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.

Advertisement