Written, pictured here with assistant trainer Gus Siddo, won the first race of 2020 at Fort Erie Race Track
It was a spectator-free opening day at Fort Erie Race Track. The 123-year-old border oval kicked off the return of racing in Ontario on Tuesday with an 8-race card. More than $2,093,000 was wagered, an increase of more than 70% over 2019. It was Fort Erie Live Racing Consortium’s second-best wagering day, next to the 2016 Prince of Wales Stakes when $2.188 million was wagered on a 9-race card.
The first race of the day went to Written for trainer Barrington Siddo and jockey Howard Newell. She returned $14.10 to her backers.
“It was exciting to win the first race on opening day. My game plan was to get a good break, which I did. She was relaxed coming into the straight, then I asked her and she just moved away from there,” said Newell after his win. “I miss having the fans. It’s more exciting and more enjoyable when they are here, but I’m really happy that we are back and racing again.”
Trainer and jockey team Joseph Humber and Sunny Singh had an excellent season opener, winning three of the three races they were entered in, with Big Classic, Stellatara, and About a Girl.
“The day was very good. Joe started training in February and fate went his way,” said Singh at the end of the card. “It’s a great honour to be racing again. A few months ago we had some doubts, but Ontario did a great job in getting us back to racing and working again.”
Wins for jockeys were rounded out with two for Emile Ramsammy, and one each to Helen Vanek and Melanie Pinto.
Fort Erie’s racing season will include 39 days, running at a new Monday and Tuesday schedule until October 13. First race post time is 1:20 p.m. on both days
Racing will continue without spectators, however fans can watch a live HD stream online at http://forterieracing.com/streaming-and-replays. Online Wagering is available in Ontario through HPIbet.com.
Fans can also watch the replay show on YourTV channel 700, Thursday nights at 8pm.
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