Committee confirms additional October dates at Hastings

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – According to Glen Todd, the British Columbia Horse Racing Industry Management Committee confirmed that the four racing days tentatively scheduled for Oct. 18, 19, 25, and 26 at Hastings will be held. Todd sits on the government-appointed committee as the horsemen’s representative.

When the dates were originally released, certain budget conditions had to be met by July 31 in order for the four days to be run.

“We are actually slightly ahead with this year’s budget when it comes to all the revenue needed to have the four days confirmed,” said Todd. “It is a combination of the all-sources handle and slot revenue.”

The major problem facing the horse-racing industry in British Columbia is a serious shortage of horses. Todd said the committee has earmarked $75,000 to address the problem.

“We haven’t come up with anything concrete yet, but we have a few ideas that we are working on,” he said.

Through Monday, the average number of starters per race at the current meet was 6.77. During the same period last year, it was 7.19.