Only two more weeks until Fort Erie Race Track kicks off its 122nd season of racing. The thoroughbreds return to the border oval for opening day on Tuesday, May 28, first race post time is 4:20 p.m.
In addition to horse racing action, fans on opening day can enjoy food trucks, entertainment and a free concert by Practically Hip, Canada’s #1 Tragically Hip tribute. Concert begins after racing ends (about 7:30 p.m.) at the trackside Tiki Bar. Opening day will also feature a free t-shirt giveaway with program purchase for the first 1,500 fans.
Fort Erie Race Track staff have been busy preparing for the upcoming season with a number of exciting updates and improvements. One of the most significant improvement coming this season is our upgrade to high definition. Fort Erie has also modernized its wagering system, consistent with racetracks across the province. Fans will also be able to sign up for HPIbet, which allows for mobile wagering right from your own device.
“We are really looking forward to the start of a new season and the excitement that comes with live racing days,” said Tom Valiquette, chief operating and financial officer of the Fort Erie Live Racing Consortium. “Our team has been working hard over the winter to freshen up our venue and make changes that will improve the customer experience. From new furniture and televisions to infrastructure updates and a fresh coat of paint, we’ve put a lot of work into improving our venue while still maintaining the historic charm that Fort Erie is known for.”
Fort Erie will host 40 race dates on Tuesdays and Sundays from May 28 to October 15. Twilight Tuesdays will once again be a highlight of the racing meet, followed by free summer concerts at the Tiki Bar after the races. Sunday racing begins on June 9 at 1:20 p.m., along with the return of the farmers’ market which runs every Sunday throughout the season.
With a busy special event schedule, Fort Erie Race Track offers far more than just thoroughbred racing. Fans can look forward to family day (June 30), a chicken wing festival (July 14), wiener dog races (August 11) and basset hound races (September 15), amongst a number of other fun events. The Prince of Wales Stakes, the 2nd jewel in the Canadian Triple Crown and Fort Erie’s signature event will take place on Tuesday, July 23 at a special 3:55 p.m. post time. Jonesy will be playing a free concert at the Tiki Bar after the races.
For a full racing and event schedule for the upcoming season visit forterieracing.com. Parking and admission are always free at Fort Erie Race Track, and all ages are welcome to attend.
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