Hastings' Weekly Round-Up
Trainer Patty Leaney is slowly on the mend following last week's nasty accident, while the HBPA joins the industry-wide initiative to highlight the damage tariffs will do to the sport
The Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association of BC (HBPA) has this week written to the federal government to highlight the severe disruption and negative impact the horseracing industry faces if planned tariffs come into effect next week.
In the letter, published below, HBPA President David Milburn points out that: “While we can agree with government in its efforts to combat the recent and ongoing implementation of tariffs by the United States, the countermeasures proposed by the Canadian government will result in additional harm to an already struggling industry that its participants simply cannot afford.”
March 14, 2025
Department of Finance Canada
Dear Sir/Madam,
Re: U.S. Tariff Consultations
We are writing in support of Canadian horseracing; an historic industry that is very important to those involved Canadians, many who are rural and earn marginal incomes. Horseracing is already suffering negative impacts from the new U.S. tariffs. While we can agree with government in its efforts to combat the recent and ongoing implementation of tariffs by the United States, the countermeasures proposed by the Canadian government will result in additional harm to an already struggling industry that its participants simply cannot afford. It is our position, therefore, that purebred Thoroughbred and Standardbred horses used for breeding and racing purposes should be exempted from the implementation of the proposed countermeasures in response to the new U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods.
Hastings Racecourse is an over 140-year-old institution in Vancouver and the last regularly scheduled racetrack operating in the province. The HBPA BC represent all the owners and trainers who participate in the industry for the love of horse racing. Margins are very thin if they are profitable at all, however the industry has continued to operate despite all the current economic and environmental hurdles placed in its way over the past decades. Tariffs that amount to a transportation tax on horses moving across the border are akin to taxing human athletes who compete on both sides of the border. It will impact movement resulting in less spin-off economic benefits for the industry and government. We strongly suggest an exemption for horses that are moving across the border for the benefit of breeding or as an athlete that does not involve any change of beneficial ownership.
There is a substantial risk that imposition of the proposed countermeasures in response to the new U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods will result in a significant negative impact on the Canadian horse racing industry, and thereby impact the 50,000 jobs, including many ancillary agricultural industries, supported by horse racing across Canada, including the over 3000 jobs in British Columbia that exist because of our track. The imposition of the proposed new tariffs will place further strain on an industry which is already being affected by the new U.S. tariffs, which require that horse owners obtain additional documentation (a “carnet”) to enable their horses to traverse the border and race in Canada. This requirement already imposes added administrative hurdles and expense for horse owners who are already financially stretched and who may therefore choose not to send their horses to participate in Canadian races. The horseracing industry simply cannot afford the cost of the proposed countermeasures.
In conclusion, in order to avoid further negative impacts to an important but struggling Canadian industry that supports rural Canadians and that is already suffering negative impacts from the new U.S. tariffs, the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association of BC (HBPA BC) strongly believes that purebred Thoroughbred and Standardbred horses used for breeding and racing purposes should be exempted from the implementation of the proposed countermeasures in response to the new U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods.
Should you have any questions or otherwise wish to discuss this crucial matter, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
HBPA BC
David Milburn
President
BC Premier’s Handicap Loses Grade 3 Status
The B.C. Premier’s Handicap has lost its Grade 3 status and been downgraded to Listed class as part of the Jockey Club of Canada’s recent Graded Stakes Committee annual review of Graded and Listed Stakes races in Canada.
The number of Graded Stakes in Canada will decrease to 41. Three Graded Stakes races were downgraded.
The Graded Stakes Committee meeting was conducted by new Committee Chair, Bernard McCormack, who was accompanied by the appointed Committee Members David Anderson, Jim Bannon, Jeff Begg, Catherine Day Phillips, Ross McKague, and The Jockey Club of Canada’s Chief Steward, Doug Anderson. As well, the attending racetrack representatives included Allen Goodsell and Teagan Goodsell from Alberta, Scott Henson from British Columbia, Ross McKague representing Manitoba, and Julia Bell from Ontario.
The Committee reviewed the North American Race Committee (NARC) figures and the Race Quality Scores (RQS) for all Graded, Listed, and potentially Listed races in Canada.
After reviewing the NARC figures and the RQS numbers for all Listed and Black Type races in Canada, the Committee determined that, in addition to the Grade 3 B.C. Premier’s Handicap, Woodbine’s Grade 2 Autumn Stakes and the Grade 2 Seagram Cup Stakes will both be downgraded to Grade 3 status.
