Former Fort Erie announcer Wells dies at 56

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Former Fort Erie Race Track announcer Daryl Wells Jr. died Thursday at age 56.

Wells fell ill after working at Ajax Downs, east of Toronto, last Monday. He ended up in an Ajax hospital, where he died surrounded by family and friends.

Wells was the son of the longtime Ontario Jockey Club announcer, the late Daryl Wells Sr. The Hamilton, Ontario, native followed in his father’s footsteps and began calling races in 1976 at age 16. He was the Fort Erie announcer for more than 30 years until 2010. He called the Prince of Wales Stakes, the middle leg of the Canadian Triple Crown, many times.

In recent years, Wells did commentary on Quarter Horse racing at Ajax Downs.

Wells was to be cremated. His son, Brandon, said the family is planning a celebration of his life in Fort Erie.