Hastings and Emerald Downs to present "Pacific Challenge" · 5.03.09

Hastings Racecourse in Vancouver and Seattle’s Emerald Downs have announced a new racing series for the 2009 racing season: the "Pacific Challenge".

Races in the BC Cup on 3 August and the Washington Cup on 13 September will be opened to both Washington-bred and British Columbia-bred horses. A point system will be used to determine an overall winner. The intention behind the Pacific Challenge is give horsemen additional opportunities to compete for significant purses; to make the racing product on the two race-days stronger; to strengthen the breeding industry in both regions; and to promote racing in both venues by fostering a healthy rivalry between Hastings and Emerald Downs.

Six races in total will make up the Pacific Challenge: the BC Cup Sprint (6 1/2 furlongs), BC Cup Distaff (1 1/8 miles), and BC Cup Classic (1 1/8 miles) at Hastings, and the Chinook Pass Sprint (6 furlongs), Belle Roberts (f/m, 1 1/16 miles) and Muckleshoot Tribal Classic (1 1/16 miles). Twelve horses maximum — six BC-bred and six Washington-bred — will be allowed in each race.

I like this idea — hey, anything that promotes racing locally is a good idea. It builds on the existing inter-city rivalry between Vancouver and Seattle (think of the Whitecaps / Sounders “Derby matches”). It fits into the regional concept of Cascadia.

The one thing that’s missing that I would like to see is a bonus for any horse that can sweep both races in its division (e.g. win both the BC Cup Classic and the Muckleshoot Tribal Classic). A significant purse bonus would encourage owners/trainers to race their horses on both days rather than “resting” them or looking for easier races, and would add to the rivalry of the event.

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What do you think?

  1. Excellent idea and excellent news. Rumor has it that Emerald (Crockett) is on its last legs financially. Anything that will help the horsemen and make more fans come out is a welcome addition.

    — Dr. Timothy Yatca,k · Mar 5, 02:21 PM · #

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