House Looking Forward To His First Drivers’ Challenge
This coming Tuesday the 5th Annual Drivers’ Holiday Challenge, in support of Toys For Tots, will take place at The Raceway at Western Fair District and local driver Lorne House, at 43, says this will be his first time competing in any drivers’ challenge. “I came close to competing in one, years ago, but the timing wasn’t right,” he says. “I’m quite happy to participate in this event at my home track. After being sidelined for a few months in the Spring, due to an injury, it’s turned out to be a pretty good year for me all around.”
Back in May The Great Reset - owned by Chantal Ruijs and House - would become the fastest trotter in the history of The Raceway with his 1:55.3 performance. House was still able to manage the conditioning duties, at the time, but he would have driver Jason Ryan take the controls for that May 21st track record mile. We’ll see House aboard this handsome chestnut in Race 7 on Tuesday night. “He had an issue at the gate in his last start,” mentions House. “He got rough and it was just enough to put him in a bad spot early on. We like his chances this week… He’ll just have to get away a bit better and hopefully we’ll find a decent trip in there.”
From L to R - Lorne House, Angela Clark and Jason Ryan with The Great Reset after setting the current 1:55.3 track record for trotters, on May 21st, in London. (Carter Gimblett)
With House listed to drive in all 12 competition races, on Tuesday evening, he talked about his chances aboard a few strong possibilities during the night…
Race 5 - 1 SHEPLAYSFORKEEPS (Owned by Mike and Shae Sumner)… “She raced great for the Sumner’s last week, but she is up in class. I’m expecting her to be competitive with the rail.
Race 8 - 6 GREYSTONE IAN O (Owned by Ryan Clements, Ryan Willis and House)… “He will be meeting softer company - so I think it’s a good spot for him to make something happen.”
Race 9 - 4 FURIOSA (Owned by William Leon Jr.)… She’s really good right now.. I was leading last week with Velocity Impetuous and she flew by us. I like her chances in there.”
Others House mounts on the program include Race 1 - 5 LIVIN LARGE, Race 2 - 6 MYOUTSIDEVOICE, Race 3 - 7 DALHOUSIE, Race 4 - 8 MARINA DEL RAY, Race 6 - 2 PAJAMAS OPTIONAL, Race 10 - 1 LAND OF PARADISE, Race 11 - 8 FOX VALLEY ONTARIO and Race 12 - 3 DREW THE DRAGON.
“I do like my lineup,” says House. “It’s pretty solid all night.”
Being a regular in the driver’s room in London - does House view that as an advantage - with his knowledge of the local horse population featured on the program? “It certainly helps… I see these horses every week and have witnessed what most can and cannot do.”
And when asked about the competition… “Everyone can win with the right horse and/or the right trip,” he said “I’m quite sure it will be a fun night for all of racing and pretty sure it will be a fun night for all those watching as well.”
The eight competing drivers and their individual sponsors for the 5th Annual Drivers’ Holiday Challenge on Tuesday.
COSA TV will be on hand for its final live broadcast of the season. Hosts Mark McKelvie and Robert Reid Jr. will be joined on the desk by multiple O’Brien Award-winning driver James MacDonald, who captured the 2021 and 2023 editions of the challenge.
The Red Shores broadcast talents of Kurt Hughes will be featured on the program, as well, as he’ll join track announcer Sugar Doyle, remotely, for the broadcast commentary throughout the night.
First post for this coming Tuesday is slated for 5:50 Eastern. It takes place in conjunction with the monthly Trifecta Tuesday promotion at the Top of the Fair Dining Room, featuring buffet-style dinner, racing & gaming vouchers and seniors’ pricing.
To view the menu for Tuesday or to book a table, visit Top Of The Fair Restaurant.
Still welcoming donations at these drop off locations in support of Toys For Tots.