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For Immediate Release: May 16, 2007
Why did the Western Fair Association venture into racing 45 years ago? “Several factors encouraged the Association to venture into a full-fledged racing program in 1961. When Western Fair first moved to Queen’s Park in 1887, Directors had authorized the building of an oval race track as well as stabling and paddock areas. A steel grandstand, rebuilt in 1915 with seating capacity for 5,000 was in active use, and provided adequate outdoor seating for the audience of race fans. Barn stabling and paddock areas were easily supplied. During the Fair of 1960, with the aid of Agriculture Canada and the United Tote Company, the Western Fair offered an afternoon program of pari-mutuel racing. Modest success combined with the Fair’s long tradition and success in organizing racing events encouraged the Association members to seriously consider harness racing and pari-mutuel wagering. Representatives from the Association gained provincial permission for night harness racing under lights and all systems were GO. On May 17, 1961, Western Fair opened a 24-night harness racing program a first for the province of Ontario. The raceway was also the first track in Ontario to hire women cashiers for its pari-mutuel wickets.”
As the raceway entered the 1970’s, “annual average attendance figures at Western Fair Raceway exceeded 380,000 horse fans. Throughout this decade the track operated race programs of between 120 and 134 days and purses exceeded the one million dollar mark." 45 years later the Western Fair Raceway continues to provide horse enthusiasts with year-round simulcast racing programs and live racing during the fall, winter and spring months. In 2007 race dates number approximately 130 per season and purses average $90,000 per day. The most significant impact of the racing operation at Western Fair along with the partnership of the Slot Lounge is the 60 million dollar impact the racing and gaming operation at Western Fair makes within the local economy. From horse farmers and those that work within this agricultural industry to support racing, to urban dwellers who partake in racing and gaming entertainment, the industry impacts many.
“Even with the opening of competing tracks in other cities in Ontario, the Western Fair Raceway remained a favoured and popular meeting place for horsepeople and those directly involved with the race program.” Today with the expansion of a slot lounge and numerous new entertainment options on the grounds, the Western Fair Raceway is a treasured gem among the many jewels in the Western Fair Entertainment Centre’s crown.
Ian Fleming
Racing and Gaming Manager
(519) 438-7203 EX 336
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