DVD - History of FORT ERIE RACETRACK...NORTHERN DANCER/Dance Smartly/DAN PATCH

On DVD or VHS:

On November 21, 1896, ground was first broken for Fort Erie Racetrack- seven short months later they were off and running; the 34-day meet opened with ELSMERE winning the first race and earning $300 for the victory. Buffalo businessmen played an active role in the development of Thoroughbred racing at the Fort as they sought an alternative to the stringent racing regulations of New YorkState.

For years fans crossed the border in droves by ferries and trains to get in on the action. There were many stumbling blocks along the way but the track has not only endured but flourished with the guidance of such ownership as E.P. TAYLOR (owner of Windfield Farms and the great NORTHERN DANCER).

The track saw a wide array of owners in the early years as well as harness racing. See the famed pacer, DAN PATCH, and SIR BARTON, the first triple crown winner - they were just a few of the big-name horses to compete at Fort Erie. As you'll see, the list of great horses and great horse stories had just begun. The Canadian King of Racing, NORTHERN DANCER, made the world take notice in 1964 winning the Kentucky Derby and Preakness but it was at Fort Erie that he first learned how to race. Since 1959 the highlight of every racing season at Fort Erie is the running of the Prince of Wales Stakes - the second jewel of the Canadian Triple Crown; it has featured some of Canada's all-time greatest Thoroughbreds - impressive performances and huge upsets. Film footage includes the 1988 victory of REGAL CLASSIC; ALYDEED's 1992 monumental defeat; the filly, DANCE SMARTLY - the 1991 Canadian Triple Crown winner and Horse-of-the-Year; and RUNAWAY GROOM.

See the famous race in which PUSS 'N BOOTS makes a sharp right off the track, slides down a hill, and ends up in the lake! To commemorate this humorous and memorable event, a yearly Puss 'N Boots race is held every year and the owner of the winning horse takes a flying leap into the lake!

A complete history of one of Canada's premier horse racing facilities; employees, jockeys and most importantly, the racing fans have an on-going love affair with the historic border oval. The first 100 years have

provided racing fans with an entertaining ride and the next century begins with an eye on the future - a future that looks
extremely bright.

20 Minutes.

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