BC Racebook Newsletter - May 23, 2024

Hastings Racecourse Live Racing Schedule (May & June 2024)

Bailey on the Backstretch

by Bailey Williams

Some horses getting to the starting gate takes a little extra patience and the winner’s circle is the reward for that very bond. When Bunny made her triumphant victory at first asking this season on May 11, it was a prime example of just that: patience and perseverance.

The beautiful filly by Mo Town out of BC champion mare Snuggles has kept trainer Dino Condilenios on his toes from daily training to getting her out of the paddock on race days, similar to her mother who was bred and raced for the same connections, Swift Thoroughbreds.

When 2024 spring training began at Hastings Racecourse Condilenios was in a little bit of a situation looking to get someone to commit to galloping the opinionated powerhouse daily so her routine could remain the same and opt for the best results of a happy horse.

That’s when jockey and exercise rider for the barn, Scott Williams, agreed to give the filly his best effort. It was a situation that would potentially lead to the perfect bond of consistency that Bunny would need … same rider for daily training and that same voice to help calm her on the way to the starting gate.

Come race day, Dino had mentioned to some people looking for a little handicapping insight that if she could keep calm through the paddock it would be her race. As we all watched in anticipation, we witnessed a calm and reserved Bunny heading to the gate, knowing the race was shaping up to be an exciting one.

Breaking straight and true to the lead, Bunny never looked back under gentle encouragement, finishing in an impressive final time of 1:16.05. Scott Williams had just ridden down the lane to his 500th career victory, a milestone victory made all the sweeter knowing the extra effort he and Condilenios had to go to form the trust of a lightly raced but very talented horse.

Mother’s Day Event “Own A Horse On Us” Winners.

Thanks to everyone who took part in our Mother’s Day event
"Own A Racehorse On Us"

Congratulations to the winners - Margarita, Barry and Micah! Even if you didn't win this time, the Hastings Racing Club is still open for new members, which gives you all the thrill of owning three thoroughbred racehorses for the 2024 season for only $300. For more information or to sign up, contact hastingsracingclubs@gmail.com or visit here"

Organizers say spring racing season a success at Fraser Downs

by Marlin Jordan, North Delta Reporter (May 13, 2024)

It’s been another successful season of racing at Fraser Downs, say organizers. Drivers completed the last race of the spring season at the Cloverdale track May 3.

According to a press release sent out by B.C. Racebook, two drivers combined to win 54 per cent of all races. Driver Kelly Hoerdt entered the winner’s circle “an impressive” three in 1o races, finishing the season with a 30 per cent win rate. And driver Scott Knight finished a “strong second,” entering the winners circle in 24 per cent of races. “Scott solidly led the pack in money earned with some impressive performances this year.” Dawn Lupul, manager of racing and communications, said the spring season was a lot of fun for those involved.

“There has been great support from the race office and our horsepeople to deliver competitive racing,” she said. “The response has been fantastic and we are very encouraged and thankful for the progress.” According to the release, Fraser Downs enjoyed a double-digit increase in total wagering over last year’s mark. “This year’s meet witnessed an impressive 18 per cent increase in the amount wagered per program.” Even though the track hosted two fewer races than last year, betting was up.

“Total wagering … reached $6.97 million, marking an increase of $613,000 and a 9.7 per cent boost in overall wagering for the first half of the 2024 harness meet.” The release noted all three racing months—March, April, and May—saw record wagering.

Now the horses, trainers, and drivers will begin to prep for the fall racing season, which opens at Fraser Downs on Sept. 12.

2024 Western Canadian Derby Series Offers Additional Incentives

by Greg Douglas – Dr. Sport

It might be a little early to be asking organizers what plans are filtering through their minds for the 2024 Western Canadian Derby Series. But rest assured the wheels are well in motion.

The concept was introduced in 2023 and went over gangbusters. The three racetracks in Western Canada joined forces to create a dynamic triple crown series that included the $125,000 Manitoba Derby at Assiniboia Downs, the $200,000 Canadian Derby at Century Mile in Edmonton and the $125,000 British Columbia Derby at Hastings Racecourse.

Acknowledging it would be “a remarkable feat’, a financial bonus was waved like a carrot to horse owners that included a $100,000 bonus for a horse winning all three legs of the series. That didn’t happen but the offer still stands this year.

Also, a new points system has been introduced. It provides $25,000 in bonuses to owners and trainers who have competed in at least two of the three Western Canadian Derby Series. Points will be awarded based on their race finish in each of the legs, as well as points to owners and trainers who run in all three races.

“The additional $25,000 in bonuses provide even more of an incentive to participate in the entire series,” says Dawn Lupul, BC Racebook Manager of Racing & Communications.

Darren Dunn, CEO at Assiniboia, Downs says: “This year’s program has been bolstered by the additional reward money targeted at participation and results. It should lead to larger fields, increased wagering and an elevated experience for our customers.”

To which Racing Manager Allen Goodsell at Century Mile adds: “Whenever you get multiple racing jurisdictions working together to promote our sport, you can’t lose.”

2024 Western Canadian Derby Series Schedule:

Monday, August 5
$125,000 Manitoba Derby
Assiniboia Downs (Winnipeg)
Saturday, August 24
$200,000 Canadian Derby
Century Mile (Edmonton)
Saturday, September 14
$125,000 BC Derby
Hastings Racecourse (Vancouver)