The Raceway announces additional purse increase

London, Ontario – March 25, 2026 — The Raceway at Western Fair District is pleased to announce that purses will be raised by an additional 6% beginning with the Friday, April 3^rd program, bringing the total purse increase to 15% since February 1st. This enhanced purse structure will remain in effect through the conclusion of the current Spring Meet, which wraps up on Friday, May 29.

The latest increase comes as a result of multiple canceled programs this season, allowing the purse account to be redirected back to horsepeople throughout the remainder of the meet.

May Schedule Change

Throughout May, The Raceway will host live racing every Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, with one special exception:

• A Kentucky Derby Day card will take place on Saturday, May 2 with a first post at 12:50 p.m. The day will feature live racing, food trucks, live entertainment and children’s activities. The live program will be followed by special weiner dog races, the Young Gunz mini horse challenge and a Mascot Race – all leading up to the running of the Kentucky Derby to be shown on the infield Big Screen.

May Highlights

So Much More to Join The Raceway’s Wall of Fame – Friday, May 15

One of the greatest pacing mares in Canadian harness racing history, So Much More, will be formally inducted into The Raceway’s Wall of Fame on Friday, May 15.

The daughter of Big Jim is a multiple O’Brien Award recipient and a two-time winner of the Forest City Pace. She launched her Ontario career in 2019 at The Raceway, capturing an OSS Grassroots division on debut before going on to assemble one of the most decorated résumés of her generation.

Her ownership connections, which includes trainer Don Beatson, son Ken and grandson Cole England will be on hand to help honour the great pacing mare with a special trackside ceremony that evening.

Ontario Regional Driving Championship – Tuesday, May 5

The Ontario Regional Driving Championship returns on Tuesday, May 5, showcasing nine of Ontario’s top drivers. Competitors will battle for a coveted berth in the National Driving Championship this summer at Clinton Raceway, with a national title — and a spot in the World Driving Championship — on the line.

Camluck Classic – Friday, May 29

The Spring Meet will conclude in spectacular fashion with the Camluck Classic on Friday, May 29, featuring many of the sport’s premier older pacers racing for a purse of $150,000.

An elite supporting card will include:

• Four $40,000 London Classic Sale Series Finals
• Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots divisions for three-year-old pacing fillies
• $50,000 Forest City Pace for older pacing mares

Fans and participants can expect one of the deepest and most exciting race programs of the entire North American spring season.

by Greg Blanchard