It was another record setting year at the Fort Erie Race Track, as the 119th season of live racing at the border oval came to a close on Tuesday.
Manager of Marketing & Media Relations Antonietta Petrella tells CKTB there was a 20 percent increase in all-source wagering to $28,855,000 over 40 days of racing.
On-track attendance grew by close to 10 percent, based on increases in on-track wagering, food and beverage sales and program sales.
The 81st running of the Prince of Wales Stakes was also a record breaking event, with the highest on-track attendance in recent record and $2.2 million in wagering.
Closing day included a tribute to Fort Erie’s former announcer, Daryl Wells Jr., who passed away on October 13.
Wells Jr.’s family and friends were in attendance for the tribute, which included a speech by Hall of Fame jockey Sandy Hawley, and a replay of Wells Jr.’s final race called in Fort Erie, after his 33-year career at the track.
Officials are looking forward to next year, which will be the 120th season of live racing in Fort Erie.
The season will begin on May 30 with popular twilight Tuesday racing, and will conclude on October 17.