Hastings Park Horse Racing Track in Canada
Situated in Vancouver, Hastings Park is a popular racing venue that has been in operation for over 100 years. Thoroughbred racing has gained great international appeal as one of the most exciting sports around. Hastings Park racecourse has certainly benefited from this popularity and is among the top thoroughbred venues in Canada.
Hastings Park race track has a history spanning many years. Large crowds were attracted to races originally run along Howe Street during the 1880s when a temporary grandstand provided seating before the Vancouver Hotel. The B.C. Jockey Club was created in the 1890s by a group of local horsemen. Before long the club began clearing a 15 acre piece of land for the race track. First known as East Park the track was quite rustic with the infield filled with stumps and boulders. The first Vancouver Exhibition Fair was hosted in 1910 on the land beside East Park. A fantastic horse race was the opening event. Unfortunately in the years to follow, horse racing took a knock in Canada which also had an impact on Hastings Park. Woodbine Entertainment group purchased Hastings Park in 2002 and later sold it to the Great Canadian Gaming Corporation in 2004. Thereafter the track underwent a number of improvements such as new food outlets, a slot facility, better grandstands and more, and Hastings Park began to make a comeback in the world of horse racing.
Live thoroughbred racing is held at Hastings Park racecourse from April to November on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as on Friday evenings from June to September. The live racing day typically begins at 1:25 pm with 8 to 10 races. Popular races run at Vancouver’s Hastings Park include the George Royal Vancouver Sun, Burnaby Breeders’ Cup, BC Cup, British Columbia Derby, Sadie Diamond Futurity and more. Many racegoers treat themselves to a delicious meal at Silks Restaurant from where they can have a good view of the live racing action. Simulcasting is enjoyed through the entire year between 9:00 am and 11:00 pm. Racing fans can view prestigious races broadcast from brilliant tracks around the world, including as far afield as Hong Kong. Admission is free into Hastings racecourse and transportation to the venue is easy to come by. For an amazing race day, set beside a majestic mountain and picturesque waterfront, visit Hastings Park this season.
