Industry Day at Grand River Raceway

Industry Day at Grand River Raceway will take on a fresh look on Monday, August 5, 2024. Following the track's expansion from a half-mile to a five-eighths-mile oval, numerous track records have been shattered. This year’s Battle of Waterloo, sponsored by Winbak Farm, will feature the newly established record-holders for two-year-old colts and geldings competing in the lucrative final.

The Battle of Waterloo, originally established in 1998 at Elmira Raceway and moved to Grand River Raceway in 2004, is a highlight of Industry Day, managed by the Grand River Agricultural Society. This event, along with the Battle of the Belles for two-year-old filly pacers, is a key attraction for Ontario-sired two-year-old pacers.

Two eliminations for the 2024 Battle of Waterloo and Battle of the Belles were held on July 29 at the Elora, Ont. track. 

The $175,200 Battle of the Belles (Race 10) and the $245,400 Battle of Waterloo (Race 11) headline an 11-race card that includes two Pick 5s. The early Pick 5, starting in Race 1, has a guaranteed pool of $10,000, while the “Super-Charged” late Pick 5 (Races 7-11) also offers a $10,000 guaranteed pool. This sequence features two Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots Legs for three-year-old male pacers (Races 7 and 8), the Button Up Preferred 2 (Race 9), the Battle of the Belles, and the Battle of Waterloo.

Additionally, there will be two Pick 4s: the early Pick 4 (Races 2-5) with a $5,000 guaranteed pool, and the late Pick 4 (Races 8-11) with a $7,500 guaranteed pool. The Battle of Waterloo will also include a Super Hi-5 wager with a guaranteed pool of $7,500. All wagers will feature a low 15 percent takeout.

This year marks the 35th anniversary of Industry Day, which includes an afternoon of live harness racing and family-friendly entertainment. The NEIGHbourhood Kids Area will offer face painting, inflatable axe-throwing, and other activities, while food trucks from Berlin 95, MegaCone Creamery, and more will provide a variety of dining options at the East Gate.