Past Events

Matthews House Hike For Hospice

May 5, 2024

Congratulations to everyone involved in the Matthews House Hike For Hospice!

Around 550 people of all ages congregated at Marv Chantler’s Mardon Stables near Alliston, On to attend the fundraiser which well exceeded their goal, with donations of over $207,000.

The expected rain held off and hikers were able to enjoy the 2.5 and 5 kilometer hikes. There were many vendors as well as a tour of the Standardbred farm and racehorses. We were happy to be part of this wonderful event with the DRIVE TO WIN Virtual Reality driving experience.

Can-Am Equine All Breed Expo - Ancaster, ON

March 22-24, 2024

Over 250 equine enthusiasts tried their hand at driving in a Standardbred race while wearing the Virtual Reality goggles at the Can-Am Expo in March.

People from all facets of the horse industry were eager to give it a try and came away with a new appreciation of what it feels like to be a harness driver.

Between clinics, world renowned horse trainer, Luke Gingerich took a turn and seemed to really enjoy the experience.

Thanks to the Can-Am owners and organizers for the chance to participate in this event.

Pics With Santa on the Farm

December 3, 2023

The annual Pics with Santa on the Farm, held at Van Roekel Holsteins in Ingersoll, ON was a big hit again this year. A total of $9,237 was raised for the Children's Health Foundation at London’s Children's Hospital. The BGRA was honoured to be a small part of this event. Great work Crystal and all her crew!

Harness The Hope Fundraiser for Breast Cancer

Friday, October 20, 2023

The annual Harness The Hope Fundraiser was hosted by the Dustin clan and their volunteers at Western Fair Raceway on Friday.

All event proceeds are directly donated to various cancer organizations that provide direct support programs for young women faced with a cancer diagnosis and that provide much needed awareness, research, earlier detection and improved treatments for those directly affected by or who may face breast cancer in their lifetime.

The BGRA was proud to be there with the DRIVE TO WIN display and accepted donations for a chance to drive a Standardbred virtually. Close to $400 was collected and donated to Harness The Hope.

Evan’s Legacy Fundraiser

On Saturday, September 16, 2023, The BGRA’s Virtual Reality Harness Driving Experience, DRIVE TO WIN was set up at Woodbine Mohawk Park as part of a fundraiser for the charity called Evan’s Legacy.

People got a chance to sit in the race bike for making a donation to the charity that raises funds for research into childhood brain cancer treatments.

Thanks to Woodbine Mohawk Park and Evan’s Legacy for letting us be a part of such a worthy cause!

Woodstock Fair Harness Racing Memorabilia Display

The Bill Galvin Racing Alliance was very happy to take part in the harness racing memorabilia display at the Woodstock Fair on August 24th to 27th.

The DRIVE TO WIN Virtual Reality harness driving experience was kept very busy throughout the 4 days. It was definitely a hit with 355 people taking part in the experience. Young and old were really intrigued. One little guy was heard to remark, “I’ll be seeing this in my dreams!” Thanks go out to Central Ontario Standardbred Association for sponsoring this project.

Although Woodstock Raceway has been closed for over 10 years, many visitors had fond memories of those days.

Thanks to Wendy Ross and the Fair Board for inviting us to take part.

Videos and a slideshow of a few of the people who experienced the thrill of driving a harness horse on the DRIVE TO WIN virtual reality display at Woodstock Fair.

Opening Day at Leamington Raceway

August 13th, opening day at Leamington, was an interesting and fun filled day with a very large crowd and a record handle for the track.

Three of our wonderful volunteers, Ruleen Lilley, Betty Ann MacKinnon and Karen Duck were on hand to give out BGRA backpacks and Activity books to the kids and Ontario Racing t-shirts to some adults. But they made them earn them by answering questions about Standardbred racing. They also conducted draws for three $25 food vouchers from the concession stand.

In attendance was a couple that have been travelling to different racetracks since their retirement. They have visited 138 different tracks in North and South America and are working on Central America next. Horse racing Super Fans!

BGRA was happy to be there and would like to send a special thanks out to Ellie Mayhew and all the staff for allowing us to be a part of their opening day.

