Summer starts early in Ontario as Grand River opens Wednesday

The Elora track is pulling out all the stops to keep their healthy handle momentum.

by Matthew Lomon

The first day of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, astronomically speaking, is Friday, June 20.

The first day of summer in Elora, Ontario, culturally speaking, is Wednesday, June 4 – otherwise known as opening day at Grand River Raceway.

“When Grand River opens that means summertime’s coming,” said Jenna MacDonell ahead of her second season as raceway manager. “Everybody is looking forward to opening day and getting out of that cold, winter grind. We do so much prep getting ready for the season.

“At this point, I’m ready for it… let’s go.”

While the eager MacDonell, with the support of her racing team, is still ironing out some of the final details, she added the ship is sailing much steadier in the leadup to the 2025 season than it was in 2024.

At this time last year, the western Ontario oval was gearing up for its first campaign as a five-eighths mile track, following the successful extension of its racing surface.

Prior to the redesign, Grand River had operated as a half-mile track for the entirety of its 20-plus-year existence.

The revamped racing surface received rave reviews from horse people and horseplayers in its inaugural showing, resulting in a new overall handle record of $13,933,212, and a much more soothing prelude to the 2025 renewal.  

“The key was seeing how it would hold over the winter, but so far it looks good,” told MacDonell. “We’ve had horses out training since the beginning of May, and it’s a lot more seamless this year now that everything was about up and rolling compared to last year.

“Hopefully, we can glide into opening day with no major issues and set the tone for another memorable season.”

Achieving a “healthy handle,” as MacDonell put it, was especially meaningful given the emerging challenges surrounding handle health at tracks around the province.

“I was happy because it was a tough year where we saw a bit of a decline in handle everywhere, but we maintained. That was really my goal for last year and I think that will be my goal continuing into this year.

“It’s tough out there. There’s a lot of competition but we have an excellent product, and I think that shines through.”

Alongside gunning for another strong wagering output in 2025, MacDonell and co. remain intent on delivering a premium experience for track-goers.

Grand River, in pursuit of that overarching goal, has planned several new and returning events tailored for fans of all ages and backgrounds.

One of the fresh additions to the track’s summer schedule is an activities and racehorse education center for kids, known as the NEIGHbourhood.

Running on Friday nights in June and September (eight total, four nights each month), the dedicated kid-friendly space is an extension of the track’s successful NEIGHbourhood program.

In the Tarmac Tent, guests will be treated to a virtual reality horse racing experience courtesy of the Bill Galvin Racing Alliance, arts and crafts, coloring books, interactive educational stations to learn more about horses and Standardbred racing, and a visit from Grandy, the mascot at Grand River Raceway.

“In the NEIGHbourhood tent, kids can learn about racehorses, for example, what they eat and what a day in the life of a racehorse looks like, as well as enjoy a variety of fun activities.

“We’re really trying to give the younger crowd and families a nice night out and make them want to come back.”

In July and August, the tent space will remain open on all three race nights during the week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday).

Also coming to Grand River across its four-month, 48-race date season, is the return of the fan-favorite wiener dog races on July 4.

MacDonell, who said over 30 dogs have already registered for the event, noted that tickets for VIP seating in the Captain’s Quarters restaurant overlooking the racetrack are also on sale.

Spicing up the return of the dachshunds is a shift in that particular race night’s menu from picnic boxes to a buffet.

The Captain’s Quarters buffet will be available once more in 2025, returning August 4 for Grand River’s hallmark race day, Industry Day (12:30 p.m. post time).

The Harness the Hope breast cancer research, support, and awareness fundraiser will also make its way back to Grand River on August 15.

During last year’s event, the Raceway raised $25,000.

“We’ll have our big pink patio party that we had last year. Harness the Hope is very popular and it’s near and dear to our hearts.”

One last can’t-miss addition landing at Grand River in 2025 is a brand-new wood fire pizza oven.

The timeline for its debut is still working itself out, but MacDonell added it is coming soon.

The early returns, she said, have been promising.

“I’ve been very involved in the whole menu taste testing,” laughed MacDonell. “Our chef, he’s a pizza guy, I’m a pizza girl, and we are very excited to roll this out.”

Between the new culinary lineup, NEIGHbourhood tent, and return of perennial favorites like Industry Day, Harness the Hope, and Wiener Dog night, Grand River is pulling out all the stops in 2025.

That versatility complements the track’s three-night-a-week schedule, which yields a different crowd every night.

Mondays and Wednesdays, MacDonell said, belong to the regulars. Fridays are made for families.

Each race night brings something unique to the table.

“I’m a big fan of our schedule. Friday night, we have a lot of families that will come out, and it’s very busy on track. Usually, it’s hard to find a spot to sit because it’s poppin’, especially when you get a beautiful night.

“Wednesday night, we don’t have to compete with Mohawk – that’s typically our best night when it comes to the handle. Most importantly, though, we have a great card of racing every night.”

Something she has seen through different lenses throughout the years, from fan to supporter, and now, manager.

“Year after year, it’s about building on what’s already been here, and it’s been a pleasure. It’s going to be a fun summer.”

First race post for opening day is 6:20 p.m. ET.