Hastings Begins Season on May 7
MAY 7th, THIS SATURDAY, HASTINGS BEGINS SEASON!
Vancouver’s spectacular view of the North Shore mountains from Hastings Racecourse has essentially gone unnoticed during the last two consecutive Covid-disrupted thoroughbred racing seasons. That all changes Saturday, May 7 with the launch of the 2022 live racing schedule of 45 race dates through mid-October.
“We’re ready,” says Nichelle Milner, Regional Manager of Racing Operations. “We’ve had in excess of 400 horses on the grounds training and half of those are BC breds. That’s great for our industry.” Opening day features a seven-race card beginning at 2 p.m. The afternoon will include live coverage of the 148th running of the Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs at approximately 3:55 p.m. on the giant infield video screen. There are wagering facilities available throughout Hastings Racecourse with free admission for all racing fans. Originally named East Park, the Hastings site today is the oldest, continuously active, professional sports facility in Vancouver.
The city’s first thoroughbred race was staged in 1889 down the centre of what was to become Howe Street. A horse named Mayflower won the $250 Vancouver City Stakes. It was the first and last time Howe Street was used as a race track following the move to Hastings East dating back 133 years. Milner advises there is a strong roster of jockeys ready for the 2022 season with favourites Antonio Reyes (last year’s leading rider), Amadeo Perez, Antonio Reyes, Scott Williams, twins Lenny and Learie Seecharan, Silvino Morales and Efrain Hernandez all returning to ride at Hastings.
“We’ll also have Angela Straight as part of that lineup,” Milner says. “She’s ridden at Portland Meadows, Turf Paradise, Emerald Downs and made her debut here (Hastings) last season. I know the fans are going to relate to her in a positive way.” Hall of Fame race announcer Dan Jukich is looking forward to his 32nd year in the Hastings broadcast booth high above track level. “Like every other sport, opening day is always special,” he says. “Just getting behind the microphone and looking out at that beautiful backdrop with Burrard Inlet, those mountains and hopefully a big blue sky will get the juices flowing. It never gets old.”
Prior to the first race on opening day Saturday, May 7, there will be a moment of silence and video montage acknowledging the passing of Glen Todd on March 27, 2022. Glen was a breeder, owner and trainer whose contributions to the racing industry were second to none.