Hastings Surprise For Horse Racing Industry
Originally known as the East Park Racecourse, Hastings Racecourse opened for business in 1889, and has continued the tradition of horse racing and spectacular related events. It is currently owed by a division of the Great Canadian Gaming Corporation and Hasting Racecourse host major horse racing events such as the British Columbia Breeders’ Cup Derby, Ballerina Breeders’ Cup Stakes, Lieutenant Governors Stakes and the British Columbia Breeders’ Cup Oaks. Although nothing has been officially stated, there is talk about a few welcome changes being on the cards for next year.
With the Breeders’ Cup, which took place at Santa Anita Park Racecourse, being held over two days and being a smashing success, increasing racing days at the track is being discussed. But it seems that Santa Anita Park Racecourse was not the only one tasting success this past weekend. Great Canadian has always tried to keep the world of horse racing as exciting, innovative and as entertaining as possible. With that in mind, they have branched out into breeding, with Great Canadian Casino owning Fraser Downs (standardbred horses) and Hastings. On Sunday, a beautiful horse named Tommy Danzigger made his appearance. This superb horse was put to sale last year by Great Canadian Casino, and with expert training from Rob Gilker, his new owner, Ed Smith, watched as the two year old raced to glory in the Ascot Graduation Stakes.
Great Canadian seem to make news wherever they are involved and the latest bit of news to make the rounds between horsemen, is the hope that Hastings Racecourse will be adding a third day to the weekly racing schedule for the coming racing season. Of course, more racing events, means more purses to be won and so far it has been estimated that purse amounts will increase with ten percent. The increase in purses will be facilitated by the revenue made by the slot machines at the racecourse and a spokesman commented to the media that all confirmations of the purses and racing day increases will be made by spring. Horsemen in the surrounding areas are excited about the changes and the positive developments within the sport.
