Hastings lowering takeout

Hastings Racecourse has lowered its takeout rate from 17.3 percent to 15 percent for win, place, and show wagering for the upcoming meeting, which begins April 16.

The 15 percent takeout also will apply to the pick four and a new pick five wager.

The changes were among several announced this week by management of the Vancouver, British Columbia, racetrack, which will host a 71-day meeting through Oct. 2.

The regular post time for Saturday, Sunday, and holiday Monday racing has been moved up by 20 minutes, to 1:20 p.m. First post for British Columbia Cup Day on Monday, Aug. 1, and for British Columbia Derby Day on Sunday, Sept. 11, will be 12:20 p.m.

There also will be 10 cards beginning at 3:20 p.m. to accommodate home games for the Canadian Football League’s British Columbia Lions and for the Pacific National Exhibition on the Hastings site.