A bit of the new and the tried-and-true make for successful season at Leamington

by Matthew Lomon

Sunny skies and a lively crowd provided the backdrop for another successful season finale at Leamington Raceway.

On Sunday (Oct. 25), the half-mile oval bid farewell to its 2026 meet with an action-packed 10-race card of live harness racing, headlined by the $11,000 Lakeshore Cup, and a proud showing from its local supporters.

“It was pretty packed for the end of October,” said track announcer Nathan Bain. “The weather was perfect, which was nice since it hadn’t been all that good this year. We lost a day due to rain, and there were a few other days that we were able to race but the rain dampened them a bit, so it was good to close out on a high note.”

Talldarklatte, trained by Melissa Loyer and piloted by Lorne House, came flying home to capture the afternoon’s main event by a half-length, paying $3.90.

The spirited send-off served as a fitting end to a 12-race date campaign that saw a host of standout performances from both familiar and fresh faces.

“We saw a lot of new people racing at Leamington this year – a lot of new horses to familiarize ourselves with,” Bain said.

“I think a lot of people from Rideau Carleton were going to tracks like Grand River and Flamboro, and it brought other people that were already down this way to Leamington more often than before.”

YS Delight, a veteran of the Ontario B-circuit claiming ranks, made an immediate impression in his first-ever visit to Leamington, setting a new 1:55.3 track record for older pacing stallions in a $6,800 conditioned optional claiming pace on opening day (Aug. 9).

The 9-year-old bay, owned and trained by Garry MacDonald, won his only other start at the Southwestern Ontario track on Sept. 6.

“Having a horse like him around really bumps up the caliber of racing in that particular class,” Bain said. “I think the fans like to see these new horses coming in and out.”

Local favorites also enjoyed their fair share of the spotlight this past season.

Chief Of Staff, who made eight starts during Leamington’s latest showcase, celebrated a special Sept. 6 of his own, equaling the track record for older pacers.

The four-length victory in 1:54.4 tied the mark set by Beavercreek Artist on Sept. 16, 2018. The sires of both Chief Of Staff (Art Major) and Beavercreek Artist (Artiscape) are sons of Artsplace.

“We got to see Chief Of Staff pretty well every week, and he ranks up there as one of the most consistent horses all season at Leamington,” Bain said.

The boost to Leamington’s already established pool of talent manifested itself in the drivers’ standings, which included six reinsmen with double-digit victories.

“The driver race was very interesting,” Bain said. “We had some more drivers come down this year, including guys like Aidan Dicks, as well as Lorne House, who had a bit of luck. Alex Lilley and Rob Doyle both had strong meets. Of course, Garrett [Rooney] is always in the mix, Scott Wray, too.

“It made for a great competition.”

Lilley’s time at Leamington was especially memorable, as the seasoned pilot reached the 1,000-career win mark on Sept. 13.

The Dutton, ON-based driver visited the winner’s circle four times that day and was honored with a commemorative sign and plaque presentation afterwards.

The overall driving title went to Nick Steward, who topped the leaderboard with 19 victories. He delivered all 16 wins for conditioner Cameron McQueen, who brought home his third straight Leamington training title.

“Nick really took off this year, and he’s driving very confidently right now, and that goes a long way in your driving,” Bain said. “Nick always seems to like driving at Leamington, and I think that really showed.

“He and Cameron teamed up this year. Obviously, Cameron has won the last couple of training titles, and he gave a lot of drives to Nick. Those two seemed to really click.”

Another driver-and-trainer team, in Doyle and Darryl Laver, both top five and top 10 in their respective standings this past season, made waves of their own on Aug. 23.

Doyle drove five winners on the 11-race program, including two for Laver, who went a perfect three-for-three at Leamington, with an additional two tallies at Clinton Raceway, to finish five-for-five on the day overall.

“You’ll see those two team up at places like London, Sarnia, and Dresden, as well,” Bain said. “They’ve been working together for the last couple of years, and Rob seems to get most of Laver’s drives. That was a special day for those two and one I’m sure neither will forget.”

Bain, the voice behind every highlight at Leamington, had the opportunity to call one of his own, also on Aug. 23.

From his perch in the race caller’s booth, Bain narrated his homebred pacer Cloudys Boy’s first career victory – a two-length triumph with Scott Wray in the race bike.

While he kept his composure for the most part, he may have just slightly tipped his hand.

“He’s the first homebred I got to the track, so getting to call his first win was quite special, and I think it showed in the excitement of my voice,” Bain said with a laugh.

“A lot of people picked up on that, but that was pretty cool, especially when you train the horse down all winter yourself and get him ready to race, and you’re there from day one. It’s something I’ll never forget.”

Several other notable happenings graced Leamington in 2026, including the return of an event Bain holds near and dear.

“Kids Day has always been huge for me,” he said. “Getting to call the Young Guns race, which gives kids the chance to get a feel for the industry, it’s something we need to do more of collectively. We need to take chances on young people and give them opportunities because without our youth, there is no future.

“Honestly, just getting kids out to the track with a bike draw or face painting and giving them that experience is incredibly important. Even if just one or two out of the hundreds that come catch the bug, that makes a pretty big impact.”

Fostering an immersive and engaging on-track environment has long been top of mind for Bain, who believes Leamington delivered in that regard this past season.

“Our biggest success was getting people to the track,” he said. “People are going to fall in love with the sport by being there in person and feeling the experience. Seeing the big crowds is something that’s so special. That was especially the case on Wiener Dog Day, which brought in about 2,000 people.

“We ran out of parking, which is quite impressive. I couldn’t even hear myself announce with all the cheering. Getting to feed off that makes my job and the atmosphere a lot more fun for everyone involved.”

As for what he’d like to see improve in 2027, an increase in handle is on the short list. The track held steady in that category in 2026, but improvements are always welcome.

From Bain’s perspective, the path forward means embracing new opportunities while preserving the community spirit that has sustained Leamington racing for more than 120 years.

“The biggest thing is pushing for the next generation and making it a family experience, which is what it’s all about,” Bain said. “We see so many families racing at Leamington, and that’s what makes it so special.”