[10] Grant purchased the Tier-II Jr. A hockey team, the Milton Steamers in April 1986 around the time the organization was speculated to fold.

[14] The 1994-95 season marked the beginning of a historical run for the franchise as the club won five straight division titles.

The surge of success increased when the Merchants were crowned league champions in 1997, winning the Buckland Trophy after defeating the Newmarket 87's.

In 1998, the Milton Merchants repeated their Buckland Trophy title, dispatching the Newmarket Hurricanes this time, and then went on to become Central Canadian Junior A Champions by winning the Dudley Hewitt Cup, defeating the Rayside-Balfour Sabrecats (NOJHL) four games to two, and exacting revenge for the previous year's loss to Rayside-Balfour.

In 2001, Grant sold the team to a trio that consisted of ex-NHLer Dave Gagner, then-owner of the Mississauga IceDogs Mario Forgione, and wine distillery consultant Ken Chase.

Flamboro Downs proved to be a wise move for Grant as the Hamilton-area racetrack was extremely well received after opening in April 1975.

Years later John Grant sold his stake in Flamboro Downs due to health concerns, much to Juravinski's dismay.

[16] On January 4, 2016, a devastating barn fire at Classy Lane Training Centre in Puslinch, Ontario killed 43 horses.

[17] Two weeks later, Grant traveled to New Jersey where he spent $275,000 USD on three racehorses to be trained by Guelph native Ben Wallace, who had lost all 17 horses due to the Classy Lane fire.