Fort Erie Race Track today released the 2004 Stakes Calendar pending regulatory approval. The stakes calendar features 24 events, highlighted by the $500,000 Prince of Wales Stakes. The border oval's signature event will be contested on Sunday, July 18.

"We'd like to thank the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (CTHS) and the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) for their contributions to the formation of this year's stakes program," said Fort Erie's Director of Racing Herb McGirr, Sr. "We've expanded the stakes offerings to 24 events and are happy that we've been able to increase the total value of these races once again, with more than $2 million up for grabs."

The 2004 live racing season opens on Saturday, May 1 and runs through Sept. 6. The slots facility at Fort Erie Race Track is open daily from 9 am to 3 am and operates 24 hours on weekends. Admission and parking are free.

Live racing information can be obtained at www.forterieracing.com

Race, Sex & Age, Distance, Date, Purse
The Expedite Plus, C/G3&up, 5f, June 6, $40,000.00*
Adena Springs Matchmaker Stakes, FM3&up, 5f [Turf], June 13, $50,000.00
The Rose City , FM3&up, 6f, June 20, $40,000.00*
The Niagara Falls, C/G3&up, 6f, June 27, $40,000.00*
Canada Day Stakes, C/G3&up Foaled in Canada, 6f, July 1, $100,000.00
Labatt Bison City Stakes, 3YO Fillies Foaled in Canada, 1 1/16M, July 4, $250,000
Daryl Wells Sr. Memorial Stakes, FM3&up Foaled in Canada, 6f, July 4, $100,000.00
H.A. Hindmarsh Stakes, FM3&up, 1 1/16M, July 10, $75,000.00
H.J. Addison Jr. Stakes, C/G3&up, 1 1/16M, July 11, $75,000
Prince of Wales Stakes, 3YO Foaled in Canada, 1 3/16M, July 18, $500,000
International Turf Cup Stakes, C/G3&up Foaled in Canada, 1 1/16M [Turf], July 18, $100,000.00
Ernie Samuel Memorial Stakes, FM3&up Foaled in Canada, 1 1/16M [Turf], July 18, $100,000
Rainbow Connection Stakes, FM3&up Ontario Sired, 5f [Turf], July 25, $125,000
The Parnitha, C/G3&up, 5f [Turf], July 25, $40,000.00*
The Border Cup, FM3&up, 1 1/16M, Aug. 2, $40,000.00*
The Civic Holiday, C/G3&up, 1 1/16M, Aug. 2, $40,000.00*
The Golden Horseshoe, FM3&up, A7f [Turf], Aug. 8, $40,000.00*
The Blazing Sevens, C/G3&up , A 7f [Turf], Aug. 15, $40,000.00*
The Queen City, FM3&up, 6f, Aug. 22, $40,000.00*
The Garden City, C/G3&up , 6f, August 29, $40,000.00*
Juvenile Stakes, 2YO Fillies, 6f, Sept. 4, $75,000
Juvenile Stakes, 2YOC/G, 6f, Sept. 5, $75,000.00
The Puss n Boots, C/G3&up, 1 1/16M [Turf], Sept. 6, $40,000.00*
The Centre Stage Anne, FM3&up, 1 1/16M [Turf], Sept. 6, $40,000.00*