Fort Erie, On – The sun was certainly shining on Fort Erie Race Track for its 118th season opener on Tuesday, June 2nd. Perfect weather, great racing, strong support from racing fans and hard work by staff and horsepeople all combined to make this season’s opening day one for the record books.
All totaled, the opening day handle for wagering was $1,086,218, an increase of 107 per cent over the 2014 season opener which was also held on a Twilight Tuesday. Remote wagering also showed a massive swell of 124 per cent over 2014 proving that Fort Erie Race Track has been positioned in the right market with racing fans across the globe.
“Our staff, our management team, our horsepeople, our fans and our community continue to set records and beat performance milestones because we are a family that believes in this racetrack,” said CEO Jim Thibert.
On the racetrack, local trainer Gary Chudobiak enjoyed a great day at the office with two winners on the 9 race card. His horses Save the Sinner and Cinder Tyme won the early double to start off the day.
“My horses were well rested for the last six months and that time off served them well,” said Chudobiak. “I have to thank my jockey Brad Wilson who helps us every morning to get the horses ready. Both my riders Brad and Kirk Johnson rode great races.”
Live racing returns on Tuesday, June 9th at 4:15pm. The track will host a rainwater barrel drive with proceeds benefitting Habitat for Humanity. The free summer concert series continues with Back in the Daze performing at the Tiki Bar after the races.
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