‘Beau,’ ‘Battles,’ and Bet Ontario Handicapping Contest increase buzz around Grand River Industry Day

by Matthew Lomon

After a historic 36th edition of its annual Industry Day in which multiple track records fell, Grand River Raceway is champing at the bit ahead of the 37th renewal of its hallmark event.

“There’s a buzz and commotion in the office while semi-new staff figure our way around everything and there’s excitement from regular patrons who started looking for programs even before the draw was completed,” raceway manager Christine Fairhall said.

“There’s chatter in the paddock among owners, trainers, drivers, and staff alike, all wondering what to expect, what’s going to happen – we’re eager to get things underway.”

Returning on its traditional first Monday in August slot (Aug. 3), the latest installment of Grand River’s signature race date features a loaded 12-race card, headlined by the Battle of Waterloo (presented by Winbak Farm), the Battle of the Belles, and an Ontario Sires Stakes Gold leg for 3-year-old pacing colts.

The $205,000 Battle of Waterloo and $165,000 Battle of the Belles will carry significant momentum into their 28th and 17th editions, respectively, after both bouts saw record-setting finishes last year.

Defending Horse of the Year Beau Jangles, who will face the gate in the $150,000 OSS Gold leg on Industry Day, stopped the clock in 1:51 to capture the 2025 Battle of Waterloo.

In the co-main event, first-crop Bulldog Hanover filly Daya reset the record books with a blistering 1:50.4 mile.

It’s those “where were you when” type of performances that have cemented Industry Day’s place among the premier race dates on the Ontario harness racing calendar, year after year.

“Grand River’s been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to host horses like Beau Jangles, Daya, and countless others in our marquee events,” Fairhall said. “Our goal is for Grand River to remain a place where drivers, trainers, and owners want to come and show off their pride and joy.”

With no eliminations this year, the field of nine Ontario-sired rookie pacers is already set for the Battle of Waterloo.

“We have an amazing group of 2-year-old colts who will be pushing hard to be the next name on the trophy base – not to mention getting their share of the $205,000 purse,” Fairhall said.

“There’s obviously so much history with this race that means so much to our racetrack and we can’t wait to see how the next chapter unfolds.”

On the flip side, there were two eliminations for the Battle of the Belles, both contested on July 27 at Grand River and both ending with a familiar face in the winner’s circle.

“This year’s group of Belles’ finalists should put on a good show with Bob McClure winning both eliminations with his horses,” Fairhall said. “I think fans will be watching closely to see who he chooses to race in the final.”

McClure, the regular reinsman on Beau Jangles, had his choice between 7-5 morning-line favorite Money Carlo and 9-5 second choice Jersey Bulldog, each convincing winners in their respective heats.

The Rockwood, ON-based reinsman ultimately opted for the latter.

The pair of Bulldog Hanover-sired fillies represent two of the nine entrants in the Battle of the Belles, which is sure to offer plenty of intriguing angles for horseplayers.

“From a wagering perspective, people always surprise me,” Fairhall said with a laugh. “They could keep the odds pretty level across the board, or they could choose a favorite like Money Carlo. But it’s a horse race, so anything can happen.”

The latter sentiment being one Fairhall knows well after watching her family’s horse Karma Seelster strike at 27-1 in the 2019 Battle of the Belles.

“Our family was very fortunate to be part of the Belles’ winning history,” she said. “Every filly from FBS Terror, who was the first Belles winner in 2009, to Daya setting a track record last year, proved worthy of competing on our signature card, and in doing so, stood out with the best Ontario has to offer.”

Steeped in Industry Day’s rich history as both a longtime employee and fan, Fairhall is no stranger to the aura around Grand River’s flagship showcase.

However, this year’s Industry Day, being her first as raceway manager, has a different ring to it.

“It’s a little more stressful,” Fairhall said with a laugh. “But I have full confidence in the people who work for us, sharing their passion to make the day as smooth, exciting, and memorable for everybody involved.”

To deliver that full-scale fan experience, Grand River is expanding its off-track offering with the help of Ontario Racing’s Kids’ Experience, which will be available in the NEIGHbourhood Kids Area.

“The OR Kids’ Experience gives our new and regular attendees something new to discover,” Fairhall said. “Our NEIGHbourhood staff will be available to observe and work within it, and possibly scope out some new ideas that we can add to our regular NEIGHbourhood area.”

Horseplayers also have something extra to look forward to with the Bet Ontario Handicapping Contest rolling into town on Industry Day.

“We’re the fourth leg of the contest, so I think that puts Grand River in a good spot because it’s already built some momentum and a bit of a following,” Fairhall said. “Plus, it’s getting closer to the finals, so for anybody competing at the track on Monday, it won’t seem like such a long wait to get there.”

The festivities continue at the Elora, ON oval with food trucks on site, a petting zoo, face painting, an outdoor play area for kids up to age 6, and a visit from Cleo the Clown.

Between a full slate of activities for the kids and a blockbuster card of racing worth more than $665,000 for racing fans and horseplayers, Grand River’s 37th Industry Day has all the makings of another classic.

“The level of excitement and the hustle and bustle in the paddock and on the tarmac makes for an incredible experience at the track,” Fairhall said. “Between everything moving on and off the track, fans can expect entertainment for both the young and the young at heart.”

Monday’s stakes action kicks off in race 10 with the OSS Gold division before giving way to the Battle of the Belles (race 11) and Battle of Waterloo (race 12).

First race post for the 37th Industry Day is 12:30 p.m. ET.