Fort Erie shortens closing-day card
The last six races on Fort Erie’s 10-race closing day card Tuesday were scrapped due to unsafe track conditions caused by heavy rainfall.
“Unfortunately, due to the continuous rainfall throughout the day, we could not carry out the remainder of the card,” said Drew Cady, the general manager for the Fort Erie Live Racing Consortium. “Despite our shortened card, we still had a tremendous season, one in which we were able to welcome back fans who missed out on the 2020 racing season due to COVID-19 restrictions.”
Christopher Husbands, the runaway leading rider at the 39-day meet, recorded 52 wins during the 124th racing season at the border oval. Husbands also rode Red Equinox to victory in the $80,000 Rondeau Bay Stakes on Prince of Wales Day.
“I had a really good start, and I just continued on that momentum,” Husbands said. “I was blessed to ride good horses. The owners and trainers gave me good horses, which I really appreciated. Thanks to all the owners and trainers who gave me a shot and the opportunity.”
Julie Mathes was the leading trainer for a second year in a row with 23 wins. Bruno Schickedanz was the leading owner with 16 victories to his credit.
The total wagering for the meet was $28.6 million, including the $1.87 million bet on the Sept. 14 Prince of Wales card. Haddassah won the $400,000 Prince of Wales, the middle leg of the Canadian Triple Crown.
Fort Erie has applied for 40 race days in 2022, operating primarily on Mondays and Tuesdays from May 31 to Oct. 18.