Patty Leaney Recovering After Fall
Popular Hastings’ trainer Patty Leaney is slowly recovering from last weekend’s nasty spill, during which she sustained a fractured ankle.
Leaney is currently recuperating at home following corrective surgery to the fracture and, while reportedly not in too much pain, is doing her best to adjust to the enforced inactivity.
“It’s not too bad,” Patty revealed. “But it’s hard to be so active and then just stop. It’s slow and frustrating but at least I can can catch up on Netflix! ”
Leaney passed on her thanks to everyone who helped her in the aftermath of the accident and to the many who have sent their best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Get well soon, Patty!
E.P. Taylor Stakes Joins Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series
The G1 event on King's Plate Day, August 16, has been added to the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series as an official “Win and You’re In” race
Woodbine Entertainment is proud to announce that the $750,000 (CAD) E.P. Taylor Stakes (G1) has been added to the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series as an official “Win and You’re In” race.
The new designation offers the winner an automatic, fees-paid berth into the $2 million (USD) Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1) at the 2025 Breeders’ Cup World Championships held October 31- November 1 at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.
This year, the E.P. Taylor Stakes (G1) will be run over 1 ¼ miles on the world-renowned E.P. Taylor Turf Course on August 16, sharing the stage with Woodbine’s most prestigious race, The King’s Plate.
After construction is completed on the E.P. Taylor Turf Course in 2026, the race will move back to its spot on the September calendar, alongside Woodbine’s three other Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series “Win and You’re In” races:
Grade 1 Rogers Woodbine Mile – Breeders’ Cup Mile
Grade 1 Johnnie Walker Natalma Stakes – Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf
Grade 1 bet365 Summer Stakes – Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf
“This is an exciting moment for Woodbine and Canadian racing,” shared Michael Copeland, CEO, Woodbine Entertainment. “The E.P. Taylor Stakes has long attracted top turf fillies and mares from around the world, and its inclusion in the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series further cements its status as a premier international event.”
“We are proud to deepen our partnership with the Breeders’ Cup and continue showcasing world-class Thoroughbred racing at Woodbine,” added Copeland.
Moira, runner-up in the 2024 E.P. Taylor Stakes (G1), went on to win the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1) with Woodbine-based trainer Kevin Attard.
Woodbine and HBPA Reach New Two-Year Deal
The new agreement commits $64.7 million in purses in 2025 and $65 million in 2026, both with 128-day race meets.
Woodbine Entertainment and the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association of Ontario (HBPA) jointly announced today that they have reached an agreement in principle on a new two-year deal that boosts purses by $5.7 million. The new agreement commits $64.7 million in purses in 2025 and $65 million in 2026, both with 128-day race meets.
The upcoming 2025 season kicks off on Saturday, April 26 and concludes on Sunday, December 14.
“We are very pleased to have reached this agreement with the HBPA that increases purses for our racing community, even as the industry continues to face significant challenges and headwinds,” said Michael Copeland, CEO of Woodbine Entertainment. “We understand and appreciate that many horse people are facing tough economic circumstances during these uncertain times. At the same time, we remain focused on meaningful strategic initiatives aimed at driving long-term growth and sustainability. Our sole mandate is to support a vibrant horse racing industry in Ontario, and we will continue working hard toward a stronger future for our sport and its participants.
“On behalf of Woodbine and our Board of Directors, I would like to thank the HBPA and its Board, and especially its negotiation committee, for working diligently towards a positive result for the Woodbine racing community.”
“Reaching an agreement allows our horse people to plan and move forward. The 128 racing days and the purse increase provides needed stability for our members and while there is always more work to be done, we believe that this is a necessary and positive step forward for racing in Ontario. We thank Woodbine for engaging in a very difficult but respectful negotiation with HBPA,” said HBPA President, Sue Leslie. “We embrace open dialogue with Woodbine and remain hopeful for the future. Thank you to our owners and trainers for their patience and support.”
The 2025 season at Woodbine Racetrack will be highlighted by the 166th running of the $1 million King’s Plate on Saturday, August 16. The full stakes schedule will be announced shortly.
