Fort Erie to Open June 15 Under Ontario's COVID-19 Plan
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Photo: Michael Burns
Racing at Fort Erie
Fort Erie announced May 21 the rescheduled beginning of its racing season, with opening day set for June 15 at 4 p.m. ET. This year's racing season was delayed from June 1 due to an extended provincial lockdown.
On May 20, the Government of Ontario announced a three-step plan to gradually reopen the economy. Horse racing will be allowed to reopen in Step One of their "Roadmap to Reopen" if the province meets its target to complete 60% of first dose COVID-19 vaccinations for adults in Ontario.
"We are very grateful that the province has recognized the importance of racing in Ontario in Step One of their 'Roadmap to Reopen,'" said Drew Cady, general manager of Fort Erie. "All the horse people at the Fort are following strict COVID-19 protocols in order to get this racing season up and going as soon as possible."
Live racing will take place on Mondays at 1 p.m. and Tuesdays at 4 p.m. Following strict COVID-19 protocols in line with the provincial government, the track will remain closed to spectators. The backstretch remains open to essential workers.
Three race days will be lost at the start of the season. Fort Erie may consider adding these race days at the end of the meet, pending approvals. Despite the delayed start, Fort Erie has increased the number of race days this year from 40 to 42.