The Hands on Horses Program has toured South Western Ontario over the past two weekends. This past Sunday many young harness rascing fans appeared at Clinton Raceway for Kids Day and lined up for their chance to sit behind a racehorse.
The previous weekend saw the program make stops at Grand River Raceway, Hiawatha Horse Park and Leamington Raceway.
At all events patrons were offered the opportunity to take a ride around the racetrack between races.
As an added bonus fans at Hiawatha Horse Park had the opportunity to pose and take a picture in between races with our long time program horse Hollywood Ham.
Fans lined up for the unique opportunity for a picture with a racehorse.
Large crowds were in attendance as legendary race announcer Roger Huston was in the house to announce the evening's races.
Driver Mark Williams was thrilled to capture his 5,000th win on the card and have it announced by Roger. After the win Mark took the lines of one of the program horses and gave some happy fans a trip around the track.
The following afternoon Roger met up with Mark for a congratulatory photo at Leamington Raceway where he was announcing that tracks card of racing. Roger indicated that Leamington was the 139th racetrack that he has now announced at in his illustrious career.
As a special bonus Roger hopped in the jogger and gave Essex Mayor Ron McDermott a thrill as they toured the Leamington Oval together.
The weekend finished off with a hockey players challenge race between the Wheatley Omstead Sharks and the Leamington Flyers. The Wannadrive team assisted with outfitting the participants and providing the two seater joggers.
Special thanks to all of the trainers that provided the horse power for the event which was won by the Flyers Cale Phibbs in an exciting finish.
We look forward to offering this interactive experience to racing fans across the province. For your chance to participate check out the schedule at the website handsonhorsesprogram.com
Our next event will be August 27th at Georgian Downs.
To see photos of all of the events visit our facebook page here.