Western Fair: New season set to kick off on October 2

The Raceway at Western Fair District is set to welcome horseplayers, horsepeople, and fans back to live harness racing on Friday, October 2, 2026, signaling the start of an exciting 2026-27 season highlighted by significantly increased purses, enhanced wagering opportunities and a full calendar of special events.

The upcoming meet will see one of the largest purse increases in recent years, with daily purses projected to average more than C$100,000. In addition, the track’s two signature races – The Camluck Classic Invitational Pace and the newly minted So Much More for older female pacers – will feature bolstered purses in 2026. The Grade 3 Camluck will be increased from C$150,000 to C$200,000 while the So Much More (formerly the Forest City Pace) will be bumped from C$50,000 to C$100,000.

"There is plenty of optimism and excitement in the air as we get ready for the upcoming meet and our entire team can’t wait to get going," said Greg Blanchard, Director of Equine Programming at Western Fair District. "A major purse hike like this gives our local horse people a tremendous boost and creates a climate that will attract more horses leading to fuller, more competitive fields for our horseplayers. I expect it to have a positive impact on the London Classic Yearling Sale in October as well.”

Enhanced Wagering Opportunities

Building on an already attractive wagering menu, The Raceway has made significant enhancements to its popular Pick-3 offerings.

Beginning October 2, the minimum wager on both daily Pick-3 pools will increase from .20 cents to $2, creating greater value and larger payout opportunities for horseplayers. The late Pick-3 has also been reimagined and rebranded as “The Closer" featuring a $2,000 guaranteed pool every race night, providing bettors with an exciting new wagering feature to end each program.

Fan Experience

Fans returning to The Raceway this fall will notice continued improvements to the first-floor racing level, including a new Wall of Champions display prominently located near the main floor entrance from the lobby. The new installation celebrates the rich history of racing excellence at Western Fair and further enhances the venue's racing atmosphere.

New patio picnic tables and heaters will provide fans with an improved guest experience on the patio this Fall while the first-floor simulcast area will also undergo cosmetic enhancements.

Busy Fall Schedule Features Signature Events

October will once again showcase some of the season's most anticipated events, including the 21st edition of Harness the Hope, one of the industry's premier community-driven fundraising initiatives.

Fans can also look forward to twice monthly editions of the popular Trifecta Tuesday promotion, including a special event on October 13 held in conjunction with the London Classic Yearling Sale.

The holiday season will be highlighted by the 7th annual Drivers' Holiday Challenge, taking place on Tuesday, December 8 in support of Toys for Tots.

There will also be some special race dates during the season including:

Thursday, November 26 – American Thanksgiving Race Program

Wednesday, December 23 – Holiday Race Program

Saturday, December 26 – Boxing Day Racing

Thursday, December 31 – New Year's Eve Racing

Close Driver And Trainer Races

As the Fall season gets underway, the battle for top driver honors is shaping up as another close race. Austin Sorrie will take a narrow lead into the new meet with 109 victories, just six ahead of Garret Rooney who remains firmly within striking distance with 103 wins and has proven throughout the season that he can put together hot stretches at any time. Adding even more intrigue to the race is Ohio native Brady Galliers, whose first full season of driving at The Raceway has been nothing short of impressive. Galliers sits third with 88 wins and continues to build momentum as he chases the more established leaders.

The competition among trainers is equally compelling heading into the Fall campaign. Veteran horseman Gerard Demers leads the way with 39 wins and will look to maintain his position atop the standings as the meet progresses. However, Cam McQueen is poised to make a strong challenge with 31 victories, while Jodie Cullen remains well within range at 29 wins.

Weekly Race/Qualifying Schedule

The Raceway at Western Fair District will offer live harness racing every Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, with a 5:50 p.m. post time throughout the regular season.

A note to horse people that qualifiers will shift to Wednesdays this season and the track will be open for training on those days at 8 a.m. with the qualifying races beginning at 10 a.m.

For racing schedules, promotions, entries, and event information, visit www.westernfairdistrict.com and follow The Raceway on social media.

-edited release (The Raceway at Western Fair)