Fort Erie closing-day card handles $1.5 million

The 125th Fort Erie meet concluded on Monday with $1.5 million wagered on an extended 12-race card.

Originally scheduled for Oct. 18, closing day was postponed due to inclement weather. There was a mid-card delay on Monday due to a 45-minute power outage in the town of Fort Erie.

A total of $33.2 million was wagering at the 40-day meet, which was a 16 percent increase over the previous year.

“After two years of restrictions, it was nice to see new fans and familiar faces back at Fort Erie this season,” said Drew Cady, the CEO of the Fort Erie Live Racing Consortium. “Our race days were a success. Our concerts and special events were incredibly well attended. It was a great year and we’re already looking forward to our 2023 season.”

Christopher Husbands was the leading rider for the second year in a row with 32 wins. Melanie Pinto, who ranked second with 30 wins, was voted the award for outstanding rider by her peers.

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Julie Mathes topped the trainer standings for the third consecutive year with 27 victories. Perennial leading owner Bruno Schickedanz recorded 26 tallies.

Strong Ending earned the horse of the year title. Trained by Richard Davis for Schickedanz, Strong Ending won all five of his starts at Fort Erie, including the Puss n Boots Cup and the Le Cinquieme Essai Cup. Davis was voted the outstanding trainer by his peers.

For 2022, Fort Erie has applied for a 40-day meet, going from May 23 to Oct. 17.

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