Fort Erie Race Track opener draws 6,000 amid funding uncertainty

Brent Jones
June 5, 2026 at 11:27 PM

Fort Erie Race Track says more than 6,000 people turned out for opening day on May 31, helping drive its largest opening-day on-track wagering handle in years.

According to a release from the track, on-track wagering reached $143,000, up 28 per cent from last season.

The track opened its 129th season Sunday with live racing, a concert, farmers’ market and food trucks.

“Fort Erie Race Track is in the perfect position to play a key role in the province’s Destination Niagara strategy, and our huge Sunday opener highlights how important this business is to Fort Erie’s summer tourism industry,” said James Culic, the track’s marketing manager, in the release.

The strong opening day came as the track continues to push for a new provincial funding agreement.

Culic previously told Fort Erie Radio the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation and Ontario Racing have approved a new $35-million agreement for Fort Erie Race Track, but Woodbine Entertainment Group has not signed off on the deal.

Culic said at the time the track has enough funding to operate through the 2026 season, but warned 2027 could be in jeopardy if a new agreement is not completed.

“We could be in a very tight spot next year if this doesn’t get done,” Culic told Fort Erie Radio.

Sofia Vives won the Sprint Into Summer Cup, securing a fourth straight win for ICON Racing on opening day at Fort Erie Race Track. Credit: Luke Edwards

On the track last Sunday, ICON Racing won both the Sprint Into Summer Cup and the Summer Solstice Cup.

Jockey Sofia Vives won all four races where she had mounts for ICON and trainer Tony Adamo.

“I’ve got to thank ICON,” Adamo said in the release. “They love this business, they love Fort Erie, and they want to keep supporting this track.”

The next race day is this Sunday, June 7, with first post at 12:15 p.m., according to the track’s racing calendar.

Weekend racing continues June 14 and Father’s Day, June 21, before the track switches back to its regular Monday and Tuesday schedule through the end of October.

The track says two additional Sunday event days are scheduled this summer, with the Wiener Dog Races on July 12 and Fort Foodie Fest on August 30.

The 91st Prince of Wales Stakes is scheduled for Monday, September 7, on Labour Day weekend.