Horse racing shut down permanently at Hastings Park in Vancouver
It’s the end of an era in Vancouver.
Hastings Racecourse and Casino has announced that it is ending thoroughbred horse racing, “effective immediately.”
It ends a 133-year tradition of horse racing in East Vancouver.
“This was an extremely difficult decision, especially given the historical legacy of Hastings Racecourse in the local community and its importance to the province’s racing industry,” said regional vice president of Great Canadian Entertainment Wayne Odegard, in a statement released by Hastings Racecourse and Casino.
“Unfortunately, this is strictly a business decision based on a lack of economic feasibility to move forward with another season of horse racing at Hastings. We are incredibly thankful for our dedicated team members, racing participants and fan base for their support and patronage for so many years.”
The casino and simulcast racebook will continue at the facility, but the race track, which has been in operation since 1892, is no longer.
“Our focus moving forward will be supporting our impacted team members through this transition, as well as racing participants as they assess their options for thoroughbred racing in the province in the future.”
The end of horse racing at the PNE had been rumoured for years, though the timing of this announcement is interesting.
On Thursday, MLS commissioner Don Garber once again described the Whitecaps’ stadium situation at BC Place as “untenable.”
The Vancouver Whitecaps, who play in the MLS Cup Final on Saturday, have been in discussion with the City of Vancouver about building a new soccer-specific stadium at the PNE for months. The likely landing spot for a new Whitecaps stadium is where Hastings Racecourse is currently located.