Widely regarded as one of North America's most picturesque race tracks, Fort Erie is also filled with racing traditions. Great Canadian champions have raced at the "Fort", providing race enthusiasts with thrills and life long memories. From its beginnings in 1897, Fort Erie Race Track has always been a special place. Its beauty has been well documented with aesthetics second to none.

BEGINNINGS

On November 21, 1896, the Fort Erie Jockey Club set the wheels in motion for thoroughbred racing at the border oval, with President John Hood breaking ground.

This is one of the actual invitations sent out in 1896, asking selected guests to attend the Ground Breaking Ceremonies for the construction of the Fort Erie Race Track.

OPENING DAY

Wednesday, June 16, 1897. A beautiful day for racing, as Fort Erie Race Track runs its inaugural races. The dream had become a reality. The first race at the "Fort" was won by Ellesmere, guided home by a jockey named Sullivan. The placing judge ruled that Wordsworth grabbed second, with Miss Lillian in third. The winner of that initial race received $300 while second and third were awarded $75 and $25 respectively.

As racing took hold at Fort Erie in 1897, the border oval sported summer and autumn meets. For 34 days, thoroughbreds danced down the stretch under the summer sun, then a 16-day fall meet began September 6th.

In 1918 the Millar Law was passed, declaring taxes due every 14 days. The strict law thus limited the length of race meets to a two-week time frame.

When the Ontario Jockey Club took over the operation, racing at Fort Erie was staged in the spring and summer. The prestigious "A" meets soon followed as Woodbine shut down for a month each summer and Canada's best headed south to the "Fort".

Currently Fort Erie offers racing, May through October.

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