The Ontario Jackpot Futurity and Ontario Jackpot Derby kicked off the opening of Quarter Horse racing at Fort Erie on Saturday, October 8th.
The nomination to the Jackpot races began April 1st, and preference for entry to the races was based on the highest earnings in 2011. Program registered horses – Ontario Bred, Ontario Foaled and/or Ontario Sired horses – were represented by seven of 14 entries in the Ontario Jackpot Futurity and six of 14 entries in the Ontario Jackpot Derby.
The two stakes races, both running at 350 yards and both with purses of $150,000 added, showcased Ontario’s rising super sprinters. Added money for these stakes races are funded by the Quarter Horse Racing Industry Development Program (QHRIDP).
Trained by Don Reid and ridden by Kim Ito, the Ontario Jackpot Futurity was won with authority by Leanintoit, a bay filly by Tres Seis out of First Lady Amber. The Ontario Jackpot Derby was won by The Rare Corona, a gelding by The Corona out of Rare Shake. Trained by Clint Crawford and ridden by jockey, Tony Bennet, this was the horse’s first stakes race.
Mark Your Calendars
Quarter Horse racing at Fort Erie Race Track continues with Saturday races on October 15th and 22nd and will feature added attractions with a country and western theme, including line dancing and roping lessons. Quarter Horse racing will also be combined with the regular Thoroughbred race card on Tuesday October 11th, Sunday October 16th and Monday October 24th.
October 24th will mark the end of a rewarding Quarter Horse racing season with racing opportunities at two different tracks and a stakes program valued at $1.7 million dollars offered through 29 stakes races.
Details on racing, special events and contests can be found at forterieracing.com.
More information on programs supported by the QHRIDP can be found on the Quarter Horse section of the Ontario Racing Commission website at http://www.ontarioracingcommission.ca/
