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Hastings Racing Temporarily suspended due to Corona Virus

Industry Stakeholders BREAKING NEWS

Several developments to make you aware of:...…...

Great Canadian Gaming and the horsemen at Fraser Downs @ Elements have reached an agreement whereby horses currently stabled at Fraser Downs will be permitted to jog on the track, subject to the conditions that had been laid out previously. This will commence tomorrow (Saturday, April 4, 2020).

Also, discussions between Great Canadian and the thoroughbred sector are underway to determine when the Hastings track and backstretch might be reopened to permit stabling of horses and light exercise. More details will be communicated when they are available.

Finally, the BC Horse Racing Industry Management Committee has agreed to create an Emergency Task Force for BC Horse Racing.

The purpose of the task force is to provide a communications capability by which the BC horse racing industry and its stakeholders can be kept informed about industry developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic in a timely and accurate way.

The task force will meet by way of telephone conference call approximately weekly, and more frequently as required. Information of value to the industry will be communicated to stakeholders following meetings.

The membership of the task force is as follows: ( * denotes member of Horse Racing Industry Management Committee)

Great Canadian Gaming Corp. (Track Operator)

Chuck Keeling *

Darren MacDonald, Regional Director, BC Racing

Thoroughbred Sector

Glen Todd *

Ole Nielsen, president, BC TOBA

David Milburn, president, HBPA BC

Standardbred Sector

Ross Sharp *

Kelly MacMillan, breeder, and board member of Harness Racing BC

Lynda Atkinson, breeder, and board member, Horse Council of BC

Brian Butters, Interim Chair, HRIMC *

Bill McNeill, GPEB, non-voting member of HRIMC *

The first meeting of the Emergency Task Force will take place early next week.

Thankyou,

​

Brian Butters
Interim Chair BC Horse Racing Industry Management Committee

     ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

MONDAY, MARCH 30

Letter to the Thoroughbred Horse Industry
The COVID-19 worldwide health crisis has caused difficulties, misfortune, and hardship to not only our Racing Industry but
all of Society in general.

Everyone and everything has been affected.

The BC and Vancouver State of Emergency(s) for health reasons has seen businesses, government agencies, restaurants, schools, parks etc all closed on a temporary basis and social distancing restrictions imposed on all of us.

The effect on horseracing has been the closure of the Fraser Downs and Hasting Racecourse Casinos as well as all of the TBC sites, the suspension of training and the postponement of the Hastings Racing Season.

While the Government and City restrictions are still currently in place there is reason for optimism given the recent comments from Dr Bonnie Henry, BCís Chief Medical Health Officer and Prime Minister Trudeau saying that the restrictions are beginning to work and the numbers are indicating a flattening of the curve.  Even though these health measures will likely remain in place for several more weeks, there appears to be a growing realization that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

To all of us involved in Racing this means once the restrictions are lessened or lifted we can return to the business of training and racing our horses.  It is our expectation that Hastings will reopen for training in the not too distant future with the commencement of the Racing Season to follow.

While we need TBC and the Casinos to come on line to add monies to the Purse Account we do currently have sufficient funds on hand to run a shortened season even without those revenue sources.

There have been rumours circulating that GCGC is trying to end racing and take us all out of business. 
These rumours are not true.  We have been advised by Great Canadian that they remain committed to Racing and have assured us that they will work with us in reopening Hastings for training and establishing a starting date for the Racing Season at the earliest possible time once there is some relief from the health restrictions.

It will take courage, determination, and resolve on the part of all of us to get though these difficult times but we will succeed in the end.
With that success will come the resumption of training and Racing at Hastings Racecourse.

There will be regular updates in the days ahead.

 

Good Luck to all,
 

Glen Todd           BCHRIMC
David Milburn    President HBPA of BC
Ole Nielsen        President BC Toba
Grant Watson    President CTHS of BC

              _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

BREAKING NEWS

SUNDAY, MARCH 29

RACING ASSOCIATIONS ANNOUNCE TWO INCENTIVE PROGRAMS WITH FUNDING AVAILABLE THIS WEEK

The HBPA and BCTOBA are offering two programs to get money immediately in the hands of owners to help with some of the costs of spring training.  The associations realize the shutdown of training at Hastings Racecourse has been very costly to many owners during this worldwide health crisis.

To aid the owners they are offering  advance funding on the Wintering Program and horses that are eligible will receive $1750.00 in advance of the $3500.00 available.

Also to aid all of owners who are BC Residents a one time payment of $1000.00 is available to all horses that were in training and have to have shutdown for now.  Horses receiving the Wintering Program are not eligible for both programs.

See the forms below in today’s newsletter.  Cut and Paste them, fill them out and forward to Cristan Gossen at   
Cristan will get you the money as soon as possible.  More later on the how we are going to get you the funding via mail or direct deposit or ?

