The familiar words “There They Go!” from Hall of Fame track announcer Dan Jukich will again be rebounding off the backdrop of the North Shore Mountains with the return of thoroughbred racing at Hastings Racecourse in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Sunday, April 30.
The season will run for 45 live racing dates, including the highly anticipated return of four popular Friday night cards this summer along with two Monday night dates during the annual Fair at the Pacific National Exhibition. The schedule includes 28 stakes races with purse money totaling $1.75 million highlighted by the 76th running of the $125,000 Grade 3 BC Derby and 58th running of the $75,000 BC Oaks on Saturday, Sept. 16.
Besides several other marquee stakes, one of the city's most fashionable events of the summer – The Cup – is set for Saturday, July 22. It will be 13th edition of an exciting day at the races when guests dress Derby-style to enjoy premier seating and popular live music, together with special food and beverage offerings in a party atmosphere that traditionally attracts 10,000 patrons.
Other highlights during the season include BC Cup Day on the Aug. 7 holiday Monday with six stakes races restricted to BC-breds offering a total of $300,000 in purses. That's followed by the four CTHS stakes on Monday, Aug. 21, the first night card during the PNE Fair. The final two stakes of the season will run on Saturday, Oct. 14, both with new names and purses increased to $75,000: The Glen Todd Fantasy for 2-year-old fillies and The Glen Todd Ascot for 2-year-old colts & geldings.
Hastings Racecourse is also excited to be bringing back the ever-popular dog races, including the beloved wiener dogs, and will feature several other special promotional days throughout the summer.
“Our team has been working tirelessly to create an unforgettable experience for everyone who comes through our gates,” says Nichelle Milner, regional manager of racing operations. “The track is in excellent condition and our horse population continues to grow. We know that our fans are in for a great time.”
The Hastings Racecourse 2023 Live Racing Calendar and Stakes Schedule are available at hastingsracecourse.com.
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