Clinton Raceway is ready to kick off a historic season
by Matthew Lomon
Anticipation is in the air ahead of what’s poised to be one of Clinton Raceway’s most ambitious and unforgettable seasons in recent memory.
The prospect of shaping such a momentous chapter, as long-time marketing manager Jessica Carnochan noted, is one the half-mile oval’s savvy staff has embraced with open arms.
“Things are going well,” Carnochan said. “When you’re a seasoned professional with a great team it takes the edge off. I love the excitement that surrounds opening day – the grounds are buzzing with last minute preparations, and everyone is excited to see live racing return.”
The 14-week live harness racing program first leaves the gate Sunday (May 31), with Carnochan expecting another enthusiastic turnout driven by the loyal faces who have made Clinton Raceway the soul of southwestern Ontario summers.
“We’ve always had such a great connection to our community, both in Clinton and all of the surrounding communities within Huron County and beyond,” she said. “Hosting the opening day fundraiser for the local public high school [Central Huron Secondary School] really gets everyone involved, from teachers, students, support staff, and families.
“We’ve worked hard to build a program that gives back, and all of our fans are so supportive of each week’s initiatives. Our roots in Clinton run deep, and I personally love hearing the stories of families who grew up coming to the track. I hope we can make that tradition one that carries on through future generations.”
Clinton’s opening day program is in part an ode to the community, replete with fan appreciation initiatives and giveaways.
The list includes Clinton Raceway sunglasses for the first 500 fans, the chance to win two general admission weekend tickets to the Hayloft Music Festival in Listowel, and a Backyard Nights prize package, containing a custom fire pit, two Adirondack chairs, a Yeti cooler and tumblers, and a $100 food basket from Pineridge BBQ Co.
Also on the docket Sunday is the Central Huron Secondary School fundraiser, featuring a bake sale, 50/50 raffle, silent auction, and trackside barbecue, as well as a visit from the Bill Galvin Racing Alliance and their Virtual Reality Drive to Win experience.
With a unique theme each Sunday afternoon, there’s never a dull weekend during the Clinton racing season.
The upcoming campaign will summon the return of countless fan favorites, including Kids Day (July 12), the 11th annual Vic Hayter Memorial Trot (July 19), and Wiener Dog Day, which will coincide with the Ladies Day Champagne and Charcuterie event on Aug. 2.
There is, however, a recent addition that Carnochan also has circled.
“Something new and noteworthy that everyone should attend is our Touch-A-Truck event happening on Father’s Day, Sunday (June 21),” she said.
“Last season was the first time we hosted this, and it was a huge success. It was one of our top days in food and beverage sales and on the wagering side as well. We filled our parking lot with lots of large equipment from cranes to backhoes and fire trucks for the kids to climb on and explore.”
The latest popular offering imagineered by Carnochan and Co. is one of several attractions setting the table for July 26 – the day the National Driving Championship (NDC) comes to town.
Four reinsmen have already punched their ticket to the first NDC ever held at Clinton Raceway: Tyler Borth (Ontario; first), Jody Jamieson (Ontario; second), Phil Giesbrecht (Western Region; first), and Kelly Hoerdt (Western Region; second).
That sizzling summer Sunday will also coincide with the 25th Anniversary of Clinton’s flagship biennial event, Legends Day, and a celebration honoring the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame.
Rolling into such an action-packed campaign at full steam is a luxury that Clinton did not have last season after a harsh winter slowed several projects around the facility, particularly the new 400-seat grandstand.
“Admittedly, last year was a little off, just with the delayed start and certain things not being completed,” Carnochan said. “This year, we are good to go from day one, and it will feel good.
“Having one season under our belt with the new facility also helps. All the little things that weren’t completed are finished. While yes, the footprint is smaller, it’s so nice to be able to offer the accessibility that we were lacking with the older grandstand structure.”
Having already found their stride, Clinton will also be expanding its presence to non-race days.
“We’re going to start holding the occasional event outside of live racing, starting with a watch and wager event for the Pepsi NA Cup on June 13,” Carnochan said. “On that day, fans that can’t make it to Woodbine Mohawk Park can come and watch on the big screen complete with food and beverage service.”
With more days than ever to spend at the track, the Clinton faithful, which includes Carnochan, will have the chance to grow an even tighter-knit community around the sport.
“It’s not a secret that I love it here,” Carnochan said, adding with a laugh, “I mean, I tried to retire and look how that went. Honestly, I look forward to seeing our fans the most. We have the most loyal and appreciative customer base. They are always so happy to be back, and that makes me happy. The buzz and excitement of a Sunday morning, getting all of the pieces ready to put on a show, it’s really such a fun thing to be a part of.”
Same goes for the folks on the payroll.
“The team here is really great to work with too – that helps,” Carnochan said. “It doesn’t often seem like work on a Sunday, even though there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes — and even the execution on a race day — the atmosphere is just so much fun on a Sunday, it’s hard to think of it as work. It’s just fingers crossed for good weather.”
Patrons of Clinton this summer can also expect a handful of upgrades around the premises.
“We have more patio seating with additional high-top chairs and picnic tables,” Carnochan said. “The fencing and grassy area outside the pavilion is now done and that will serve as the Patio Party area, with the occasional live music performance and we have some lawn games too.”
On the concessions side, the drink menu will feature new beer options from Cowbell Brewing Co., based out of Blyth, ON, as well as a sugar-free selection in the Triple Bogey Fairway Fizz vodka cocktail.
Staring down what has all the makings of a historic year, Carnochan isn’t stressing over the expectations that come with it.
Instead, her focus, along with that of her team, remains where it’s always been.
“I’d like to see the success of our weekly fundraisers exceed our past numbers,” she said. “It can be difficult in this day and age to raise money, and we enjoy helping our local groups and clubs anyway that we can.”
Grounded in a community-first tradition, Clinton Raceway is more than ready to meet its greatest challenge head-on.
“It’s going to be a big year with hosting the NDC,” Carnochan said. “Putting Clinton on a National stage is a lot of pressure, but like I’ve said, we know what we’re doing here and are confident in putting on the best show that little ol’ Clinton is capable of.
“I hope that fans from all over continue to recognize the efforts that we put on to ensure not only a great fan experience, but a great racing product as well.”
