Hastings sees drop in handle as meet concludes
Hastings Racecourse in Vancouver, British Columbia, saw its year-over-year handle drop from nearly $21.5 million in 2024 to just over $17.5 million in 2025, according to Daily Racing Form statistics.
Total purses also fell from $5,257,500 in 2024 to $4,435,625 in 2025. The 2025 meet had six fewer race days (37 as opposed to 43) and 53 fewer races (235 against 288) than the 2024 meeting.
The Canadian track's biggest day of wagering came on BC Derby Day, with handle eclipsing $1.1 million. The final-day card on Oct. 18, which featured 10 races, attracted a robust $827,322 in wagering, according to a press release issued Monday by track management.
Despite an injury that prevented him from running during the final two weeks of the meet, jockey Amadeo Perez won his fourth consecutive Hastings riding title with 49 victories for earnings of $592,349, while Barbara Heads won her third straight training title with 28 wins from 91 starts and local earnings of $416,413.
“It was great to see some impressive consecutive title wins from Amadeo and Barbara," said Dawn Lupul, BC Racebook's racing and communications manager, in the release. “The crowds were electric on our big days this year and it really shows the incredible local support for horse racing in Vancouver. We want to share our sincere appreciation for all the horseplayers, the horse people who bring on the competitive show, and the Hastings team that put it altogether. We are looking forward to seeing everyone again next year."
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