March 16, 2010
Thoroughbreds Return to Fort Erie

FORT ERIE, March 16...Spring officially arrives on Saturday and one day later the thoroughbreds will be making their way back to Fort Erie to begin preparations for the 113th season of live racing at the Historic Oval.

On Sunday, March 21 the backstretch officially opens to the horsemen and training on the main track will begin on Monday.

“We are really looking forward to getting started,” said racing secretary Tom Gostlin. “The horse population looks strong. They’ll be rolling in on Sunday and I think this year the weatherman is on our side and we should be good to go (for training) on Monday.”

A total of 120 trainers have been allotted 1,063 stalls including last years leading trainer Nick Gonzalez.

“I can’t wait to get started,” said the veteran trainer from his farm in Ocala, Florida. “We’ll have horses moving in right away. We’ll have a full barn. We’ll start with about 30 and add more as we go along.”

Gonzalez, who will be seeking his fourth Fort Erie training title, is closing in on 1,000 career wins, he is 31 away. “I really hope we get the win at Fort Erie,” he said. “It would be fine if it happens at Woodbine, but Fort Erie is home and we’ve already started planning a mini celebration.”

Training hours will be 10:00am – 1:00pm through to Saturday, April 3. Effective Sunday, April 4 training will take place from 7:00am to 11:00am. Once the season gets underway training will start at 6:00am.

Opening day is scheduled for Saturday, May 1.

Subject to regulatory approval, the track will offer 78 days of live racing. Opening weekend will feature live racing Saturday through Monday. Beginning the following weekend the track will begin its regular schedule, racing Sunday through Tuesday, through to Tuesday, October 26.

The $500,000 Prince of Wales Stakes, second jewel in Canada’s Triple Crown, will be run on Sunday, July 25.

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