The Ontario Harness Racing Youth Camp program will present a four-day camp at Grand River Raceway from Aug. 24 to 27.
Eight children ages 10 to 13 will be selected to participate in the free program.
Campers will spend the week learning about harness racing and working with four retired Standardbred racehorses. Their newfound skills will be exercised during two four-horse exhibition races presented at Grand River Raceway during the Aug. 27 race card.
Both races will be broadcast via satellite to a network of tracks throughout Canada and the U.S. 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 complimented by guest speakers, such as vets and blacksmiths.
The camp program is presented in cooperation with the Ontario Harness Horse Association (OHHA).
Children interested in participating must submit an application and 200-word essay. Application forms are available at grandriverraceway.com and must be received by July 16.
