April 25 , 2008
Opening Day a Week Away

Fort Erie, April 25th  - The 111th season of live thoroughbred racing at Fort Erie Race Track is about to begin.  Track maintenance crews have been working diligently to prepare the Boarder Oval for the May 3rd opening. 

“Everything seems to be coming together,” said Herb McGirrr, the tracks Director of Operations. “This “Old Gal” needs extra special attention each and every year.”

The historic track, which opens on Derby Day, will celebrate the opening with $1 Hot Dogs and $1 Soft drinks. Fridge Magnets will be given away while supplies last and there will be live music throughout the afternoon.

The first race of the year will break from the gate at 1:05 pm.

Fort Erie will race the following day, Sunday May 4 before beginning it’s regular schedule of Sunday through Tuesday racing, which will commence on Sunday, May 11 (click here to view schedule).

Three Saturdays have been added to the schedule. Saturday, July 19, August 30 and October 25. The 80-day meet wraps up on Tuesday, October 28.

The $500,000 Prince of Wales Stakes, second jewel in Canada’s Triple Crown will be run on Sunday, July 13. The Ernie Samuel Memorial Stakes and the Daryl Wells Sr. Memorial will compliment the Prince of Wales.

The track will once again host a series of Cup races. 8 races, each with a purse of $25,000, will be run during the summer. The 2 mile and 70 yard Cheldon Tour de Fort is scheduled for closing day.

Post time each day is 1:05pm.

Daryl Wells
Media and Communications 1-800-295-3770 ext. 3204
e-mail: dwells@forterieracetrack.ca