Travis Moore (Age: 6)
Accompanied by: A.J. Moore

5. Buddy
Driver: Hailey Hart (Age: 8)
Accompanied by: Emma Christoforou

6. Quinton
Young Gun: Kylie Hart (Age: 6)
Accompanied by: Scott Young

7. Ping*
Young Gun: Lucas House (Age: 5)
Accompanied by: Lorne House

*Ping is less-miniature, more-pony and as such will start from the outside post.

Post time for race one of the Friday card is 6:30 p.m.