Hastings 2010 schedule released · 8.03.10

Earlier today, Hastings Racecourse released its racing schedule for 2010. General Manager Raj Mutti confirmed that over $9.8 million in purses will be available over the course of 71 days of racing (down from last year’s 76 75 days), beginning Saturday, 24 April and concluding on Monday, 11 October (Thanksgiving Day).

Compared to 2009, racing this year will start one week later, and end four weeks earlier. Stakes purses are also down — for example, the British Columbia Derby (26 September) will be $200,000-added, down $50,000 from last year, and the BC Cup Classic (2 August) has been cut by $25,000 from last year’s $100,000. Also, last year’s Pacific Challenge collaboration with Emerald Downs, when three BC Cup races were opened to Washington-breds, has been dropped — all 2010 BC Cup races will be for BC horses only. Finally, last year’s altered schedule for August’s Pacific National Exhibition — dropping weekend racing for two weeks in favour of mid-week racing — will be retained. I still think that Hastings will be (again) foregoing the chance to maintain a high profile on weekends during the biggest event in Vancouver’s summer schedule — but what do I know?

On the positive side, Friday racing will be expanded to 17 evening cards, scheduled from May to September. From most accounts, “Friday Night Live” has succeeded in attracting good crowds with a combination of racing, live entertainment, and dinner-and-dance.

Overall, only four racing days have been lost — not as significant a reduction as I feared. The purse cuts are also not as severe as they could have been compared to other racing jurisdictions (* cough * NYRA * cough *) The BC Derby, Ballerina Stakes, and Premier’s Championship have all retained their Grade 3 status.

Finally, some unique cross-promotional opportunities have opened up with the BC Lions football team playing at Empire Field adjacent to the track. “We see the Lions and Hastings dates as an opportunity to share each other’s fan base. With the racetrack and football field so closely situated on the PNE Grounds, the plan is to tie the two together and create a mini-Olympic atmosphere where sports fans can mingle and share the excitement of the day”, wrote Mutti in today’s HorseRacing Central Newsletter.

I don’t think I’m being Pollyanna-ish about either the current status or the future of racing at Hastings. The sport as a whole has systemic problems that have to be addressed at all levels, from major breeding operations, boardrooms, and racetracks, to small-scale breeders and owners and minor-league tracks. Another big reduction in betting handle this year, or a public relations disaster such as a high-profile breakdown or doping scandal, could still put local racing on the rocks. But the fact that Hastings Racecourse still has its head above water — and that there are still fans, old and new, coming out to place their bets and watch the races — fills me with a cautious optimism. At the very least, it could be a lot worse, which these days is saying something.

I hope I am not proved wrong.

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What do you think?

  1. I love the optimist in you. Don’t ever become a realist.

    — Dr. T. Yatcak · Mar 9, 09:26 AM · #

  2. Compared to other jurisdictions, I think they did well. Only 5 days lost compared to last year and compressing the season by 4 weeks is a good plan…that will save money and still give the fans a reasonable number of days to attend. The idea of using the Lions games as a cross-promotional idea could work. When I was a kid, we would walk from the racetrack in Regina to watch the Riders play on Labour Day. And there was always solid attendance on those days. So at least they are trying something. I also see Paul Ryneveld is out at other racetracks drumming up business. Who knows what will happen, but I share your cautious optimism.

    — Dave · Mar 9, 09:32 PM · #

  3. Meadowlands closed to the t-bred season. Hastings shortened and then last night we got the word of huge cuts in Fraser racing dates as well losing the final two days in June and then not starting until mid October…..

    — Dr. T. Yatcak · Mar 14, 10:28 AM · #

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