With a heavy amount of uncertainty swirling in regard to the future of the Fort Erie Race Track, the raceway's scheduled meet-closing card could possibly have been the last ever at the historic raceway. Now, even that is gone.
The track issued a press release today (Monday, October 29) stating that due to inclement weather expected from Hurricane Sandy, the program scheduled for Tuesday, October 30 has been cancelled.
The release cited the expected severity of the storm and dangerous conditions for horses and jockeys as main reasons for the cancellation.
The track is attempting to race its Monday card as programmed, but will be monitoring the situation on a race-by-race basis.
The Fort Erie release appears below.
Fort Erie Cancels Live Racing For Tuesday, October 30
As a result of heavy rain throughout the Niagara Region combined with high wind gusts expected as a result of Hurricane Sandy, Fort Erie racing officials have canceled live racing for Tuesday, October 30.
“Due to the severity of the storm forecasted by the weather networks and out of respect to the safety of the horses and jockeys we regretfully make this announcement,” said Chief Operating Officer, Rick Cowan. “This is especially disappointing to our staff, horsepeople and fans as it is the last day of operation and the timing could not have been worse.”
Live racing will take place on Monday, October 29 and will be run on a race by race basis as long as the track surface is deemed safe for both jockeys and equine athletes.
Tuesday was scheduled to be the final day of live racing for the 2012 racing season.
First-race post time is scheduled today for 1:15 p.m.
Fort Erie A place I remember
Fort Erie A place I remember 40 yrs ago as serene as a race track could be. A Sunday afternoon with lunch in the cafeteria and then the paddock before the first race. The jockeys Sandy Hawley, Richard Grubb, Robin Platts,Avelino Gomez and many more. A part of my life I will never forget. And of course Hammerkopf who paid 160.00 for 2.00 the largest bet I ever collected for 2.00. This track will never be forgotton till the day I die.
Having just watched the 10th
Having just watched the 10th race at Fort Erie, I am very saddened at what our Province has become. I have been to the racetrack at Fort Erie around 100 times in my life and I have enjoyed each and every visit. From the days of being a kid and going with my father, to taking my own children, the memories are all fond.
To think that this could be the last race ever makes me shake my head in disgust.
To each horse that has ever raced at Fort Erie I thank you. To each jockey who has ridden a horse at Fort Erie I thank you. To each trainer who has ever raced a horse at Fort Erie I thank you.
From its beginnings in 1897, Fort Erie Race Track has always been a special place and it is my hope that when this treacherous Liberal Government is replaced, that once again Fort Erie racetrack will return to racing horses. When it does, you can be sure I will be attending.