Hastings suspends training due to coronavirus

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Great Canadian Gaming announced Wednesday the temporary suspension of racing and training at the three racetracks it operates.

Two of the tracks, Hastings Racecourse and Fraser Downs, are in British Columbia. The third, Flamboro Downs, is located in Hamilton, Ontario. Fraser Downs and Flamboro are harness tracks.

The move is in response to heightened concerns about the spread and containment of the coronavirus.

“This was a difficult decision for the company to make, especially considering a similar decision was made for Great Canadian’s Gaming properties across the country just a few days ago. But as the circumstances changed in recent days in both B.C. and Ontario, we felt this was the only decision that addressed the current health concerns that are impacting so many other Canadians currently,” Matthew Anfinson, chief operating officer for Great Canadian, said in a press release.

“It’s a sad situation,” owner-trainer-breeder Glen Todd said. “There isn’t a lot of transportation around right now, and we are working with management at Hastings for a timeline to have the horses removed from the backstretch. Nobody has a crystal ball when we will be able to return. Horsemen are strong people. We will gather together and return when things are under control.”

The 2020 Hastings meet was scheduled to start April 26.

“We have every intention to conduct racing at Hastings this year,” said Darren MacDonald, director of racing for Great Canadian. “We just have to wait to see how everything develops.”