Fort Erie Racecourse: Scenic Horse Racing Action in Ontario

Fort Erie racecourse is a horse racecourse in Ontario, Canada. It is located just across the Peace Bridge from Buffalo, New York. Fort Erie racecourse is about an hour and 30 minute drive from Toronto.

Fort Erie racecourse is acknowledged as one of the most picturesque racecourses in North America. It is distinguished for its famous infield that features stunning lakes and flowers. These features add charm and energy to horse racing events held at the racecourse.

Fort Erie racecourse typically holds approximately 80+ days of live racing each year from the months of May to October/November.

Fort Erie racecourse is well-known as the host of the annual Grade I Prince of Wales Stakes, which is the second jewel in Canada 's version of the Triple Crown. Other stakes racing events that Fort Erie racecourse hosts are:

• Daryl Wells Sr. Memorial Stakes
• Ernie Samuel Memorial Stakes
• Rainbow Connection Stakes

Fort Erie racecourse Description

Fort Erie racecourse has a 1-mile, sandy loam surface Main Track. The distance from the last turn to the finish is 1,060 feet, while the width of the track is 75 feet.

Meanwhile, the turf racecourse is a seven furlong affair located within the Main Track. The distance from the last turn to the finish is 960 feet.

Fort Erie racecourse has a seating capacity of 4,000. It has a stable capacity for about 1,100 horses.

Dining facilities at Fort Erie racecourse are: the Prince of Wales Dining Room, the Turfside Bar and Grill and the Carousel Restaurant.

Fort Erie racecourse also has gaming facilities, with about 1,200 slot machines in a 75,000 square foot gaming floor.

Fort Erie racecourse History 

• In late 1896, the beginnings of Fort Erie racecourse took place when President John Hood broke ground.

• In June 1897, Fort Erie racecourse ran its inaugural races. The first race was won by Ellesmere. Throughout the year, there were many races that took place in two meets, the summer and autumn seasons.

• In 1952, operations of Fort Erie racecourse were passed on to the Ontario Jockey Club, which purchased the track in that year.

• In 1959, E.P. Taylor developed the Canadian Triple Crown of Racing and had the Prince of Wales Stakes, the second jewel of the crown, run at Fort Erie racecourse.

• In 1961, a horse named Puss n Boots took a dip in the plush flower-laden infield while leading a race at the top of the stretch.

• In 1963, legendary horse Northern Dancer had his maiden victory at Fort Erie racecourse, defeating his seven rivals for a purse of $2,100. As a 2-year-old, Northern Dancer was victorious in seven of his nine starts including the Summer Stakes at Fort Erie racecourse, earning over $90,000.

• In 1979, a computerized betting facility was introduced in the field.

• In 1999, Fort Erie racecourse inaugurated a 75,000 square foot casino slot area featuring 1,200 slot machines. A new TV Control room with graphic and electronic photo-finish capabilities was also installed.

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