Despite a few delays, the 125th racing season has ended at Fort Erie Race Track, and it was another successful year for the border oval. Originally scheduled for October 18, closing day was postponed until October 24 due to inclement weather.
Closing day racing was delayed again due to a 45-minute town-wide power outage in the middle of the card. In the end, beautiful fall weather made for a great closing day, with 12 races and many fans in attendance.
Overall the season was a great success, attracting large crowds to special events and generating $33.2 million in wagering over the season, a 16 percent increase over the previous year.
“After two years of restrictions, it was nice to see new fans and familiar faces back at Fort Erie this season. Our race days were a success. Our concerts and special events were incredibly well-attended. It was a great year and we’re already looking forward to our 2023 season,” said Drew Cady, chief operating officer of the Fort Erie Live Racing Consortium.
The fan favourite Tour de Fort was back on the card for the final day of racing. Run at a distance of two miles and 70 yards, the marathon race was won by Trinity Gold (Flat Out) and jockey Brandon Boulanger for trainer George Newland and owner Trinity Racing Stables, returning $31.20 to backers.
The leading rider at this year’s meet, Christopher Husbands, scored 32 wins this season, earning him the title for the second year in a row. Husbands narrowly squeezed out rider Melanie Pinto, who ended the season with 30 wins. Pinto earned the title of Outstanding Rider, voted by her peers.
Trainer Julie Mathes secured the title of leading trainer for a third consecutive year. During the 2022 season, Mathes won 27 races. The leading owner title continues to be held by Bruno Schickedanz, who earned 26 wins this year.
Strong Ending earned the Horse of the Year title, trained by Richard Davis for owner Bruno Schickedanz. Strong Ending won all five starts at Fort Erie this season, including the Puss n Boots Cup and the Le Cinquieme Essai Cup. Davis earned the title of Outstanding Trainer this season, voted by his peers.
One other horse won five races at the meeting and that was Determined Love, a 5-year-old chestnut mare owned by Thomas Pritchard and trained by Nick Mileni, Jr.
With this racing season in the books, the border oval looks ahead to next year’s meet and has applied for 40 race days, operating on mostly Mondays and Tuesdays, beginning May 23 through to October 17, with some special event Sundays. The Racebook remains open daily for simulcast wagering from noon to 7:30 p.m.
Jockey Brandon Boulanger guides Trinity Gold to victory in the gruelling 2 mi. 70 yd. Tour De Fort race at Fort Erie Racetrack for owner Trinity Racing Stable and trainer George Newland. (Michael Burns photo)
HBPA 2022 Fort Erie Year End Award Winners
Male Claimer of the Year
Big Time Louie
(Roy Agostino, Even Steven Stables)
Female Claimer of the Year
Loaded Once More
(Sam Meli, Krista Clemmer)
Male Sprinter of the Year
Jack Beanstalk
(Desmond Maynard)
Female Sprinter of the Year
Gimbala
(John Simms, Harvey Bussey)
Distance Male of the Year
Strong Ending
(Richard Davis, Bruno Schickedanz)
Distance Female of the Year
Reign by Rein
(Daryl Ezra, Julia Ezra)
Best Claim of the Year
Loaded Once More
(Sam Meli, Krista Clemmer)
Outstanding Rider of the Year
Melanie Pinto
Leading Rider
Christopher Husbands
Leading Apprentice
Amanda Vandermeersh
Exercise Rider of the Year
Natalie Frost
Groom of the Year
Reginald Johnston
Leading Trainer
Julie Mathes
Outstanding Trainer of the Year
Richard Davis
Leading Owner
Bruno Schickedanz
Horse of the Year
Strong Ending
(Richard Davis, Bruno Schickedanz)
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