Hastings now will allow training until March 31

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Great Canadian Gaming announced Thursday it is allowing horses to continue to train at Hastings and Fraser Downs until March 31.

This is a reversal in position from a press release Wednesday, when Great Canadian said it was temporarily suspending any racing or training at the British Columbia tracks and at Flamboro, which is located in Ontario.

:: To stay up to date, follow us on: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

The move was in response to the heightened concerns with the spread and containment of the coronavirus.

Following a meeting with the British Columbia Horseracing and Management Committee, the track is giving horsemen more time to vacate the barn areas. Only essential horsemen are permitted in the backstretch areas and they must practice social distancing measures.

Great Canadian will provide only essential personnel to maintain training conditions and the operation of the stabling areas.

“It’s a welcome relief,” said Dave Milburn, president of the local Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association. “We’ll just have to see what develops with the coronavirus.”