Fairhall reflects on first year in charge at Grand River

by Matthew Lomon

September 16 wasn’t your average Wednesday at Grand River Raceway.

“Our last day was a Wednesday, which is not always our busiest day, but it was really well attended,” said Raceway manager Christine Fairhall. “The tarmac looked great, and patio parties were pretty much maxed out. We had almost 200 people on site that pre-booked for patio parties, so that definitely helped with the energy.

“We even had one group show up all decked out as if they were headed to the [Kentucky] Derby. That seemed to be a common theme this year – people dressing up and making it more of an event than just an evening out.”

The Elora, ON oval bid farewell to its first live harness racing season under Fairhall’s leadership with an action-packed 10-race card, half of which was dedicated to Ontario Sires Stakes Prospect Series competition.

“We’re always excited to host OSS in any form,” said Fairhall, the granddaughter of Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Famer Keith Waples.

“While the general public doesn’t always understand the difference between the different divisions, the title can make it something both regular and new bettors pay more attention to, which is great.”

No further explanation was required for Grand River’s marquee race date, Industry Day, which returned with its usual fanfare and enthusiasm for its 37th instalment on Aug. 3.

“Energy and excitement follow Industry Day each year, and we’re happy it has the great following it does,” Fairhall said. “We had many new faces and young families out for the experience.”

The mix of fresh and familiar faces was not only encouraging, but a testament to Grand River’s emphasis on making the racetrack a welcoming destination for fans of all ages and experience levels.

“Whether, it started with them coming out for the family-based activities and then getting wrapped into the horses and watching the races, or them coming for the races and then getting wrapped up in the family-based stuff, too – it was great to have everything working together,” Fairhall said.

Horseplayers also had their time in the spotlight through the Bet Ontario Handicapping Contest.

The traveling, in-person wagering contest held its fourth leg on Industry Day, with all roads leading to Woodbine Mohawk Park for the championship on Saturday (Oct. 10).

“It was pretty well attended when they were here for Industry Day and our regulars seem to enjoy it,” Fairhall said. “Hopefully, some of them will be on their way to the finals.”

Fairhall, having been a member of the Grand River team for more than a decade before assuming the role of raceway manager, is no stranger to Industry Day festivities.

This one, however, took on a different feel from her new vantage point.

“Being my first Industry Day in charge, it was a bit nerve-wracking, but the staff here, they know their stuff,” she said. “They manage all their departments smoothly with nothing less than professionalism, as they always do. They did an awesome job.

“I just bobbed in and out wherever they needed help.”

It was an equally eventful Industry Day on the track, with each of the program’s three main events sparing no drama.

The headliner, the $205,000 Battle of Waterloo, saw a pylon violation by the 1-2 favorite C Script result in 5-2 second choice Gogo Gadget being elevated to first.

While not an easy decision, it was one that needed to be made.

“It’s unfortunate, but the rules are the rules, and when you’re looking at a purse like that, we need to follow them the best we can,” Fairhall said.

A different kind of drama defined the five-eighths-mile oval’s co-main event, the $165,000 Battle of the Belles, which staged a dominant showing from the John Pentland-trained Jersey Bulldog.

“John said their connections couldn’t be happier,” said Fairhall, relaying what Pentland told Cujo Entertainment after the 7¾-length triumph.

“They were happy that Bob [driver Bob McClure] chose Jersey Bulldog to steer for the race. They said it was a terrific win for the village that it has taken to get Jersey Bulldog to the winner’s circle, and hopefully many more to come.”

Pentland’s memorable afternoon was punctuated by a historic effort from Redland Rocket Man, who at 15-1, set a Canadian, OSS, and Grand River track record in the $150,000 OSS Gold leg three event for sophomore pacing colts.

“It was amazing, to say the least,” Fairhall said of the victory in 1:48.2. “With so many eyes already on us, it was the perfect time for that to happen and put us in the spotlight even more.”

Outside of a memory-laden Industry Day, the season that was provided a wealth of standout moments, including two “behind-the-scenes” stories that struck a chord with Fairhall.

The first, as the multi-generational horsewoman described, had a two-pronged effect.

“Due to the new claiming procedure, we have a staff member stand with the claim right after the race until it’s vet checked, and the new connections take over,” Fairhall said. “It gave me a great chance to meet people. While you’re there for half an hour, you can talk to people, get their opinions and their insights.”

She also spent a fair amount of time with a popular claimer, Victor Invictus.

“Early in the season we had one horse who was claimed just about every week,” Fairhall said. “It became a bit of a running inside joke that my buddy ‘Victor’ was on the card, so I’d likely be spending some time with him that day.”

Special occasion number two came courtesy of driver Jason Ryan’s daughter Abby, a racetrack regular who was always keen to lend a helping hand.

“On Harness the Hope Day, we ran a mini beanbag toss fundraiser competition in the paddock,” Fairhall said. “Abby was there helping that night, helping us raise some money, and honestly, just seeing her excitement to give that donation on behalf of the paddock attendees and participants to the Harness the Hope staff was incredible.”

Just days removed from closing the book on her first chapter as raceway manager, Fairhall has already begun to reflect on what the change of scenery has meant for her, both personally and professionally.

“Even though I already had a clue that my time management skills need a little bit of polishing up, I had a wonderful season getting to know the staff outside of the mutuels department, where I had been for the last umpteen years.

“I really enjoy being out amongst the staff, the horsepeople, and the guests trying to support and help out, which left me sitting behind a desk playing catch up till the wee hours of the morning, but I appreciate the feedback from the people that are here. I’ll do all I can, but I need to realize that I do have limitations and accepting them is something that I need to work on as well.”

She credited the Grand River staff, and their “positive attitude and reliability,” for helping ease the transition.

“Our team is here because they want to be here, and they take pride in their work,” Fairhall said. “They do everything they can to make Grand River a place where people want to race and come for entertainment.”

Fairhall’s managerial debut was one characterized by humility and hard work, two qualities that drove her ambition to make Grand River’s guests feel like the staff was doing everything in its power to provide a positive experience.

As far as delivering on that goal, Fairhall, while proud of what was accomplished in 2026, needn’t be reminded there’s always more work to be done.

“I think for the most part we were able to achieve that goal, but like anywhere else, we definitely have room for improvement,” she said. “Over the winter, we plan to take suggestions from staff, attendees, and guest experience support to try and solve some of the issues that were brought up, as well as build on the great foundation that already is in place.”