The 120th season of live racing is only days away at Fort Erie Race Track. The horses will break from the starting gate on Tuesday, May 30 at 4:20 p.m. to begin another exciting season at the historic border oval. Eight races are scheduled for Tuesday’s card, followed by a free concert at the Tiki Bar with Xprime to kick off the twilight summer concert series.
Racing fans will recognize the voice of Frank Salive, who will be back in the announcer’s booth for his second season in Fort Erie. Salive has been calling races for standardbred and thoroughbred tracks for 44 years. “I was really happy to join the racing scene and team at Fort Erie last year, and was very impressed with the track and the season we had,” said Salive. “I’m happy to be back and I’m looking forward to another great season of racing.”
Andrew Cady, who is in charge of the dirt and turf courses in Fort Erie, has the main track in excellent condition. “It’s absolutely perfect,” said outrider John Willick about the dirt surface. John has been out on the track daily for morning training since it opened on April 29. “Maintenance has done a fantastic job, everything is looking great.”
John has been an outrider at Fort Erie since 2000, along with his wife Cathy who joined in 2003. “It’s a great place to come and bring your family, said Cathy. “Our track is unique because people can get up close to the horses. Kids love it.”
Sunday racing and the farmers’ market will return on June 11, post time 1:20 p.m. The market will run from 12:00 p.m. until the final race.
Fort Erie will host 40 race days from May 30 to October 17. Racing will run on Tuesdays and Sundays in June and July, and in August will switch to Tuesdays and Saturdays for the remainder of the meet. New this season is Saturday twilight racing, which will run every Saturday in August at 4:20 p.m., followed by a free concert at the Tiki Bar after the races.
Racing fans can expect to see the return of all popular promotions, including family day on July 2, breakfast club on Sundays in July, Circle the Course fundraiser on Aug. 12 and many more exciting events. Fort Erie’s signature race, the 82nd running of the Prince of Wales Stakes, will take place on Tuesday, July 25, with the first race beginning at 4:20 p.m.
Parking and admission are always free at the Fort Erie Race Track.
For more information on live racing dates and events, visit www.forterieracing.com.
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