Hastings Racecourse and Casino Friday afternoon said it would no longer have thoroughbred horse racing.
The permanent end to that racing had been speculated given that B.C. Solicitor General Nina Krieger in November sent horse racing representatives a letter saying that the government would stop sharing slot machine revenue with the racecourse.
Her rationale for no longer wanting to share that revenue is that a government review of the industry showed "significant additional government spending" was needed to make horse racing sustainable.
At one time in B.C., horse racing was the only legal gambling allowed. That prompted large crowds to watch races. In recent years, the number of people attending the racecourse has been far lower than it was decades ago.
“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.”
Thoroughbred racing takes place between April and October so there are no horses currently stabled at Hastings. The casino operations and that of simulcast racebook activities at the site will not be affected.
"Today's development is deeply distressing," the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association of British Columbia said in a news release. "The province’s abrupt decision to eliminate the long-standing slot-revenue commitment — with only two months’ notice — has destabilized a 133-year-old industry and undermined the financial foundation on which thoroughbred racing in British Columbia has relied for two decades."
Its president, David Milburn, added "What we are seeing today is the direct and immediate consequence of the province’s announcement."
