Another season is underway at Fort Erie Race Track. Despite a rainy start and cooler temperatures for the season opener at the 122-year-old track, an excellent crowd swarmed to the border oval for racing and concert by The Practically Hip. More than $1.2 million was wagered on the 9-race card, an 11% increase over last year.
Fans noticed a lot of updates to the venue, including a brand-new infield screen and televisions broadcasting a new high-definition signal. Freshly painted grandstand seating, paddock, clubhouse and dining room were among the many improvements, as well as new flooring and furniture in the Turfside Dining Room, and new patio furniture at the Tiki Bar.
Among the many racing fans, staff and horsepeople who were excited to be back at The Fort for another season, was Fort Erie jockey Bryce Alderson. Alderson returned to the saddle for the first time on Tuesday after an injury at Tampa Bay Downs in December 2016, which left him with a fractured skull. After a long recovery period and spending the 2018 season as an exercise rider, he was cleared to return as a jockey this season, and raced in two races at Fort Erie’s opener.
“I’m ecstatic to be back in the jock’s room and out there riding races again. It’s everything I’ve lived for, it’s what I do so I’m really happy to be back,” said Alderson after his first race in more than two years. “It was a real thrill to be racing again. I have to get myself back into the groove, but it felt fantastic. I’m really looking forward to winning my first race, and we will go from there.”
Alderson wasn’t the only jockey who had a great opening day. Brandon Duchaine won the first and last races of the day with Moon Doggie and Our Miss Maggie. Duchaine suffered a wrist injury at the start of the 2018 season that kept him from riding until this year.
“It is excellent to be back at Fort Erie for another season. Moon Doggie ran great today, he’s raced twice at Woodbine already this year, but today was his day,” said Duchaine after the first race. “I’m thankful to all the connections for their support. I’m happy to be back riding again this season, and I’m looking forward to a big year.”
Fort Erie’s racing season will include 40 days, running Tuesdays and Sundays through to October 15. Next race day is Tuesday, June 4 at 4:20 p.m. with a free concert by Guilty Pleasures after the races. Sunday racing and the farmers market return on Sunday, June 9, with the first race at 1:20 p.m.
Fort Erie’s signature event, the Prince of Wales Stakes will be held on Tuesday, July 23 at a special 3:55 p.m. first race post time.
Parking and admission are always free at the family-friendly venue.
For more information on live racing dates and special events, visit www.forterieracing.com.
More from Canadian Thoroughbred:
