Key Points
- Fort Erie Race Track announces the 91st running of the Prince of Wales Stakes on Labour Day, Monday, September 7.
- The event is the second jewel in the Canadian Triple Crown, featuring Canada’s top 3-year-old Thoroughbreds.
- Race distance is 1 3/16 miles on a world-class dirt track, testing speed and stamina.
- Purse totals $400,000, the richest for any dirt track horse race in Canada.
- Restricted to Canadian-bred 3-year-olds; follows the King’s Plate and precedes the Breeders’ Stakes.
- Move to a holiday long weekend expected to make this the biggest and best edition in several years.
- Track General Manager Drew Cady highlights the track’s pride in hosting this iconic tradition.
- Promises an exciting day on the North American racing calendar with fans, owners, trainers, and horsemen.
- Features family-friendly festivities, live racing, exceptional cuisine in the Prince of Wales Dining Room.
- Long-standing cornerstone of Canadian racing, drawing top competitors and crowds to the scenic border oval.
Wales (The Wales Times) February 23, 2026 – Fort Erie Race Track has announced that the prestigious 91st running of the Prince of Wales Stakes, the second jewel in the Canadian Triple Crown, will now take place on Labour Day Monday, September 7. This marquee event for Canada’s top 3-year-old Thoroughbreds offers a $400,000 purse, the richest prize for any dirt track horse race in Canada, contested over 1 3/16 miles on the track’s world-class dirt surface.
The race remains restricted to Canadian-bred 3-year-olds, following the King’s Plate and leading into the Breeders’ Stakes, providing contenders a key path to Triple Crown glory. As per the official announcement from Fort Erie Race Track, this shift to a holiday long weekend aims to elevate the event’s profile and attendance.
“Fort Erie Race Track continues to be the proud home of this iconic Canadian racing tradition,”
said the track’s general manager Drew Cady, as quoted in the Fort Erie Race Track press release.
“The Prince of Wales Stakes not only highlights the exceptional talent in Canadian thoroughbred racing but also delivers one of the most exciting days on the North American horse racing calendar.”
What Is the Prince of Wales Stakes?
The Prince of Wales Stakes has established itself as a cornerstone of Canadian horse racing since its inception. Fort Erie Race Track, located on the scenic border oval near the U.S.-Canada line, has long hosted this prestigious event that draws top competitors and passionate crowds.
As detailed in the track’s announcement, the race showcases Thoroughbreds in a thrilling test of speed and stamina. Fans can anticipate family-friendly festivities alongside the main action, including live racing and exceptional cuisine served in the Prince of Wales Dining Room.
This positioning within the Canadian Triple Crown—after the King’s Plate and before the Breeders’ Stakes—makes it a pivotal stop for young horses aiming for historic achievement. The restriction to Canadian-bred 3-year-olds underscores its role in promoting national breeding and talent.
Why Was the Date Changed to Labour Day Monday?
Fort Erie Race Track is thrilled to announce the shift of the 91st edition to Labour Day, Monday, September 7, as stated directly in their official release. This move back to a holiday long weekend is designed to amplify the event’s appeal and turnout.
Drew Cady, the track’s general manager, elaborated on the rationale:
“And by moving the race back to a holiday long weekend, we expect this year’s Prince of Wales Stakes to be the biggest and best in several years.”
His statement, drawn from the Fort Erie Race Track announcement, reflects confidence in heightened excitement for participants and spectators alike.
The holiday timing aligns with long weekends that traditionally boost attendance at major sporting events. Cady further noted,
“We look forward to welcoming fans, owners, trainers, and horsemen for what promises to be another unforgettable edition,”
emphasising the inclusive, community-focused atmosphere.
What Makes This Race the Richest in Canada?
The Prince of Wales Stakes carries a $400,000 purse, positioning it as the richest prize offered for any dirt track horse race in Canada, according to the Fort Erie Race Track’s detailed announcement. This substantial reward elevates its status among North American events.
Contested over a demanding 1 3/16 miles, the race demands both speed and stamina from entrants. The dirt track at Fort Erie, renowned for its world-class quality, provides an ideal stage for these elite 3-year-olds.
As the second leg of the Canadian Triple Crown, it offers not just financial incentive but a legacy-defining opportunity. The purse’s magnitude ensures top Canadian-bred talent competes, reinforcing the event’s prestige.
Who Can Compete in the Prince of Wales Stakes?
Eligibility is strictly limited to Canadian-bred 3-year-olds, as specified in the race conditions outlined by Fort Erie Race Track. This foal restriction celebrates and nurtures homegrown Thoroughbred excellence.
The race forms the middle jewel of the Triple Crown series: post-King’s Plate and pre-Breeders’ Stakes. Successful horses here advance toward the rare Triple Crown achievement.
Fort Erie Race Track’s commitment to this format preserves tradition while spotlighting emerging stars. Drew Cady affirmed the track’s role:
“The Prince of Wales Stakes not only highlights the exceptional talent in Canadian thoroughbred racing.”
What Did Fort Erie Race Track’s General Manager Say?
Drew Cady, General Manager of Fort Erie Race Track, provided key insights in the official announcement. He stated,
“Fort Erie Race Track continues to be the proud home of this iconic Canadian racing tradition.”
Cady emphasised the event’s broader impact:
“The Prince of Wales Stakes not only highlights the exceptional talent in Canadian thoroughbred racing but also delivers one of the most exciting days on the North American horse racing calendar.”
His comments underscore the track’s dedication to excellence.
Looking ahead, Cady expressed optimism:
“We look forward to welcoming fans, owners, trainers, and horsemen for what promises to be another unforgettable edition.”
This direct quote from the press release captures the anticipated vibrancy.
How Does the Holiday Timing Boost the Event?
By scheduling on Labour Day Monday, September 7, the race leverages a holiday long weekend for maximum engagement. Fort Erie Race Track anticipates this will make the 91st running “the biggest and best in several years,” per Drew Cady’s remarks.
Holiday weekends historically draw larger crowds to racetracks, enhancing the festive atmosphere. The announcement highlights expectations of increased participation from fans and industry figures.
This strategic placement promises an elevated experience, blending racing action with leisure. Cady noted the track’s readiness to host under these prime conditions.
What Fan Experiences Await at the Event?
Attendees can expect family-friendly festivities, live racing action, and exceptional cuisine in the Prince of Wales Dining Room, as promoted in the Fort Erie Race Track release. These elements create a comprehensive day out.
The scenic border oval setting adds to the allure, offering views and an electric atmosphere. Opportunities to witness history unfold draw enthusiasts from across North America.
Fort Erie positions itself as more than a venue—it’s the proud steward of tradition. Fans will enjoy the thrill of top Thoroughbreds vying for glory.
What Is the Historical Significance of This Race?
The Prince of Wales Stakes has long been a cornerstone of Canadian racing, as affirmed by Fort Erie Race Track. Its legacy spans decades, building a reputation for high-stakes competition.
Named after royalty, it embodies prestige within the Triple Crown framework. The track’s dirt surface has hosted countless memorable battles.
As the 91st edition approaches, it continues to honour its roots while evolving. Drew Cady’s pride reflects its enduring place: “Fort Erie Race Track continues to be the proud home.”
Why Is Fort Erie Race Track the Ideal Host?
Fort Erie Race Track boasts a world-class dirt track suited for the 1 3/16-mile challenge. Its location on the border oval provides a unique, picturesque venue.
The facility supports premium experiences, from dining to festivities. General Manager Drew Cady reiterated its stature:
“one of the most exciting days on the North American horse racing calendar.”
This announcement reaffirms the track’s leadership in Canadian Thoroughbred racing. Kirkpatrick & Co.’s related coverage, “Presents In Their Care: ‘Nothing I Would Rather Do’,” echoes the passion involved, though specifics tie back to the core event.
