Vancouver’s historic Hastings Racecourse and Casino has ceased thoroughbred horse racing operations,ending a 133-year legacy of racing in the city.The announcement, made November 10, comes despite years of speculation regarding the track’s future and amid ongoing negotiations for a potential new stadium for the Vancouver whitecaps, with the Hastings Park site as a leading candidate. While the casino and simulcast racebook will remain open, the closure raises important questions about the future of thoroughbred racing in British Columbia and impacts a long-standing community tradition.
An era in Vancouver sports has come to an end.
Hastings Racecourse and Casino announced today, November 10, that it will cease thoroughbred horse racing operations “effective immediately.” The move concludes a 133-year tradition of racing at the East Vancouver venue.
“This was an extremely difficult decision, especially given the historical legacy of Hastings Racecourse in the local community and its importance to the province’s racing industry,” said Wayne Odegard, regional vice president of Great Canadian Entertainment, in a statement released by Hastings Racecourse and Casino. “Unfortunately, this is strictly a business decision based on a lack of economic feasibility to move forward with another season of horse racing at Hastings. We are incredibly thankful for our dedicated team members, racing participants and fan base for their support and patronage for so many years.”
While the racetrack will no longer operate, the casino and simulcast racebook will continue to function at the facility. The closure of the track, which first opened in 1892, leaves the future of thoroughbred racing in the province uncertain.
“Our focus moving forward will be supporting our impacted team members through this transition, as well as racing participants as they assess their options for thoroughbred racing in the province in the future,” the statement continued.
Rumors of the racetrack’s potential closure have circulated for years, and the timing of the announcement arrives amid ongoing discussions about the future of the Vancouver Whitecaps’ stadium.
Just Thursday, MLS commissioner Don Garber described the Whitecaps’ current situation at BC Place as “untenable.” The Whitecaps, who are preparing for the MLS Cup Final on Saturday, have been in talks with the City of Vancouver for months regarding the construction of a new soccer-specific stadium at the PNE, with Hastings Racecourse as the likely location. A large crowd is expected to gather for a watch party as the Whitecaps compete for the championship.