Applications for the above incentives can be found here.      Wintering Program                   2020 Postponement Program 
     ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SATURDAY,,MARCH 28
CTHS (BC DIVISION) ANNOUNCE BROODMARE INCENTIVE PROGRAM

To All BC Breeders and Buyers of BC-breds

The CTHS BC Board of Directors is aware of the issues facing breeders and owners due to the COVID-19 pandemic and are working diligently to find ways of helping not only our members, but the industry as a whole. We have had discussions with representatives from both the Department of Agriculture and the Attorney General’s Office about reopening Hastings to training and financial aid for breeders who are facing very difficult decisions. This has been done with the full support of our Industry partners, the HBPA and BCTOBA, as well as our industry representative on the management committee, Glen Todd.  Their continued support makes what seems like an impossible task possible.

The first program is for immediate assistance to anyone who breeds to a registered BC sire. Our goal is to get the money in breeders’ hands ASAP.  We cannot wait for the Government to decide on assistance.  Breeding season will be over if we wait.  We are acting now so you can as well.

Some stallion farms have already reduced their fees for 2020 to help breeders. These discounts will not change the amount of funds available to the breeder.  Everyone will be eligible for the full $1,500.  This program will also take in mares already bred to BC sires.  It is retroactive to the start of the 2020 breeding season.

The second program is an existing program that we usually confirm closer to the sale. We have asked for government assistance for the sale, but want to make sure everyone knows that the $1,500 sales credit that was in place last year will once again be offered this year. Our goal is to see that the amount is increased, but until the government decides on assistance, we can only commit to $1,500.

Details of the two programs, which the CTHS BC is pleased to announce are as follows:
 

2020 BREEDER INCENTIVE PROGRAM

 To be eligible you must be a BC resident.

• To qualify for the program mares must be bred to a registered BC sire.

• All mares will be eligible.

• Breeders will receive:

  • $500 when a mare is booked and covered by a registered BC sire.

  • $1,000 when the mare is confirmed in foal by a veterinarian by ultrasound.

• A letter of commitment to sell the resulting foal or foals in a sale conducted by the CTHS (BC Division) or race it in British Columbia must accompany the application for funds.

• Breeders receiving funds under this program that do not sell the resulting foal agree that their foal’s papers will be retained by the race office at Hastings Racecourse until the end of the foal’s two-year-old race season.

• Confirmation from the applicant breeder must be supplied to the CTHS (BC Division) for both stallion booking and last cover date, as well as in-foal status by the veterinarian.

• Repayment of funds received under this program will release the papers.
   

BC-BRED YEARLING PURCHASE INCENTIVE PROGRAM – 2020

• Each purchaser of a BC-bred yearling at the CTHS (BC Division) 2020 Yearling & Mixed Sale will immediately receive a credit of up to $1,500 towards the purchase price, excluding applicable taxes.

• The program will provide a credit for 50% of the purchase price of a BC-bred up to maximum benefit of $1,500.  The program will provide a minimum of $1,000 credit for any BC-bred selling in the 2020 CTHS (BC Division) Sale for $2,000 or less.  As further examples:  a horse selling for $2,500 will generate a credit of $1,250; a horse selling for $3,000 or more will receive the maximum $1,500.

• In order to receive this credit, the buyer must commit to leaving the registration papers in the Hastings Race Office for the entirety of the 2021 Hastings Racing Season.

• The registration papers will be released for the sole purpose of the horse running in a stake race in another jurisdiction, but for no other reason.  Immediately following the stake race the registration papers must be returned to the Hastings Race Office.

• Repayment of all funds releases the papers to the owner at any time prior to the end of the 2021 Hastings Racing Season.

• Buy backs are not eligible for this incentive.

• To qualify the yearling must be a registered BC-bred who is sold to a third-party purchaser either at the time of the CTHS (BC Division) sale through the sales ring or by noon on the day following the sale.  All BC-bred yearlings sold after the sale, but before noon the following day will be eligible for the credit of up to $1,500 as long as the sale goes through and is confirmed by the CTHS (BC Division) sales office and appears on the official sales results sheet for publication.
   

