The Raceway at Western Fair District ended its season on a high note this past Friday night (May 31) with a large and boisterous crowd on hand for the second edition of the Camluck Classic Invitational Pace.
The Wall and driver Joe Bongiorno posted an upset win in the $157,000 event during a program that also featured four City of London Series finals and seven Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots divisions for three-year-old filly pacers.
The program, which had been held on a Saturday night last year, was moved back to its traditional Friday night time slot this season and customers responded in a big way. The total handle for the 12-race card was up 32 per cent over last year, while on-track wagering increased a by a healthy 31 per cent over the 2018 edition despite two scratches which reduced the main event to a field of six.
“You could feel the buzz on track,” said WFD Director of Racing Greg Blanchard. “Switching back to our traditional time slot was certainly the right decision and I got the sense all night that customers were really having a good time. The racing was excellent – very competitive – and having top notch local entertainment really added to the evening as well.”
A number of valued sponsors helped make the night possible, including title sponsor, Seelster Farms – the home of the late, great Camluck for more than 20 years. The Central Ontario Standardbred Association (COSA) sponsored the Facebook Live broadcast as well as complimentary pizza in the paddock for all racing participants while longtime partner Molson sponsored the Party On The Patio.
“We truly value these partnerships and look forward to continuing our relationship in the coming years,” said Blanchard. “You simply can’t put on a night like this without their support and we really appreciate it.”
Joe Bongiorno and The Wall, pictured capturing the Camluck Classic on May 31, 2019.
The Raceway at Western Fair District is now dark until early October, but planning is already well underway for the fall season.
Fans will notice some exciting changes when racing returns. One of the most significant will be a major upgrade to the broadcast production, which will be produced in HD and include a completely revamped graphics package.
The return in October will be highlighted by signature events such as the Veteran’s Classic and Harness The Hope. Stay up to date on everything happening at The Raceway by visiting westernfairdistrict.com.
(The Raceway at Western Fair District)