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Woodstock Raceway Track History
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The 1950’s saw the resurfacing of several issues for the Woodstock Fairgrounds, most important being the debate over horse racing. Interested city residents had raised the topic in 1948, but the directors did not discuss it in detail until May 16th, 1950. Gordon Dent said “horse racing is coming back”; L.M. Gardner said that “we’re losing by not having a track”.
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On June 20th, 1950 the Woodstock Construction Company won the bid to build Woodstock Raceway. A year later it was complete. It was decided to hold horse races for three days during the fair. The success of this venture brought increased support from the local Turf Club.
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Other improvements to the Fairgrounds included the erection of a double fence, chain link and wood, around the race track in 1950, the placement of wind insurance on all buildings in 1951 and the erection of a 30’x80’ second horse barn in 1958.
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After a enjoying much success with horse racing, a race committee was put in place for the first time in 1969 and immediately applied for 10 days of summer harness racing. The number of racing nights increased from 10 in 1970 to 16 in 1971 to 31 in 1975. By that time, average nightly attendance was up over 1300.
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In Recent History
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Today, more support is needed for smaller racetracks to survive. Much like Dresden Raceway, Woodstock Raceway was taken under the wing of Windsor Raceway to run it’s operation in late 1999. With the addition of Slots run by the Ontario Lottery Corporation there is plenty of reason for optimism in the future of Woodstock Raceway as the purses have increased and with it the quality of racing. New promotions and draws for racing fans make Woodstock a fun time for the whole family.
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