Fort Erie Racetrack History

Fort Erie Race Track was inaugurated on Wednesday, June 16, 1897. With the Ontario Jockey Club taking over the operation, racing at Fort Erie began to take place in the spring and summer. Currently Fort Erie offers racing from May to October. E.P. Taylor developed the Canadian Triple Crown of Racing in 1959, with the second leg of the series, the Prince of Wales Stakes, being the Fort Erie\'s featured race each season.

Fort Erie racetrack is one of the Canada’s most prominent horseracing tracks that hosts the Prince of Wales Stakes, which is regarded as the second jewel in Canada’s equivalent to the Triple Crown. Beautiful infield filled with colorful flowers and lakes adds charm and energy to all horseracing events. The Fort Erie racetrack was set in motion for hosting horseracing events on June 16, 1897 and the first winner at this racetrack – Ellesmere earned $300 in prize money. It was in 1952, the Ontario Jockey Club purchased the track and it was refurbished in 1953. The first Prince of Wales Stakes took place in 1959 while in 1979; a computerized betting facility was introduced in the field. Keeping the intention of providing high-end facilities and entertainment, the organizers have set up a 75000 square feet casino slot area capable of operating 1200 slot machines. A new TV control room and photo finish option were installed to make racing more interesting.