Hastings opens meet with new alliance with Emerald Downs

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Hastings general manager Darren MacDonald is hoping the strong numbers in simulcast wagering over the winter will carry over into the live season that begins Sunday.

“We have had a great winter with simulcast wagering up over 20 percent,” said MacDonald. “I have a lot of optimism about the upcoming season.”

The Grade 3, $150,000 British Columbia Derby on Sept. 10 is the highlight of the meet. It will be supported by the $100,000 B.C. Oaks, the $75,000 Randall Plate, and the $75,000 Delta Colleen.

Management at Hastings and Emerald Downs are encouraging horsemen to look at opportunities to run horses at both tracks.

“It’s a continuation of the hands-across-the-border synergy our racing industry has been developing with Emerald Downs,” said MacDonald. “Having our best horses in the Pacific Northwest running in our marquee races is great for the industry.”

A $25,000 bonus will be awarded if a horse sweeps the $75,000 Emerald Downs Derby on July 31 and the B.C. Derby. The same bonus applies to the $75,000 Washington Oaks on July 24 and the B.C. Oaks.

Also, four stakes races at Hastings will be restricted to horses bred or sired in British Columbia or Washington state. Two of the races, the Stellar’s Jay and Dogwood, are part of B.C. Cup Day on Aug. 1. Next to the B.C. Derby, B.C. Cup Day is the top event at the meet.

The other two restricted stakes, the B.C. Cup Classic and B.C. Cup Distaff, headline the closing-day card Oct. 16. Last year, the Classic and Distaff, restricted to B.C.-breds, were replaced on B.C. Cup Day with open stakes. This year, the $75,000 Pacific Customs Brokers Classic and the $75,000 Pacific Customs Brokers Distaff headline the stakes-rich card.

The jockey colony is the deepest in years. Richard Hamel returns to defend his title. Hamel was also the leading rider in 2010 and 2011. Former leading riders Amadeo Perez and Pedro Alvarado also will ride at the meet.

Scott Williams returns. He was the third-leading rider at Hastings in 2013 and in the past two years finished second in the standings behind Rico Walcott at Northlands Park.

Veteran rider Skyler White Shield and apprentice Mariano Ascencio will ride at Hastings for the first time. Ascencio, who has been riding in Mexico City, is the son of local jockey Gabriel Ascencio.

Mirko Sanna just arrived and has impressed local horsemen while working horses in the past week. Born in Italy, Sanna has ridden in his home country, France, Malaysia, and Australia.

David Lopez and Antonio Reyes will ride their fair share of quality mounts.

A shortage of horses is still an issue at Hastings. Dave Milburn, president of the local Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, points to an $11,000 minimum purse, a 10 percent increase over last year, as one of the reasons for owners to consider running their horses at Hastings.

“We also have a minimum $25,000 purse for allowance races, which includes maiden special weight races,” said Milburn. “The horse population has stabilized, and we are working hard to enhance it.”

The 53-day meet runs through Oct. 16 with a 1:50 p.m. Pacific first post Saturdays and Sundays. Fridays replace Saturdays in August, and Mondays will replace Sundays on Aug. 22 and 29. Post times for Friday cards will be 7 p.m. Monday programs will begin at 4 p.m.

The usual Saturday-Sunday schedule resumes Sept. 10.