Grant Watson, President
CTHS BC Division

 

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25th
HASTINGS RACING NEWS RELEASE
Great Canadian does recognize the concern related to some horse people not being able to find appropriate stabling for their horses as it relates to Great Canadian’s need to vacate the two backstretches. Keeping in mind our overarching concern is the health and safety of everyone involved at the two tracks, while being consistent with the direction from the provincial medical officer, we are proposing the following:

• Great Canadian Gaming Corp. will allow the facilities to stay open, but no training will be allowed. Access to the track itself will be allowed for walking their horses, but no exercising/training

• Great Canadian Gaming Corp. will be bringing in third party security, and those costs will be charged back to the breed associations

• The onus will be on the respective breed associations to aim for a 50% reduction in the number of horses at each track from current numbers, with the goal to be approximately 25% of the original horse population remaining after April 1st

• Great Canadian Gaming Corp. will limit the number of people on each backstretch to 50 at any one time, or a number lower based on direction from the provincial government or health authorities, inclusive of those domiciled at each track.
  This will also require “sign in, sign out” privileges at the front gate at each backstretch

• Anyone displaying flu-like symptoms will be denied entry to the backstretch, or will be asked to leave if on the backstretch

• Everyone on the backstretch will be mandated, at all times, to practice social distancing

• Each individual accessing the backstretch will have to sign a waiver that accounts for the following:

                  They will comply with all of our rules
                  They will comply with all prevailing health authority orders

                  They will indemnify GCGC, the facility, and the respective city (Vancouver or Surrey, as property owners).

Contravention of any of the above will lead to the removal of any individual immediately from the backstretch, as well as the removal of their horses within 72 hours. 

   ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
 

GREAT CANADIAN GAMING NOTICE

March 19, 2020

Attention: Horseman

Great Canadian, in consultation with the BC Horse Racing Management Committee, agreed this morning to allow for the continuation of training at both tracks until March 31st, with the following conditions:

• Only essential horsepeople to be allowed in the backstretch areas and facilities

• Great Canadian will only provide the essential personnel to maintain training conditions and the operation of the stabling areas

• Horsepeople will not interact in any physically proximate way with Great Canadian personnel, under any circumstances

• If certain personnel refuse to work for safety purposes, horse people recognize that may impact ongoing operations prior to April 1st

• Social distancing measures will be undertaken by horsepeople at all times, and it is Great Canadian’s understanding that this will be enforced by GPEB

• Horsepeople will commit to good personal hygiene and cleanliness of the stabling areas they frequent (tack rooms, shed rows, etc.) at all times

The backstretches of both tracks will be vacated of horses by April 1st, and on a “best efforts” basis of personnel domiciled on the backstretches by April 1st.

We again appreciate the cooperation of all horsepeople to ensure the orderly shutdown of the backstretches at both tracks under these very challenging conditions, and Great Canadian remains committed to restoring racing operations once the necessary authorities deem it safe to do so.

We would appreciate acknowledgement and agreement by email to the above. 

Yours truly,

Darren MacDonald

Regional Director, BC Racing 

          _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

A STATEMENT FROM NEW STRIDE THOROUGHBRED
ADOPTION SOCIETY 

March 19, 2020
 

Horseracing in BC and COVID-19 | Retiring your horse? We’re here to help.

New Stride Thoroughbred Adoption Society is fully aware of the current uncertainty facing British Columbia’s horseracing community, and we want you to know that we are here to help in any way that we are feasibly able.

While we all know that every horse owner has a duty of care for their horse, we also understand that in times of extremes, some horses may fall through the cracks. These are the horses we collectively need to be aware of and do everything within our power to help.
 

As always, we encourage owners and trainers to independently seek out placement in a good home.

While New Stride is not a horse rescue society and remains very much committed to the long-term repurposing and adoption of Thoroughbred racehorses, we will discuss the needs of any owners or trainers who may find themselves in some doubt as to their ability to continue to take care of their horses.

Even if we are not able to place your horse directly, we can offer assistance to Thoroughbred owners outside the racing community in the form of information, advice and free advertising of horses for sale on our website.

We cannot emphasize enough that it is the sacred responsibility of every horse owner to care for the welfare of the horses they own, regardless of whether racing continues or not. However, if you have a horse, or know of a horse who you believe may need our help in the current circumstances, please contact us via email at   or via our website, http://www.newstride.com/contact.html

Please be aware that New Stride is run almost exclusively by volunteers with a modest budget that may limit our capacity.

If you are able and compelled to take action during these difficult times, please know that 100% of your gift to New Stride goes directly to the horses’ needs. We are grateful.

About New Stride: 
New Stride is a registered charity dedicated to finding adoptive homes and alternative careers for Thoroughbred racehorses no longer able to compete.  The charity was founded at Hastings Racecourse in 2002 by a group of concerned owners, breeders and backstretch workers who sought to provide opportunities for a dignified retirement for as many Thoroughbreds as possible. 

During its existence New Stride has placed over 160 Thoroughbreds into adoptive homes and assisted many owners and trainers in connecting horses coming off the track with opportunities for new careers and homes.

      ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Attention: Thoroughbred Horsepeople

March 17, 2020 

As you are all aware, Great Canadian, in conjunction with the BC Lottery Corporation, has closed all Great Canadian gaming facilities in the Province, which includes all front side operations at Hastings Racecourse.  We are monitoring the COVID – 19 situation very closely with our focus being on the safety of our guests, team members and horsepeople.  We understand how crucial preseason training is for thoroughbred racehorses, and with that in mind the backstretch and training will remain open at Hastings.  We will work closely with the breed association’s representatives to ensure we are offering the essential services that are required to prepare for the season. 

It is of the utmost importance that we limit access to the backstretch to those deemed critical in the care and training of the racehorses.  We must all practice social distancing and avoid unnecessary contact to ensure the safety of all involved in the industry.  We will expect everyone to work together and restrict admittance to the backstretch only to those that are essential to the training and care of racehorses. 

As the situation with COVID – 19 has remained so fluid and ever-changing, discussions regarding the racing season will take place in early April and decisions will be made at this time.  This is a very challenging time for everyone in this industry, and many more around the country.  We thank you for your patience and understanding during this unprecedented period. 

Yours truly,

Darren MacDonald

Regional Director, BC Racing

   __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Emerald Downs Update

March 16, 2020

Information for our Guests:

Effective immediately, Emerald Downs is closed to the public until further notice.

We realize this affects our staff and our guests.

It is our intention to have a race meet in 2020, however when that can happen is unknown at the time and not within our control.

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.

      _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Santa Anita Park And Golden Gate Fields To Temporarily Close To The Public In Response Due To COVID-19

With the utmost regard for the safety and well-being of our customers and employees and in following the best available guidance from local and international health authorities, Santa Anita Park and Golden Gate Fields will temporarily close to the public effective immediately.

Both tracks will continue live racing as scheduled with personnel licensed by the California Horse Racing Board in attendance

      _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The 146th Kentucky Derby will be rescheduled from
May 2, 2020 to September 5, 2020

March 17, 2020

The 146th Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve will be rescheduled from May 2, 2020 to September 5, 2020 and the 146th Longines Kentucky Oaks will be rescheduled from May 1, 2020 to September 4, 2020. These dates are contingent upon final approval from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission which we expect to receive on Thursday, March 19. 

​

Churchill Downs Incorporated CEO, Bill Carstanjen, stated: “Throughout the rapid development of the COVID-19 pandemic, our first priority has been how to best protect the safety and health of our guests, team members and community. As the situation evolved, we steadily made all necessary operational adjustments to provide the safest experience and environment. The most recent developments have led us to make some very difficult, but we believe, necessary decisions and our hearts are with those who have been or continue to be affected by this pandemic.  

         _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

GPEB Office Hours
Please be advised that the GPEB office in the Race Office Building will be open to accept applications for Horse Racing Licence and

registration during February and March 2020 as follows.

March

Wednesday’s from 7am to 2pm
Thursday’s from 7am to 2pm
Friday’s from 7am to 2pm
Saturdays from 6am to 1pm

​

Please note change to the notice below.

Horses can now be moved in from 4pm onwards Saturday, February 8th
          ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

     The purposes of the association are;

​

• To represent all members in dealing with Racing Associations with respect to purse contracts, the negotiation of purse contracts, the improvement of facilities, and all other matters of interest and benefit to members.
   

• To take part and advise with Racing Associations, Racing Commissions, governmental departments and agencies and other racing organizations in the establishment    of proper rules and conditions which affect in any manner the interests of members, their employees and backstretch personnel.
   

• To work for the improvement of living conditions of members, their employees and backstretch personnel. Within such limits as may be determined from time to time by the directors of the Association.
   

• To aid financially in the care of indigent members, their employees and backstretch personnel.
   

• To assist worthy members and other persons who have been associated with thoroughbred racing and who, because of age, physical disability, illness or other reasons have become incapable of self-support.
   

• To care for and to relieve poverty and distress of such worthy members and other persons and their immediate families. To institute or aid in any movement that will aid or protect the general welfare of the racing industry, the interests of members and their employees, and of backstretch personnel.
   

• To support any officer, director or member acting officially for the Association, who has been discriminated against in the allocation of stalls or otherwise on account of his activities on behalf of the Association.
   

• To create, establish and maintain funds to promote any of the foregoing: and For any of the foregoing purposes, to acquire, receive, dispose of and otherwise deal in any way with real and personal property of all types and to do all the things conducive to the attainment of any such
   

• To bring about a closer and more understanding relationship between members, Racing Associations, Racing Commissions and the public.

THE DEIGHTON CUP

TBA

Hastings Racecourse

Hot Summer
    Nights

 As soon as a new racing schedule is ready
"Hot Summer Racitg" dates will be posted

Dog Day

    Afternoons

Postponed until further notice