BC Racebook Newsletter - January 17, 2023
TWO UPCOMING HANDICAPPING CONTESTS FOR YOU
Bailey on the Backstretch
By Bailey Williams
Racing’s off-season leaves most of our local competitors opening the barn door to brisk cool air and the soft nicker of horses awaiting their breakfast and daily turnout.
Fortunately for a few of our familiar connections the action continues down south in Phoenix, Arizona where several trainers and Hastings Racecourse regulars have already made their presence felt at Turf Paradise in 2023.
Trainer Jaymie Pearman and former Racing Club mare Hollywood Mistress staged a late run down the stretch in a hard-fought battle to the wire in a 5 ½ furlong sprint victory. Also, a runner-up effort from second-time starter Star Finality continued to show improvement for Jaymie’s mom Patty Leaney to her start in the 2023 campaign.
Consistently successful trainer Cindy Krasner has sent out two runners and is batting 100 per cent in top three finishes with a second-place effort from former Hastings’ starter Steal Home and a third-place showing with WYN Stables Royal Air Force.
No doubt several colleagues join me in wishing all of the trainers and horses nothing but success in their challenges at Turf Paradise. The racing community looks forward to your return home and the resumption of live thoroughbred action at Hastings.
2023 STANDARDBRED SEASON LAUNCHES FEB. 2 AT FRASER DOWNS
By Greg Douglas – Dr. Sport
The traditional bustling activity on the backstretch is about to come alive once again with the familiar sounds of the standardbreds pacing at Fraser Downs Racetrack and the thoroughbreds racing at Hastings Racecourse.
Training and qualifying workouts are ongoing at Fraser Downs prior to the launch of the 2023 harness racing season on Thursday, February 2.
Move-in day at Hastings is Sunday, January 22.
The upcoming schedule at Fraser Downs at Elements Casino features 56 race dates in total, all on Thursday and Friday nights. The first-half goes from February 2 through May 5 - the “spring season” - with the second-half “fall season” from September 14 through December 15.
It’s an even split with 28 race dates in each half. Executive Chef Marc Ricafort and his talented culinary team at Elements Casino Surrey will kick things off with the popular $29.99 ‘Ribfest at the Races’ on Friday, February 3. A full rack of barbecued ribs with all the trimmings will be available for patrons to enjoy along with a $10 BC Racebook wagering voucher and other promotional perks.
The split season at Fraser Downs works in conjunction with the 2023 live racing calendar at Hastings Racecourse that begins Sunday, April 30 and concludes Sunday, October 15, covering a total of 45 thoroughbred race dates.
HOCKEY & RACING TRIVIA FROM AN EARLY ERA
What do the Vancouver Canucks and Fraser Downs have in common dating back 47 years?
It was on January 1, 1976 when standardbred racing made its debut at what was then known as Cloverdale Raceway. Trainer and driver Ray Gemmill wrote his name into the history books by guiding Guy Dominion to victory in the first-ever race at the new facility.
Nine players from the 1975-76 Canucks NHL roster shared ownership of Guy Dominion, a move spearheaded by goaltender Gary (Suitcase) Smith. His fellow investors were teammates Don Lever, John Grisdale, Chris Oddleifson, John Gould, Ron Sedlbauer, Gregg Boddy, Gerry O’Flaherty and Andre Boudrias.
Mr. Gemmill, who passed away peacefully on July 31, 2019 at the age of 89, is today honoured with a commemorative plaque at the entrance to The Homestretch dining area at Fraser Downs relating the story of the historic Guy Dominion victory for his hockey-playing owners. The Gemmill family will be out in full force on Feb. 3 to celebrate a race in his memory.
Check Out BC Racebook’s New Photo Gallery!
Conniver is looking for a new loving home
This new fella has never raced but he has been in training at the track for the past year. He is very handsome and will only get more handsome as he grows into himself. Conniver sound and ready to head in any direction.
Conniver is super social, loves people and will climb into your lap if you let him. He’s a favourite in the barn with his loving personality. He is looking for someone experienced who is willing to take it slow in his training allowing him time to grow. Up to date on teeth/feet/vaccines and deworming.
See more horses available for adoption here
Greener Pastures – BC Standardbred Horse Adoption Society is a non-profit organization founded in 2003. Here at Greener Pastures our goal is to find long term forever homes for retired race horses. We wish to accomplish this by giving these horses a solid foundation in their new careers and placing them into homes that are suitable for them as they begin their new life with their new families.
The Standardbred is an ideal recreational horse with a calm disposition,sensible mind and a friendly outlook! These are the attributes that have enabled Greener Pastures to adopt out over 50 horses per year. These numbers alone are testament to the suitability of the Standardbred as a riding horse.
