BETTING BONANZA
Fort Erie track has its second-best betting day on record during season opener
There weren’t any spectators in the stands, but there was plenty of money on the line when Fort Erie Race Track opened its 123rd season with an eight-race card.
Not only did the more than $2,093,000 wagered Tuesday represent a 70 per cent increase over opening day 2019, it also was Fort Erie Live Racing Consortium’s second-best wagering day ever.
Only the $2.188 million wagered on a nine-race card highlighted by the Prince of Wales Stakes in 2016 attracted more interest from the betting public.
Written, a filly trained by Barrington Siddo and ridden by Howard Newell, was the first thoroughbred crossing the finish line. She returned $14.10 to her backers in a five-furlong race for three-yearolds and older.
“My game plan was to get a good break, which I did. She was relaxed coming into the straight, then I asked her and she just moved from there,” Newell said.
While excited to win the first race of the season, the jockey missed having fans in the grandstand.
“It’s more exciting and more enjoyable when they are there, but I’m really happy that we are back and racing again.”
Packing a one-two punch on opening day were trainer Joseph Humber and jockey Sunny Singh, who teamed together to win all three of their races with Big Classic, Stellatara and About a Girl.
“The day was very good. Joe started training in February and fate went his way,” Singh said after his final race of the day. “It’s a great honour to be racing again.
“A few months ago, we had some doubts, but Ontario did a great job of getting us back to racing and working again.”
Jockey wins on Day 1 were rounded out with two for Emile Ramsammy and one each for Helen Vanek and Melanie Pinto.
Only two people are allowed trackside with each horse — a groom, plus a trainer or assistant trainer.
“Unfortunately, right now we are limiting to essential personnel only, so owners are not permitted,” said Antonietta Culic, the track’s marketing and media relations manager.
In some cases, owners are also trainers or grooms.
“They would be allowed if they are essential to the care of the horse,” she said.
Fort Erie’s racing season will include 39 days, running at a new Monday and Tuesday schedule until Oct. 13. First-race post time is 1:20 p.m. on both days.
The track’s season opener, originally set for May 26, was delayed by a week to give horses stabled along the backstretch more time to prepare for racing after the industry received the go-ahead from the province to race without spectators.
COVID-19 has also delayed the premier event on the Fort Erie racing calendar. Instead of taking place Tuesday, July 28, the Prince of Wales Stakes will be run Tuesday, Sept. 29.
This year’s Prince of Wales, the second jewel in Canadian thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown, will be held about two weeks after the Queen’s Plate goes Saturday, Sept. 12, at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto, and nearly a month before the Breeders’ Stakes, on Saturday, Oct. 24, also at Woodbine.
Racing will continue without spectators until restrictions are eased by the province. However, fans can watch a live HD stream online at forterieracing.com. Online wagering is available in Ontario through Hpibet.com.
Fans can also watch the replay show on Yourtv on Cogeco Channel 700 on Thursday at 8 p.m.
Culic said the livestream of Fort Erie’s opening day received 5,400 views. Fans were also able to watch the action through Hipbet.com and similar wagering platforms such as TVG or Twinspires in the United States.
Of all sports, horse racing is especially suited to proceed without fans, at least over the short term. Up to 80 per cent of the Fort Erie track’s revenue comes from wagering, with most of the bets made offsite.