Two Great Traditions in One Amazing Day

It’s become a tradition on the Sunday of the Labour Day long weekend for race goers young and old, locals and tourists alike to cheer on the winning connections of the historic Puss N Boots Cup as they take their leap into the same infield pond that the notorious rouge gelding of the same name did 53 years ago. This season, that ritual continues but with some extra flare as the third annual Circle the Course for Cancer and COPE will be added to the mix and promises to provide patrons with a day full of memories.

On Sunday, August 31st the doors will open early for the final Breakfast Club of the season from 8:30am to 10am at the Tiki Bar. For $8.00, attendees will enjoy a wonderful buffet with a ringside seat to watch the Thoroughbreds and their exercise riders train. Track announcer Mike Dimoff is the host of the event and provides information about the track, its horses and how to bet. He also interviews local horsepeople for some insight into their careers.

The Farmers Market sets up for 11am.

A group of local volunteers including track staff, horsepeople and residents from the community will set up beside the walking ring to begin the special charity event at 11am.

Participants who make a minimum donation of $10 to cancer research will receive a commemorative lapel pin and/or people who make a non-perishable food item donation to COPE will receive a commemorative wristband. After the final race of the day, the lapel pins and wristbands will act as the access pass to walk the entire racetrack (a total distance of one mile), for two great causes.

The day is jammed packed with special events including; a jockeys foot race, a 50/50 draw, free events for kids, pony rides, entertainment at the Tiki Bar throughout the day and special guest, Hall of Fame jockey and cancer survivor Sandy Hawley, who will sign autographs and take part in many of the day’s activities.

The Puss N Boots Cup will be run during the live racing card and this year’s field is shaping up to be a strong one featuring last year’s winner Catch the Luck who is trained by Kevin Buttigieg.

Since its inception, Circle the Course has raised $10,000 for cancer research and filled two horse trailers full of food for COPE. This year’s event is bigger and better than ever and the track hopes that many people will take this rare opportunity to see the racetrack from a different perspective. After the completion of the walk a free concert will get underway at the Tiki Bar by the popular Eagles tribute band New Kid in Town.

“This promotion represents the most rewarding endeavor for the FELRC as it involves employees, horsepeople, jockeys and racing fans all giving to charity,” said Rick Cowan, Chief Operating Officer for the FELRC. “The size of our contribution over the last few years has exceeded our expectations.”

What a way to say good-bye to summer and welcome fall racing which continues every Sunday and Tuesday until September 30th with first race post time at 2pm.

Elissa Blowe
Media & Marketing Manager
1-800-295-3770 ext. 3204
e-mail: femedia@forterieracetrack.ca