Fort Erie Race Track Announces 2015 Race Dates and Changes to HIP Program

Fort Erie Race Track has received approval from the Ontario Racing Commission to extend its racing season by two weeks resulting in a 40 day meet for 2015. In addition to the added days, we are pleased to announce that after several meetings between the CTHS, HBPA and FELRC it was decided that a change was needed in the allocation of the Thoroughbred Horse Improvement Program (HIP). Those meetings resulted in a decision to implement a 20% purse bonus for all eligible Ontario Sired Horses in 2015. The change, subject to final Ontario Racing Commission approval, should help not only to continue to support the goals of the Horse Improvement Program, but also provide the local horsepeople with an effective 20% purse increase to an estimated 50% of our horses.

“The effort and co-operation between CTHS, HBPA and FELRC resulted in a terrific outcome for Fort Erie horsepeople. The Board of the Ontario HBPA unanimously supported both the additional 3 days and the Ontario Sired Bonus. Field size is so important, we hope it will encourage HBPA owners to purchase additional horses for the Fort Erie meet.” said HBPA President Sue Leslie.

Opening day will take place on Tuesday, June 2nd with a 4:15pm post time, kicking off the popular Twilight Tuesday race cards for June, July and August which are followed by the free Summer Concert Series at the Tiki Bar Patio. Post Time for Sundays will be 1:50pm and beginning September 1st, Tuesday post time will shift to 1:50pm as well. Closing day is scheduled for Tuesday, October 20th. The backstretch will open for training on May 1st.

2015 will mark the racetrack’s 118th season of live thoroughbred racing with the highlight being the 80th edition of the Prince of Wales Stakes to be run on Tuesday, July 28th. The Prince of Wales is the 2nd jewel in Canada’s Triple Crown as well as Canada’s richest