With the likely demise of Fraser Downs, the eyes of the horse racing community turn to Hastings Park as its last bastion. The lease for Hastings ends in May 2026, and there is serious potential for 133 years of horse racing at the site to come to an end.
Jul 122026
Horse Journals – Harness Racing Will Return to BC in September 2026
Phil has a question:
When they use the phrase:
Horsemen will have plenty of incentive to compete, as the upcoming race meet will offer some of the highest average daily purses in Western Canada.
what does that really mean when there’s only bush meets in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
Will their purses be comparable to Century Mile and Downs.
While the provincial government revealed in late November that the support racing received from expanded gaming will cease in 2026, Harness Racing British Columbia disclosed to its members following a meeting in early December that its Board of Directors had discussed a plan for funding and efforts to secure race dates at Desert Park in Osoyoos for the 2026 season. The horsemen’s group stated it will share information with members once it has confirmed actions and finalized arrangements.
Standardbred Canada -Barns Demolished At Fraser Downs
Phil has a question:
How many horsemen can make a living with $1,000.00 per race purses.
Peace Arch News – Malin Jordan – Demolition underway at Fraser Downs
Canadian Thoroughbred – Jennifer Morrison – Marquis Downs, Fraser Downs Headed for Demolition
Kelly MacMillan, HRBC president, addressed about 50 supporters from the back of his white pickup truck outside the Agriplex.
…
McCallum said there is a “better” way forward. He wants to build a thoroughbred oval in Cloverdale to run with the 5/8 oval for standardbreds. A move like that would bring racing to the track nearly all year as the thoroughbred meet schedule runs May-October, with standardbreds running two meets, February-May and September-December.
Phil has a question:
If only 50 people showed up to the rally does that not speak volumes about the level of interest in harness racing in British Columbia.
With Great Canadian Entertainment not needing the funds to operate harness racing do the funds not go back to the BC government for things like education and health care.
Did the city of Surrey and Great Canadian Entertainment just do the BC government’s dirty work.
Where is the money going to come from to build McCallum’s better way forward.
Sometimes Phil uses a modicum of tact and doesn’t give in to the Urge to use a different Supertramp song.
15 entered in sale with 2 out
Live bidding only – No online
No racing last weekend
Friday September 5 – 5 races – 30 horses entered
Saturday September 6 – 7 races – 44 horses entered
Phil has a question:
Is the 2025 CTHS BC sale an aberration or the End.
Canadian Thoroughbred – Nigel Reid – BC: Fraser Downs Closed, Hastings Review, 14 in Yearling Sale
When Whitecaps announced they were up for sale in November 2024, and have been on the block since, they sweetened the deal with the announcement that they were in high-level talks with the City of Vancouver to develop plans for a new stadium on the same site. They have since changed their plans from selling to attracting a new investor, as their confidence in making a new start at Hastings Park has grown.
Vancouver Sun – J.J. Adams – Is Fraser Downs closure the death knell for Horse Racing in B.C.?
Fraser Downs Closure Shocks BC Horse Racing Industry
Business In Vancouver doesn’t even have an article on Fraser Downs closing.
For Whom the Bell Tolls
No man is an island,
Entire of itself.
Each is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manor of thine own
Or of thine friend’s were.
Each man’s death diminishes me,
For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.
John Donne
Phil has a question:
With the Elements Casino in Surrey continuing to operate after the closure of the harness track are Great Canadian Entertainment and the BC governments loyalties with the horse racing industry or the $$$$$.
HRBC PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Province – Nigel Reid – Far from a relic, Hastings Racecourse can thrive with proper support
Phil has a question:
Whatever happened to the project to daylight Hastings Creek.
The potential deal between the Tsleil-Waututh Nation and Great Canadian Gaming Corporation does not include horse racing.
The deal doesn’t include the racetrack beside the casino, Thomas said: “It has nothing to do with the horse racing.”
But it’s unclear what the future will hold for horse racing at Hastings Park, which has hosted the sport since the late 19th century.
Vancouver Sun – Dan Fumano – Tsleil-Waututh Nation reveals plan to buy casino at Hastings Park
Canadian Thoroughbred – Nigel Reid – Great Canadian to Sell Hastings Casino and Property?
Phil has a question:
Where does the track go if lease negotiations are not successful.
Daily Hive – Kenneth Chan – First Nation seeks to buy Hastings Racecourse & Casino business
CBC News – Tsleil-Waututh working toward purchase of Hastings Racecourse casino in Vancouver
CBC – Horse racing ends in Surrey as city reclaims Fraser Downs land for redevelopment
Peace Arch News – Malin Jordan – Cloverdale racetrack, Fraser Downs, to close
Can add Fraser Downs to list of shuttered tracks.
Phil M. Stockmen