by Matthew Lomon

Fresh off a record-setting 2023 meet, expectations were even higher ahead of Grand River Raceway’s inaugural season as a five-eighths-mile track.

And boy, did they deliver.

The Elora, ON oval concluded its 48-race date 2024 program on Monday (Sept. 30), recording new benchmarks across the board.

“It was an awesome night,” said raceway manager Jenna MacDonell. “The weather was beautiful, so we had lots of people out, especially for a Monday night, and we ended up having a great handle. It was just under $400,000, which is also a little unusual for a Monday night, but it was great to see.

“I don’t want the race season to be over yet. I could race all year round and be happy.”

Judging by her team’s performance this season, it’s easy to understand why.

Overall handle settled at a new record high of $13,933,212 — good for an increase of nearly $50,000 year-over-year.

Although modest, the continued handle climb follows a drastic increase that saw the track’s total wagering output surge 29 per cent from 2022 to 2023.

On-track betting also rose by approximately 3 per cent in 2024, according to MacDonell.

“Our goal this year was to maintain that momentum and keep trending upwards, and we were able to do that,” she said.

Grand River’s showrunner credited the leaps in on-track wagering to a strong atmospheric element created by a series of lively patio parties held throughout the racing season.

“A lot of these would be corporate parties, agricultural groups or different groups in the surrounding area coming to the track, and a lot of the attendees are first timers,” MacDonell said. “Our objective was to bring those people in, so they could see what we’re all about and retain them as customers.

“The team did a great job this year. There were about 3,000 seats booked over the course of the year for patio parties. And the beautiful thing about these events is they run rain or shine because we can move the party inside if need be.”

Comfortable weather also proved to be a significant boon for Grand River during the final push in September.

“This last month we were gunning to make sure that we were up handle-wise,” MacDonell said. “The month of September was fantastic. The weather was incredible. We had so many beautiful nights here, which is rare this time of year.”

Even on the gloomier days, Grand River continued to shine.

A revamped racing surface ensured the new track was equipped to withstand heavy rainfall, and as a result, led to zero weather-related cancellations.

“In previous years, if we got a lot of rain, we would have issues with the track washing out,” she said. “This year, we had some serious rain at different points in the season, and the track held up beautifully.

“That was something people were particularly excited about, because in the past, with the drainage and the way that it was, if we had a really rainy day, you knew there was a good chance that we were going to have to cancel.”

With the added peace of mind from a stable and safe surface, drivers were able to focus exclusively on beating each other to the wire.

That free-flowing competitiveness paired perfectly with a larger track, as MacDonell’s preseason hope for more movement in the mile was answered.

“There was quite a bit of action, and it was easier to move,” she said. “It didn’t matter so much what post position you were at. With the old track, it used to be if you had the 7- or 8-hole, you’re thinking ‘oh no.’

“From what I saw and the feedback that I got, it was less so that way this year – you still had a shot if you were on the outside. That’s what we hoped for.”

Speed numbers also ticked up on what several horse people described to MacDonell as a “pretty fast track.”

A slew of track records soon followed, including a new overall track record.

On Sept. 27, 11-1 hopeful Betthebeach crossed the finish line in 1:50.3 to sneak past the previous mark set by Ideal Perception (1:50.4) on Jun. 17.

Grand River also saw its first sub-1:50-mile in a qualifying event on Sept. 4, when a 6-year-old pacer by the name of Saulsbrook Victor qualified in 1:49.1.

Such strong figures quickly quelled any initial fears regarding the starting position, which some horse people worried might be too tight.

But as MacDonell noted, any concerns were laid to rest after night one.

“People were worried about where that start line was — when they come off the gate, they’re essentially right into the turn — but the feedback we got was that the turns were so nice and sweeping that it wasn’t really an issue,” she said.

“That was something we were worried about, and it ended up not being a non-issue.”

While the track itself held up its end of the bargain, Grand River, like countless other horse racing venues across North America, grappled at times with a limited horse population.

“There were some nights where there were eight races or smaller fields,” MacDonell said. “As far as the betting public and the horseplayers, they want those full fields. That was something that we did struggle with a little bit, and I know many other tracks struggle with that as well, but it was a very successful meet overall.”

Even so, the venue at 7445 Wellington County Rd still managed to produce record handle numbers yet again.

Therefore, it was no surprise that attendance numbers remained healthy, and particularly on Grand River’s signature days.

This year’s Battle of Waterloo, which was claimed by Stonebridge Wizard, came together exactly as MacDonell envisioned.

Well, besides the scorching heat.

“It was a great day,” she said. “It was hot, but it was great to see so many industry members come out. We had a bumping patio party with the whole Winbak [Farms] crew being in town. They support that event and the track so much, and we truly appreciate it. I was tired by the end of it, and hot, but it was a really successful day. I can’t wait till next year.”

The track also hosted its third annual Harness the Hope breast cancer research fundraiser on Aug. 30.

What is an extraordinary event for so many, holds a special meaning for the Grand River family.

“Katie Giddy, our VP of operations is a breast cancer survivor, and it’s a night that’s near and dear to our hearts around here,” MacDonell said.

“We had a giant pink patio party, which was sold out. We ended up raising $25,000 for Harness the Hope. It was amazing to see the community support.”

Rounding things out on MacDonell’s list of highlights was Weiner Dog Night, and not just because she has one herself.

Nearly 3,000 people attended the event.

But that wasn’t all that stood out to MacDonell.

“One of the things that surprised me about that day is that the team had almost warned me, ‘as soon as the dog races are done, you’ll see a lot of people head out,’” MacDonell said. “But it was a beautiful night, and there were just fabulous vibes on the tarmac, and the people stuck around right until the very end.

“I’m hoping that those types of events continue to bring in new customers, show us where they are, and make coming to the racetrack not so scary. We really do try to promote Grand River’s family atmosphere, and I hope they felt it that night, and were able to come again.”

For MacDonell, who grew up watching her father, the legendary Paul MacDonell, steer horse after horse to the winner’s circle, sharing her love for the sport with fans new and old is what drives her to keep elevating the Grand River experience for everyone that walks onto the premises.

“I know what a great sport it is, and I want other people to know,” she said. “It’s such a great team here. I know the industry loves coming here, and I can see why. The people here, they’re the same ones that have been here year-after-year. They’re friendly and inviting and welcoming, and our [creative] team does their best to put on these great events, and they do a wonderful job.

“I’m just happy to be a part of it.”