The Ontario Harness Racing youth camp will run four days at Grand River Raceway here from July 22 to 25.
Eight children ages 10 to 13 will be selected to participate in the free program, which is held at racetracks throughout the province as part of the harness racing industry’s ongoing public awareness and education efforts.
Campers will spend the week learning about harness racing and working with four Standardbred racehorses. Their newfound skills will be exercised during two four-horse exhibition races presented at Grand River Raceway during the July 25 race card.
Both races will be broadcast via satellite to a network of tracks throughout Canada and the United States as part of Grand River Raceway’s regular broadcast.
Each student will be paired with a professional driver in double-seated jog carts for the exhibition races. Throughout the week, campers will receive classroom instruction covering subjects in horse safety, health, nutrition, and general care. The curriculum will be complemented by guest speakers, such as vets and blacksmiths.
The Ontario Harness Racing Youth Camp program is presented in cooperation with the Ontario Harness Horse Association (OHHA).
Children interested in participating in the camp at Grand River Raceway must submit an application and 200-word essay. Application forms are available online under the Kids Klub section at www.GrandRiverRaceway.com.
All applications and essays must be received by June 27.
