Fort Erie opener pushed back due to government coronavirus announcement

Opening day at Fort Erie Racetrack has been postponed due to Thursday’s provincial government announcement that stay-at-home orders due to the coronavirus pandemic will continue across Ontario until June 2. The meet was originally scheduled to begin June 1, but will be rescheduled for a later date.

Racing will commence when the province ends the lockdown and gives approval for horse racing to resume in Ontario. Fort Erie’s backstretch will remain open in order to provide essential care for horses.

“Following the government’s announcement and keeping in line with the province’s COVID-19 guidelines, the track will remain closed for racing at this time,” said Drew Cady, general manager of the Fort Erie Live Racing Consortium. “We are ready to begin our racing season and will continue to work with Ontario Racing and the province to safely commence live racing as quickly as possible.”

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When the season begins, live racing will be conducted on Mondays at 1 p.m. and Tuesdays at 4 p.m.

On a similar note, Assiniboia Downs in Manitoba has delayed the opening of its meet from May 17 to May 24.