The Raceway at Western Fair Is Pumped Up For The New Season

A signature night at The Raceway (Claus Andersen Photo)

by Matthew Lomon

In the horse business, the term “offseason” can be a little misleading, as the time between the season that was and the season ahead is filled with plenty to keep busy.

That rang especially true for the folks at The Raceway at Western Fair, who, after closing the books on the half-mile oval’s Spring meet on May 29, wasted little time preparing for the return of live harness racing on Friday (Oct. 2).

“Our team had a good off-season, but it goes by quickly,” said Greg Blanchard, director of equine programming at Western Fair District.

“You’re trying to find a little time off in the summer, but in the meantime, you’re cleaning up things from the past season while starting to look ahead and get some planning done in preparation for the next season.”

The lengthy offseason to-do list included tackling various capital projects, maintaining the Western Fair Association’s Dorchester Downs Training Centre, and coordinating the upcoming London Classic Yearling Sale, running Oct. 13-14 with viewing beginning on Oct. 12.

“We certainly don’t pack up our bags and go away for two months,” Blanchard said. “We want our team to enjoy their summer, get some time off, and recharge the batteries, but it’s always exciting when the racing season is on the horizon.”

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