Two great traditions are returning to the historic Border Oval on Labour Day weekend, with Circle the Course and Puss N Boots on Sunday, September 4.
Racing fans can look forward to the annual Puss N Boots Cup. Fifty-five years ago a horse by the name was leading a race at the top of the stretch, but decided to jump the rail and go for a swim in the infield pond, losing his rider in the process. Each year, Fort Erie Race Track runs the annual Puss N Boots Cup in the horse’s honour, and the winning connections often take the plunge into the infield pond.
The day also marks the 5th annual Circle the Course Fundraiser for Cancer & COPE, where fans walk the one-mile track after the races in order to raise money for the Canadian Cancer Society, and food donations for Community Outreach Program Erie (COPE). In four years, the event has raised more than $22,000, and has filled four large horse trailers with food for COPE.
“This day is about giving back to our community, and every year we are amazed by the generosity we see,” said Tom Valiquette, Chief Operating Officer of the Fort Erie Live Racing Consortium. “It is great to have so many people from our community taking part in the event and supporting these important causes.”
Your ticket to walk the track is a monetary gift, or a non-perishable food donation, which will be accepted at the Fort Erie Race Track beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 4. Participants will receive a Fort Erie Race Track wristband for donating food items, or a commemorative Circle the Course t-shirt for making a minimum $10.00 donation to the Canadian Cancer Society.
A number of exciting fundraisers will take place during the day, including the popular jockey race. In previous years, jockeys have taken part in a 50-yard foot race, but this year they’ll break from the starting gate on a large hopper ball and bounce their way across the finish line. All proceeds from the day’s fundraisers will be donated to the Canadian Cancer Society and COPE.
Live racing takes place every Tuesday & Sunday at the Fort Erie Race Track until October 18, with a new 1:50 p.m. post time beginning in September.
Parking and admission are always free. For more information, visit forterieracing.com.
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