Everyone loves a day at the races. There’s the excitement of the racing itself, even more so when it’s one of the big events of the season like the Kentucky Derby or even a race featuring its winner.
Then there’s the opportunity to place a bet or two on the horses and riders that take your fancy. And when that come off with a win that’s the best of all. It’s also an opportunity for a day of socialising and meeting up with old friends. Also, many businesses use it as an opportunity for corporate hospitality, strengthening relationships with clients as well as rewarding employees for their hard work.
It doesn’t have to be for racing with jockeys, either. Harness-race meetings can be just as exciting and involving, as anyone who’s been to an event at Georgian Downs before will be only too happy to confirm.
A Brief History of Georgian Downs
You’ll find Georgian Downs in Innisfil in the province of Ontario just a little way west of Highway 400 and around half an hour’s drive from Toronto. It’s jointly owned by the Ontario Lottery and gaming Commission and Gateway Casinos and Entertainment.
Construction of the track and casino began in 2000 and in November of the next year it became the first all new track to be opened in Canada in the 21st century. It was also the 14th location in the country where slots could be played. It was the unofficial replacement for the Barrie Raceway, the famous track that was located about five miles away.
The new track was built for the Rowe family for an estimated cost of around $30 million. From its earliest days, Georgian Downs aimed to continue many of the traditions of the old Barrie Raceway and today you can see a mural of the old raceway as you enter.
The architect’s vision was to make the buildings as much like barns as possible to reflect its rural connections. By extension, this aims to make attending the Georgian Downs more like a family and communal event. Another nice feature is the rose garden that stands just outside the paddock. This is a memorial to Ruth Rowe who sadly passed away shortly before the track opened in 2001.
A Typical Meet
There’s racing at the Georgian Downs every Monday, Wednesday and Sunday from June to September each season. So you can be expecting to watch all the action when the weather’s warm and the evenings are long.
Typically the first race is at 6pm although there are exceptions to this when the racing starts at 7.15pm. There are usually seven or eight races per meeting. It’s only sensible to get to the track much earlier than the start of the first race. That’s because it will give you plenty of time to settle in and find a good place from where you can watch all the action.
It will also give you a good chance to study the form for all of the evening’s races so you can decide where you’re going to place your bets.
Try Your Luck at the Casino Too
We’ve already mentioned that there are slots at Georgian Downs – and getting to the track a little early will also give you a chance to play a few of these. Admittedly, there aren’t as many to choose from as you’ll find when you’re playing online slots in Canada but there are still quite a few banks of them at the track. The casino has also added no less than 26 table games since its opening 24 years ago so you can play all those favourites from roulette to blackjack and craps to baccarat.
For players who prefer electronic versions of table games, those people are very well catered for too with many machines on offer. It all adds up to a great gambling experience in a relaxed and comfortable place.
Dine And Drink Too
All the action on the track and in the casino is bound to give you an appetite and a thirst too.
So the good news is that there’s a well-stocked bar and a restaurant just waiting to satisfy you too. The restaurant is called Trotter’s Buffet and is run by the area’s highly respected Le Chat catering company.
Typical dishes that you’ll find on the menu are mac and cheese, roast beef and Caesar salad. Best of all, it’s an all-you-can-eat deal that is either $49.99 or $39.99 per person depending on which day you decide to go to the races.
So, all in all, a trip to Georgian Downs is set to be a very memorable event whether you’re going for the racing, the casino, or just to eat, drink and have a really fun night out.
Also, the dress code is as relaxed as the venue so why not head down there soon?