Sovereignty Can Deliver Derby Firsts for Godolphin
Courtesy Gulfstreampark.com – Coolmore Fountain of Youth (G2) hero Sovereignty is favored to deliver Godolphin a first victory in the $1 million Curlin Florida Derby (G1) Saturday at Gulfstream Park. Going forward, the 8-5 morning-line favorite for Gulfstream’s marquee Triple Crown prep also has the potential to provide his owner/breeder with a very first success in the Kentucky Derby (G1) on the first Saturday in May.
Godolphin’s victories in major stakes across the globe are virtually countless, but the Kentucky Derby has eluded Sovereignty’s owner/breeder. Godolphin USA’s director of bloodstock Michael Banahan doesn’t underestimate the importance of a Kentucky Derby victory.
“I think any race of the magnitude of the Derby around the world is important. Any race that a group hasn’t won before, it’s probably important to do so. We’d love to have the opportunity to have a horse in with a chance and try to win it.” Banahan said. “We’ve had good horses in it before and been close but haven’t got it done. It’d be fantastic if we could get that done. Any owner group with a 3-year-old colt in the springtime, that’s the big race that you’re targeting. “
Essential Quality finished third in the 2021 Kentucky Derby before going on to deliver Godolphin its first success in the American Triple Crown with a victory in the Belmont Stakes (G1).
Sovereignty, who will also seek to add victories in the 1 1/8-mile Curlin Florida Derby and the 1 ¼-mile Kentucky Derby onto Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott’s resume, rallied from last to capture the 1 1/16-mile Coolmore Fountain of Youth by a neck over previously undefeated River Thames March 1. The son of Into Mischief was making his first start since winning the 1 1/16-mile Street Sense (G3) Oct. 27 at Churchill Downs.
Arkansas Derby Day
Courtesy Oaklawn, Compiled by Robert Yates
Coal Battle will be chasing history and, likely, another Bob Baffert horse Saturday at Oaklawn in the $1.5 million Arkansas Derby (G1) for 3-year-olds at 1 1/8 miles.
No horse has won Oaklawn’s Smarty Jones Stakes, Rebel Stakes (G2) and Arkansas Derby. Coal Battle has already pocketed the first two, overhauling Baffert’s speedy Madaket Road to win the 1 1/16-mile Rebel by 1 ¼ lengths Feb. 23.
Coal Battle returns for the Arkansas Derby. So does Baffert, the Southern California-based Hall of Fame trainer who will send out dazzling debut winner Cornucopian, the 7-5 program favorite.
Baffert, however, sees the morning line differently.
“Him being the favorite? I don’t know about that,” Baffert said. “I don’t think he should be the favorite because he has just one out. Coal Battle should be the favorite. I think he might end up the favorite. He’s a good horse and that Sandman’s a good horse. Grade 1s are always tough, but they’re supposed to be tough.”
The Arkansas Derby, Oaklawn’s fourth and final Kentucky Derby qualifying event, headlines a 14-race card that begins at 11:20 a.m. (Central). Gates open at 10:30 a.m., with probable post time for the Arkansas Derby, the 13th race, 6:48 p.m.
Weather permitting, the infield will be open. There is a 70 percent chance of light rain early Saturday, with breaks of sun in the afternoon, according to weather.com.
Five other stakes races will be run Saturday Oaklawn – $750,000 Fantasy (G2) for 3-year-old fillies at 1 1/16 miles, $500,000 Oaklawn Mile (G3) for older horses, $250,000 Matron for older fillies and mares at 6 furlongs, $145,000 Eclipse Overnight for older horses at 6 furlongs and the $145,000 American Pharoah Overnight for older horses at 1 1/16 miles.
Information Session Planned for Owners and Breeders
The Thoroughbred Racing B.C. trust (TRBC) is to hold an information session for owners and breeders.
The meeting, which will be held at the Best Western Premier hotel in Vernon, B.C. on April 12 from 1:00pm until 3:00pm, will present owners and breeders throughout the province with an opportunity to discuss the upcoming racing season, as well as ongoing plans for the future of the industry in B.C.
ALL current, former or future owners AND breeders are VERY welcome and, while RSVPs are not required, it would be helpful if anyone planning to attend could let either Gary Johnson (garycj5460@outlook.com) or Neil Stajkowski (hbpaneils@gmail.com) know via email.
Time:
1pm – 3pm (coffee and muffins will be provided)
Place:
Best Western Premier Hotel
5350 Anderson Wy, Vernon, BC V1T 9V2
Tel: (250) 558-5000
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