It was another record setting year at the Fort Erie Race Track, as the 119th season of live racing at the border oval came to a close on Tuesday, Oct. 18.
Among the many positive highlights for the year was a 20 percent increase in all-source wagering to $28,855,000 over 40 days of racing. On-track attendance grew by close to 10 percent, based on increases in on-track wagering, food and beverage sales and program sales. The 81st running of the Prince of Wales Stakes was also a record breaking event, with the highest on-track attendance in recent record and $2.2 million in wagering.
“We’re a small track with limited resources and a short race meet, yet despite these limitations we have had a very successful season,” said Tom Valiquette, chief operating and financial officer of the Fort Erie Live Racing Consortium. “Our positive results this year show that our horse racing product is as competitive as any track in Canada.”