**London, ON** – The countdown is on for the return of live harness racing at **The Raceway at Western Fair District**, with the 2025-2026 season kicking off on **Friday, October 3**. The 125-day meet will feature thrilling racing action, fan-favourite promotions, and a robust lineup of special events throughout the fall and winter. Opening night will feature a **special promotion presented by Gateway Casinos London**, welcoming fans back with an exciting start to the season. Racegoers will also notice several **facility upgrades** designed to enhance the on-track experience. These include: - **New stadium seating** in the grandstand for improved comfort and viewing. - **Return of the Homestretch Food Concession** on the main floor - A **new starting gate vehicle**, designed and built locally in partnership with the **Western University Engineering program**. - **Brand new stalls** in the race paddock to support horse welfare and racing operations. - A **new water truck**, also built locally, to improve track maintenance and safety. October will be packed with special events, including the **20th Anniversary edition of Harness The Hope** on **Friday, October 17**, celebrating two decades of community support for breast cancer awareness and research. That same week, The Raceway will launch its first **Trifecta Tuesday** promotion, held in conjunction with the **London Classic Yearling Sale**. Due to its popularity, **Trifecta Tuesdays will be held twice monthly** this season, offering fans more chances to engage and win. ### **Additional highlights this fall include:** - **Caretaker Appreciation Night** – honouring the dedicated individuals behind the scenes. - The **Driver’s Holiday Challenge** on **Tuesday, December 9**, in support of **Toys for Tots**, bringing together top drivers for a night of competitive racing and charitable giving. - **Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve programs** – festive racing events to close out the year. “We’re excited to welcome fans back to The Raceway for another season of top-tier racing and community celebration,” said Amy O’Toole, Manager of Equine Programming. “With new upgrades, expanded promotions, and meaningful events, we’re proud to continue building a vibrant racing experience for everyone.” Live racing will take place three nights a week this Fall, every Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 5:50 p.m.. For more details, visit [www.theracewaywfd.com](https://url.avanan.click/v2/r03/___https:/www.theracewaywfd.com/___.YXYyYzpsZWRjOmE6bzpkN2QyOWQyNGFiMDc5YTJiOGJlOTYyOGE2ZTAzZDViODo3OjcxMGI6MjY1YjY5OWFmM2YxNmFlM2FlN2NjYTY3NGMwNjYwOTYyNWUyNGE5NDVhNDcwNzFmYmFiMTM0YWUyYWE0ZDhhNDpoOlQ6Tg "Protected by Avanan: https://www.theracewaywfd.com/").