Hastings ramping-up for 2009 season · 16.04.09

Opening day 2009 at Hastings Racecourse is this Saturday, April 18 — the first of 76 days of live racing. General manager Raj Mutti and new director of racing Paul Ryneveld are both optimistic that Hastings will have a successful live racing season, despite the downturn in the economy, an overall drop in simulcast revenue in recent months, and recent substantial cuts in staff levels. Purses have remained stable; Friday night racing has been expanded; and new marketing strategies will be aimed at attracting a younger crowd.

Many of last years’ stars, both human and equine, have returned for the new season. Last year’s leading rider Mario Gutierrez, top apprentice Stephanie Fedora, and other leading riders like Pedro Alvarado, Dave Wilson, and Frank Fuentes are back. Another rookie to keep an eye on is Natasha Sihota, who had four wins in only 11 starts last year.

Defending Horse of the Year Spaghetti Mouse, past champion True Metropolitan, and last year’s B.C. Derby winner and top 3-year-old colt Krazy Koffee will likely dominate the older horse division at Hastings — all three are reportedly training well. Other local favourites El Sinaloense and Against the Sky are also returning.

Successful local stable Swift Thoroughbreds purchased ten colts and geldings from Darley Racing during the off-season. Darley, controlled by Sheikh Mohammed Al Makhtoum of Dubai, is one of the world’s top racing and breeding operations. Considering the high quality of their stock, expect Swift Thoroughbreds to be frequent visitors to the Hastings winner’s circle.

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What do you think?

  1. Grapevine has it that Miss Sihota will mostly stay on Toronto to ride Terry Jordan’s runners there.

    Too bad as she looked fabulous last year: all the assistant starters at the gate were in agreement with that assessment.

    — Dr. Timothy Yatca,k · Apr 17, 09:26 AM · #

  2. Also should add that the stewards confirmed yesterday that Miss Sihota broke her leg recently and will be off for some time.

    — Dr. TImothy Yatcak · Apr 20, 09:29 AM · #

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