Fort Erie Picks, Entries and Results

Fort Erie Track Details

Address: 230 Catherine St, Fort Erie, ON L2A 5N9, Canada

Website: www.forterieracing.com 

Meeting:  Racing at Fort Erie begins at the end of May and continues on into mid-October, with Sunday and Tuesday being the typical race week. The unquestioned highlight of the meet is the $400,000 Prince of Wales Stakes, which serves as the second leg of the Canadian Triple Crown, with the Queen’s Plate and the Breeders’ Stakes at Woodbine being the first and third, respectively. The Prince of Wales vastly exceeds all other races at the track in terms of prize money, though there are a few other $30,000 stakes on the schedule. Fort Erie conducts both turf and dirt racing.

History:  Located in southern Canada just a stone’s throw from the U.S. border, Fort Erie was first opened in 1897. Due to its proximity to the United States, it is often referred to as “the border oval.” Legendary Canadian horseman E.P. Taylor bought the track in 1952 and was instrumental in making the Prince of Wales Stakes the second leg of the Canadian Triple Crown. In June 2012, it was announced that Fort Erie would close at the end of the year when its slot machines were meant to be confiscated, but a one-year transition funding deal saved the track and it continues to operate to this day. The track is perhaps most famous for launching the career of Northern Dancer, the undisputed “King of Canadian racing,” who made a successful debut at Fort Erie in 1963.

Facilities:  With an elongated pond that contours the turf course, Fort Erie is regarded as having one of the most picturesque infields in North American racing. Parking and admission is free to the track and children of all ages are welcome. The Turfside Bar and Grill is the main attraction of the indoor facility as it offers food and drink overlooking the track on the third floor.