B.C. Cup Day (Sports Special)

By ROBERT WALDMAN

 
          People looking for something new to do this holiday weekend may want to experience one of Vancouver’s best kept secrets. Sports fans and those looking for excitement can experience the best horse racing in the Pacific Northwest at the PNE during B.C. Cup Day. Watch the best horses compete for a load of prizes at Hastings Park Racecourse. Best of all – seeing the action up close and personal is free with no admittance charge. Hundreds of members of the Iranian community enjoy this popular pastime which allows fans to test their skills at handicapping or just watching all the fun trackside. Located just across from the 2^nd Narrows Iron Memorial Bridge Hastings Park has long offered easy access for North Shore residents.

            Members of the Iranian community can not only experience live horse racing at Hastings but true enthusiasts could have watched the top horse race in the world, The Dubai World Cup, back in March on close circuit television. One lucky owner ran away with a $6 million dollar U.S. first prize for winning the famed race which began in 1996 and still calls home the famed Nad Al Sheba Race Course in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Those that can’t afford the annual pilgrimage to the Emirates every March can experience local horse power fun this holiday B.C. Day weekend on the PNE grounds at a fraction of the cost.

            You don’t need to be an expert to have fun at this gorgeous open setting. Against a breathtaking backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and soaring mountaintops is this race track that has been popular with both residents and tourists for decades. Built by the legendary philanthropic Jack Diamond family and now under the responsible stewardship of Great Canadian Gaming scores of immigrants have enjoyed a fun day at the races with many hardworking immigrants among the colony of horse owners that keep the industry going. Just like the film business local horseracing employs thousands and is non- polluting. Governments also enjoy the money the track pulls in, though it’s faced stiff competition for the gambling dollar from casinos, lotteries and sports betting.

            Unlike other forms of gambling you can never tell who may win a race though on B.C. Cup Day odds are good the best horses will be going all out. Expect old and new customers to face off when seven stellar races occur on holiday Monday, August 6. Big cash is on the line as the owners, trainers and jockeys vie for over $350,000 in prize money in races between 6 ½ and 9 ½ furlongs, a furlong being 1/8 of a mile.

            Rather than wagering some folks just enjoy the setting and excitement of watching the horses run alongside the crowds where mingling is a popular pastime. Lots of things will be happening on Renfrew and Hastings this holiday at the track, including family activities with clowns, face painting, pony rides and music for all ages to enjoy. Out east, in Asia, horse racing is huge in Japan with locals being able to wage on races from Japan and Hong Kong starting up in September at Hastings Park. American race fans as well as fans of other Canadian tracks and Australia may also try their luck at handicapping horses from around the world at Hastings Park thanks to the popularity of simulcast wagering. Alas, nothing beats the real thing and just like where the Canadians play baseball in the best little stadium in the majors the same can be said of horse racing in East Vancouver, with a setting second to none.

            For more information on all what’s going on in horse racing in B.C. and the events scheduled at the track on B.C. Day, August 6, go to www.hastingsracecourse.com or call (604) 254-1631. First parade to post for holiday racing will be 1:30 P.M. And good luck!