Vancouver: Hastings Racecourse to close after 130 years of horse racing in B.C.

Hastings Racecourse, B.C.’s last operating horse racing track, is closing immediately after more than 130 years of thoroughbred racing, the Vancouver Sun reported.

In a statement Friday, Hastings Racecourse and Casino, operated by Great Canadian Entertainment, announced the cessation of thoroughbred racing, citing economic uncertainty as the driving factor.

“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,” Wayne Odegard, regional vice-president for the Great Canadian Entertainment.

The closure follows the provincial government’s recent decision to end slot machine revenue sharing, which horse racing has relied on to stay afloat. Thoroughbred racing at Hastings typically runs from April to October; no horses are currently stabled at the track.

“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,” said Odegard.

Hastings Racecourse has been in operation since 1889 and leased by Great Canadian Entertainment from the City of Vancouver since 2004.

Gary Johnson of Thoroughbred Racing B.C. described the province’s decision to pull slot machine revenue as “an absolute shock” that came “without any warning whatsoever.”

Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Nina Krieger said the closure was the result of “significant concerns” over the financial sustainability of horse racing in B.C., citing findings from an economic impact assessment.