Fort Erie opens 123rd campaign with eight races but no spectators

Thoroughbred track invites fans to follow the action via livestreaming

There will be eight races, up to 47 thoroughbreds at this point — but no spectators — when live racing returns today to Fort Erie Race Track for a 123rd season.

Due to ongoing restrictions to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the track will be closed to customers for the 1:20 p.m. post time and will remain offlimits to all but essential personnel until further notice. Fans can follow the action online at forterieracing.com/ streaming-and-replays.

The first entries for the season were released Saturday. Barring scratches, five horses will compete in the first three races, six in the next three and seven in the final two races on the card.

Fort Erie’s season opener, originally set for May 26, was delayed by a week to give horses stabled along the backstretch more time to practise and prepare for racing after the Ontario government gave the industry the go ahead to race without spectators.

COVID-19 has also delayed the track’s signature race. Instead of taking place Tuesday, July 28, the Prince of Wales Stakes will be run Tuesday, Sept. 29.

This year, the Prince of Wales, the second jewel in Canadian thoroughbred racing’s triple crown, goes two weeks after the Queen’s Plate, on Saturday, Sept. 12, at Woodbine Racetrack in

Toronto, and nearly a month before the Breeders’ Stakes, which will be run Saturday, Oct. 24, also at Woodbine.

Fort Erie is scheduled to race Mondays and Tuesdays each week beginning Monday, June 8. The season wraps up Tuesday, Oct. 13.

Of all sports, horse racing is the best suited to proceed without fans 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 off site.