Local trainer Don Lindsey will be hoping to make a couple of trips to Grand River Raceway's winner's circle with his Ontario Sires Stakes sophomore trotters on Friday evening (June 3) when the harness racing season opens in Elora, Ont.
Fourteen races have been carded for the Friday season opener at Grand River Raceway. The $176,300 card is headlined by five $21,000+ Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots divisions for three-year-old trotting colts.
“I don’t think we have ever run 14 races on a night here,” said Jamie Martin, Raceway Manager for Grand River Raceway. “So, we didn’t plan for this, but we have experienced staff, and we’ll get through it. It’s just good to get started on time, which we haven’t done in a couple of years.”
In addition to the Grassroots races, there are nine Prospect Series divisions for three-year-olds, which Grand River stepped up to host after earlier cancellations.
Local content will be featured on the card, with trainer Don Lindsey and owner Paul Lindsey, both residents of Fergus, Ont., entering two Grassroots starters.
Royaltys Rocket, Lindsey’s first starter, won last time out at The Raceway at the Western Fair District on May 16.
“He came back well this season, after being ready a bit late last year,” said Lindsey. “He’s a very honest horse. He tries hard. He’s game and he leaves it all on the racetrack. So, he is a very likable horse in that aspect.”
The son of Royalty For Life posted a 3-0-1 record in seven starts last season. Dave Boughton will get the drive from the seven post in the second race as Royaltys Rocket makes his OSS debut.
Lindsey’s second horse of the evening is Come Home For Life, also son of Royalty For Life. He broke his maiden in a leg of the City of London Series on May 13 and finished fourth in the final on May 27 at The Raceway at the Western Fair District.
“He raced really good in London last Friday,” said Lindsey. “He’s still a green horse and learning how to race, so this will be a big step for him in his development. I hope he meets it.”
Boughton will drive the gelding, who has the rail post position in the eighth race.
Friday’s forecast is calling for temperatures in the 20s and sunny skies, making for a highly anticipated Opening Night.
“I always get asked as soon as spring hits, ‘When does Grand River open? When will you be racing?’” said Lindsey. “It’s a big cross section of people in the community who enjoy attending the races here. They do a great job of providing entertainment.”
Grand River Raceway will host OSS and Prospect Series action 13 more times this season, including Industry Day, its signature event, on August 1.
“[Industry Day] is a big Ontario Sires Stakes event and has the Battle of Waterloo for two-year-old pacing colts,” said Martin. “We’re looking forward to having the horsepeople and the customers back on track for an exciting season.”
To view Friday's harness racing entries, click on the following link: Friday Entries - Grand River Raceway.
(With files from Ontario Racing)