Canada is a nation with many thoroughbred and standardbred horse race tracks. Of all the tracks in the country there are two which stand out above the rest. Woodbine and Fort Erie are the premier race tracks in Canada. Each of them hosts many important horse races throughout the year. Here is a closer look at both, and we’ll also tell you how you can bet horses on these Canadian race tracks from home.
Woodbine Racetrack
One of the most important races on the Woodbine calendar is the annual Queen’s Plate Stakes. This race has been ran for more than 150 years. In 2010 Queen Elizabeth II attended the race in person while on a state visit to Canada. The track is also the only track outside of America to host the annual Breeders’ Cup World Championships and the Arlington Million. In 1973 Woodbine was the site of Secretariat’s final race. It is home to the Canadian Racing Hall of Fame.
Woodbine Racetrack also includes a casino as part of its sprawling entertainment complex. There are more than 3,500 slot machines for patrons to enjoy, and there are also electronic table games such as blackjack and roulette.
Woodbine regularly plays host to the Breeders’ Crown, a championship event for standardbred harness racing. Harness racing has been a part of the Woodbine experience for many years and is very popular in Canada.
The legends of horse racing in Canada have all competed on the Woodbine Strip. These include the champion Northern Dancer and many prominent horse racing jockeys and trainers. One of the hallmarks of the track is its irregularly-shaped turf course which comprises the outermost section of the race track.
Fort Erie Race Track
In recent years the Fort Erie Race Track has gone through a period of transition. It was expected that the race track would have to close when it was no longer allowed to have slot machines which are used to support the purses and other costs associated with live racing. A group of investors subsequently purchased the race track and have been making an effort to restore it to its former glory. The efforts have included scheduling novelty events such as dachshund racing and basset hound racing.
In its heyday the track at Fort Erie was home to the Price of Wales Stakes and other important events. It has surrendered much of its former glory to Woodbine, but the venue remains one of the most important race tracks in Canada.
How to Bet Race Tracks in Canada
There are many horse bettors and handicappers that would love to wager on Canadian horse races at Woodbine and Fort Erie but cannot make the trip to Canada to bet. An alternative to attending live racing in Canada is to watch and wager with an online racebook.
The race tracks in Canada are so popular that almost every racebook offers betting action from them. This includes TwinSpires, BetAmerica, and Bovada. When you sign up with one of these racebooks you have the luxury of betting from home with your computer or tablet. You never have to leave the sofa and you get access to the same betting menu that is offered on the track to live patrons.
To begin, choose one of the online racebooks that is recommended by EZ Horse Betting. Next, create your wagering account and make a deposit. The last step is to choose Woodbine or Fort Erie from the available horse racing tracks and make you bets.
Did you know that many online racebooks will give you a bonus when you make your first deposit? You can use this bonus money to bet on these tracks or tracks from the US, Hong Kong, and Australia. Canadians should check out 5Dimes review and sign up for an account.
See our Bovada racebook review, Twinspires review or even our Betamerica review. All great choice if you are in the US ONLY.
