Dresden Raceway set to open on Sunday

by Matthew Lomon

Spring appears to (finally) be in swing and that means the return of live harness racing to Ontario’s Little Saratoga, Dresden Raceway.

The charming half-mile track is still beaming from the thrill of its most recent campaign, which served as a two-month-and-10-day ode to 150 years of horse racing in the idyllic southwestern Ontario town.

“The racing was great all year long,” said track announcer Nathan Bain. “There are a lot of tracks going on Sundays, but we still had our fair share of drivers and horsepeople. It’s always an action-packed race at Dresden when you have horses leaving out of the gate pretty fast – that’s how you have to race on those small tracks. Everyone wants to get to the front and everyone’s out moving.”

For Bain, who is entering his fourth season as Dresden’s full-time race caller, that unique style of racing isn’t something that can be recreated everywhere.

“It’s very different compared to tracks like Mohawk,” he said. “We have people up moving at the quarter and they get bunched up and it makes it more exciting for a race caller like myself. There’s lots of action at Dresden.”

On Sunday (May 24), that distinctive on-track drama will be back in the spotlight on the first of 10 race dates coming to Dresden this season.

Ahead of opening day, which will kick off with celebratory introductions and a few words from local leaders, Bain is balancing relishing it while preparing for the moment.

“It’s sure crazy that this is year four for me,” he said. “I don’t really think about how long I’ve been in it, but I’ve been here for so long and at Leamington [Raceway] since 2020.

“There was one day back in February where I announced in London [The Raceway at Western Fair District], but it takes a couple days to get back into the groove and the rhythm of things… the time’s really flown by.”

The now veteran voice of Dresden Raceway doesn’t expect to be the only one finding their footing on opening day.

“Obviously, it’s an adjustment once the summer months come, especially for people that race at Western Fair and Flamboro [Downs], and with everyone going their own way,” Bain said. “But it’s also a lot of curiosity to see which drivers and horses are going to come.

“No matter what, it’s going to be nice weather and it’s a fun atmosphere to be racing in the afternoon, too, so I think people look forward to that.”

The upcoming meet will mark the return of several fan-favorite race days, including Derby Hat Day on May 31, Veterans Day (June 7), which also coincides with the start of the Little Saratoga Pacing Series, Little Green Jug Day (June 14), the ever-popular Father’s Day (June 21) and Harness the Hope (July 12) celebrations, and Kids Day (July 19), filled with giveaways and activities for the next generation of racing fans.

Also coming back this year is the Inside Harness Pick’em contest, which will award a $100 prize to the winner.

Dresden’s 2026 program will come to a close on Aug. 3, continuing the longstanding tradition of bidding the racing season farewell on the Civic Holiday.

As history has shown, the grand send-off, punctuated by the track’s year-end staple, Black Heritage Day, is simply a can’t-miss.

“That’s the day we go up against Industry Day [at Grand River Raceway], but it’s also the day we always see the biggest crowd of the year,” Bain said. “There’s a lineup right out the door of people betting. The holiday Monday is a huge day at Dresden, it’s been a tradition for many years.

“It’s always the highest handle of the year, even going up against Industry Day, but it seems to feed off it.”

With just 10 race dates from opening to closing day, the folks who power Dresden Raceway take pride in delivering their devoted fanbase a memorable experience each time out.

“We have such few race days, so we have to maximize every week, as you want to keep the on-track presence there,” Bain said. “It’s nice to watch from home, but you get attached to the sport by seeing the horses compete on the track and having a great afternoon. That’s what we want for our fans.”

While still awaiting confirmation on the complete list of names, Dresden’s on-track product will be up to its usual high standards, driven by the likes of reinsman Garrett Rooney, Scott Wray, Donald Rankin, Jr., and Robert Doyle.

Currently the leading driver at Western Fair, Rooney paced Dresden’s driver colony in 2025 with 37 wins, 21 seconds, 15 thirds and over $144,000 in total prizes.

Doyle (13 wins) and Rankin (12 wins) finished two-three, while Wray accumulated the fourth-highest earnings total ($35,104) from five trips to the winner’s circle.

What’s also interesting, noted Bain, is that with Georgian Downs no longer racing on Sundays, more drivers may be in play at Dresden, as well as Clinton Raceway.

But, as he continued, the totality of Dresden’s driving colony will remain fluid throughout the season.

“It’ll likely change a bit week-to-week,” he said. “Some days, for example the [Ontario Sires Stakes] Prospect Series will bring in more drivers, in addition to the regulars. There’s definitely a lot to keep an eye on in that sense.”

Something that is already solidified, however, is the unwavering loyalty of the community of 2,400.

“A lot of people will set up their lawn chairs in the exact same spot every week – they’re familiar with Dresden and where they like to go,” Bain said.

“They like talking to the other people that are here on a weekly basis and following the horses and the drivers. Some people have their favorite drivers, favorite horses, so I think it gives our fans something to look forward to.”

For Bain and the team at Dresden Raceway, a successful 2026 will see those familiar faces, along with a handful of new ones, front and center every Sunday for 10 weeks.

An increase in handle wouldn’t hurt, either.

“We’re getting into times where your handle is going to matter, so I’d love to see that up a bit from last year,” Bain said.

In between a strong attendance record and healthy handle lies Dresden’s lively on-track product, built on the heart and soul of the people behind it.

“My booth is way up above and you can see the crowd, and a lot of times I can’t hear myself over the fans screaming,” Bain said. “I think that’s what we need more of in racing, making it a fun atmosphere for people to go. This year we’re really leaning into that experience for the fans.”