Horse Racing to Cease at Hastings Racecourse & Casino

Hastings Racecourse & Casino  (“Hastings”) announced that it is ceasing the conduct of thoroughbred horse racing at  the facility, effective immediately.

Historically, thoroughbred racing has been conducted between the months of April and October; as such, there are no horses currently stabled at Hastings. Operation of the casino and simulcast racebook at the facility will not be impacted by this decision.

“This was an extremely difficult decision, especially given the historical legacy of Hastings Racecourse in the local community and its importance to the province’s racing industry,” stated Wayne Odegard, Regional Vice President, Great Canadian Entertainment. “Unfortunately, this is strictly a business decision based on a lack of economic feasibility to move forward with another season of horse racing at Hastings. We are incredibly thankful for our dedicated team members, racing participants and fan base for their support and patronage for so many years.”

“Our focus moving forward will be supporting our impacted team members through this transition, as well as racing participants as they assess their options for thoroughbred racing in the province in the future,” concluded Odegard.

Hastings Racecourse & Casino, located in Vancouver, British Columbia has conducted thoroughbred racing since 1889. The venue features a five-furlong racing surface, stabling for several hundred horses, and other backstretch facilities. Great Canadian Entertainment has operated Hastings Racecourse & Casino since 2004 and leases the facility from the City of Vancouver. Casino operations commenced at Hastings Racecourse in 2008 after substantial property upgrades were undertaken by Great Canadian Entertainment.