Our History
Harness racing first came to Clinton when the Clinton Turf Club hosted its inaugural race on August 21, 1946, offering a purse of $300. For nearly thirty years, racing remained a once-a-year tradition.
That changed in 1970, when the Clinton Kinsmen transformed the sport locally by launching an extended summer meet and introducing Pari-Mutuel Wagering. Their commitment helped racing flourish until 1983, when—after years of growth and community support—the Kinsmen passed the reins to a newly formed board of directors. Clinton Raceway Inc., a non-profit organization, was officially established in March of that year.
Since then, live harness racing has continued to thrive in the community. Clinton Raceway now hosts an average of 15 race dates each year and proudly serves as a summertime racing hub from May through September, with live racing beginning at 1:30 p.m. every Sunday.
In 2025, Clinton Raceway marked another milestone with the construction of a brand-new, fully accessible grandstand. Supported by funding from the Ontario Government, the facility features an elevator, accessible washrooms, and an elevated viewing platform—creating a welcoming, inclusive space designed for fans of all ages and abilities, and ensuring generations to come can enjoy the sport.
As a community-focused non-profit, Clinton Raceway is committed to supporting local groups, clubs, and associations through fundraising opportunities and partnerships. We encourage any local group, club or organization to connect with us to explore how we can help support their initiatives through our Day at the Races Program.
All profits generated at Clinton Raceway are reinvested back into the industry—supporting fundraising efforts, wages, promotions, purses, infrastructure, and more—ensuring harness racing remains vibrant in Clinton for years to come.