DRIVE TO WIN

Virtual Reality Harness Driving Experience

Grand River Raceway Industry Day Monday, August 7, 2023

The second stop for the DRIVE TO WIN Virtual Reality Harness Driving Experience, sponsored by the Central Ontario Standardbred Association (COSA) was Monday afternoon at Grand River Raceway.

Set up in the lobby of The Grandway, the seat on the race bike was rarely unoccupied with 72 horse people and fans wanting to try it out. People of all ages got their chance to drive a Standardbred virtually, the youngest being 2-year-old Penelope Hartleib who had a little help from her Dad. It was also a big hit with a family visiting from Germany who all took the opportunity to find out more about Standardbred racing and one experienced horseman used it as a teaching tool to show his youngsters how to hold the reins and sit in the bike.

Watch the BGRA website or our Facebook page for future dates of the DRIVE TO WIN display.

Below are a few of the others who tried their hand at driving that day.

Launch of DRIVE TO WIN Virtual Reality Harness Driving Experience

Hanover Raceway Dream of Glory Night

Saturday, August 5, 2023

The Bill Galvin Racing Alliance unveiled their new Virtual Reality Harness Driving Experience on Saturday night at Hanover Raceway’s Dream of Glory Night. Sponsored by the Central Ontario Standardbred Association (COSA), the DRIVE TO WIN was a big hit with youngsters and adults alike.

During the evening, 57 people took advantage of the opportunity to experience the thrill of driving a Standardbred. Some were content just to sit and watch the race unfold but others were urging their horse on with all their strength and came off the race bike exhausted.

“I think some may now have a new appreciation for harness drivers” said BGRA director, Karen Hauver.

When there was a lull in the lineup, people were allowed to drive again. One young promising Standardbred driver came back 4 times and he got more into the action each time. One lady was heard to remark that “it was an amazing experience for all ages.”

The BGRA would like to thank COSA for their sponsorship which made this project possible.

Watch the BGRA website or our Facebook page for future dates of the DRIVE TO WIN display.

Below is a slide show of some of the many people that tested out the DRIVE TO WIN virtual reality harness driving experience at Hanover Raceway.

Dresden Raceway Kids Day - July 23, 2023

The racetrack put on a great event with plenty for the kids and adults to do.

The BGRA was there to spread the word about the Youth Photo Derby and the Youth Video Derby which both close on August 31st. The volunteers talked to many fans and especially one little girl who submitted an entry for the Youth Art Derby, which closed on June 27th and was very anxious to enter these two contests.

People had to answer a question about Standardbreds to receive a kid's backpack or an Ontario Racing t-shirt.

A big thank you to Director Jane Belore and volunteers Nancy Milcz and Karen Duck.

Clinton Raceway Open House - July 16, 2023

On Sunday, July 16th, Clinton Raceway hosted their inaugural Open House.

People lined up early to get a look at what goes on behind the scenes on a race day. They also had an opportunity to get their picture taken with a retired Standardbred and a mini, visit the Judges Stand as well as participate in many arts and crafts projects.

Some lucky kids also got to announce a race from the previous week, announce the post parade during the races, ride around the track on a double seated jog cart pulled by a race horse or the mini and much more.

It was a great day and the Bill Galvin Racing Alliance was pleased to be part of it to promote their photo and video contests for kids in grades 5-8 as of June 1, 2023. Click on the Contests tab for complete rules and details.

Hanover Raceway Open House - July 1, 2023

The Bill Galvin Racing Alliance volunteers were pleased to be on hand for Hanover Raceway’s Open House where people could have a tour of the backstretch area to see what goes on behind the scenes at a racetrack.

41 people showed up to view the 6 stations that were set up and get an explanation of what happens in these areas - Barn, Blacksmith, Paddock, Test Barn, Race Office and Starting Gate. And judging from the comments from people leaving the backstretch, it was an interesting morning.

Participants then made their way to the Grandstand to take in a lovely day of racing. Some lucky fans got their ballot drawn for a tour of the Judges’ Stand or to have their picture taken in the Winner’s Circle. Winner’s Circle participants can download their photos below.

Draws were also made for two $50 Walmart Gift Certificates. These were won by Fisher Binkle and Harold Fleet.

Plans are already being made for next year’s Open House so be sure to watch for that next season.