Thoroughbreds begin training at Fort Erie
Before the first announcement of “they’re off” for Fort Erie Race Track’s 127th season, thoroughbreds have to “ship in.”
Since April 1, 60 horses so far have stabled on the backstretch, and many of them took to the dirt racing surface when training for the upcoming meet began on Sunday.
James Culic, manager of marketing and corporate communications, called the number “on par” with early arrivals in past years.
“We expect to have the usual number — about 250 — by the time we hit opening day,” he said.
What could affect those numbers going forward is the stable policy at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto. The policy has limited the ability of owners who stable their horses at Woodbine “to move freely between the two tracks.”
Culic pointed out Woodbine has yet to set the policy for the upcoming racing season.
“In years past, they have typically introduced the policy about two to three weeks before our opening day,” he said.
Fort Erie’s opening day is set for May 28, when the first of 40 race dates — the same as last year — will be held.
Highlighting this year’s opening day program are two $30,000 races — Sprint Into Summer Cup and Summer Solstice Cup — and a free concert following the final race, featuring Welland band Revive the Rose.
All but four of the live racing programs will be held either on a Monday or a Tuesday. The four Sunday programs are June 16, Father’s Day; July 7, Fort Foodie Fest; July 21, Wiener Dog Day; and Aug. 18, Corgi and Basset Hound Races.
Weather and track conditions permitting, there will be 17 Monday programs and 19 on Tuesday, including the 89th running of the Prince of Wales Stakes on Sept. 10.
Fort Foodie Fest is the only new Sunday event this season. Dozens of food trucks will be at the track on race day offering a variety of dishes and treats.
Longtime trainer Ken Albu speaks from the experience of having more than 1,600 starts since 2001 that having Sunday programs are “great.”
“The track is always so busy. The local fans seem to really enjoy those weekend races,” he said.
Albu so far has 10 horses training at the track. He expects to have 18 by the middle of the season.
The Prince of Wales, the second jewel of Canadian thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown, is the marquee event on the racing calendar at Fort Erie Race Track.
Bookended by the King’s Plate, run on an artificial surface at Woodbine in Toronto, and the Breeders’ Stake, contested on turf at Woodbine, the Prince of Wales is a $400,000 purse race on dirt for three-year-olds foaled in Canada.
‘‘ We expect to have the usual number — about 250 — by the time we hit opening day. JAMES CULIC FORT ERIE RACE TRACK