Hastings' Weekly Winter Round-Up
The backstretch at Hastings is slowly returning to life as spring training gets underway; while there is also positive news on the Winter Program and notice of a Paddock Sale
Wintering Program Confirmed
Despite obvious financial constraints, the newly ratified Thoroughbred Racing BC (TRBC) group has agreed to implement a Wintering Program for 2024/25. The scheme, which is an acknowledgement of the economic pressures that face owners who commit to keeping lower-level claimers over the winter months, has been set at $2,000 for each qualifying horse. While this amount is lower than in previous years, it remains a generous incentive and stakeholders have committed to review the amount should finances improve.
Horses of Racing Age Sale –
Sponsored by Thoroughbred Racing BC
After multiple requests for a spring sale of race horses, the newly ratified Thoroughbred Racing BC Board (TRBC) has decided to sponsor a sale of horses of racing age on Saturday, April 19, 2025.
Details will still need to be worked out with Hastings Racecourse but the following can be announced:
1. Entry fee - $100 to cover any costs associated with the sale.
2. Expressions of interest and payment of the entry fee must be made by March 22. This will ensure that we have enough stock to proceed with a sale.
3. Location – we expect to hold it near or in the paddock at Hastings Park.
4. There will be no commission charged on any sale.
5. It will be up to the consignor to set a reserve or not.
6. There will be an opportunity to watch each horse gallop and a chance to inspect the horses prior to the sale.
Further announcements regarding the sale, including the terms and conditions, etc., will be issued once discussions have been held with Hastings Racecourse. Expressions of inerest should be made, in the first instance, to Mike Heads or through any HBPA director.
TRBC Holds First Meeting
By Gary Johnson, HBPA director and interim chair of the newly ratified Thoroughbred Racing BC (TRBC) group
As most will recall, Thoroughbred Racing BC (TRBC) was created in 2023 to provide a single voice and management of the thoroughbred industry. HBPA of BC, BCTOBA and CTHSBC were all part of the initial committee structure.
In recent months changes were made so that the TRBC would become a trust. Each of these three original organizations would be able to appoint trustees and these trustees following a strict list of conditions would oversee racing and breeding of thoroughbreds in BC BCTOBA and HBPA both agreed to these more detailed conditions.
However, The CTHS BC has rejected those conditions and has declined to join the trust.
Saturday, March first was the first meeting of the newly formed TRBC. Initial Trustees are HBPA President David Milburn and HBPA Vice President (Owners) Denise Praill, along with BCTOBA BC President Ole Nielsen and BCTOBA Secretary, Mike Heads.
In order to meet the terms and conditions of the TRBC trust the first thing the Board did was to appoint the Chair of the TRBC on an interim basis. The Interim Chair is HBPA director, Gary Johnson.
The Board of Trustees appointed Gary as Interim chair as it requires unanimous approval of all trustees.
In addition to confirming details of the latest wintering program and the intention to hold a sale of horses of racing age, the TRBC board also received a report from Denise Praill on continuing efforts to secure a long term funding and management agreement with government.
Recently, a committee consisting of Denise Praill and Gary Johnson, along with Harness Racing BC representatives Rick Mowles and Kelly Macmillan, met with MLA and Attorney General Nikki Sharma, whose constituency includes Hastings Park. It was a positive meeting and Minister Sharma agreed she would reach out to assist with arranging additional meetings with various ministers. The TRBC will report more when there is definitive news.
Reyes Will Return
Despite earlier reports to the contrary, leading Hastings’ rider Antonio Reyes will return to ride in Vancouver for the forthcoming campaign. Reyes, whose 46 winners last season saw him finish second to Amadeo Perez (62 wins), had originally hinted he may remain in Mexico this season. However, he has since committed to return to the East Van bullring and, with paperwork now completed, is expected to arrive in the near future
New Stride News
Well, it's hard to believe that March is upon us...and spring should be right around the corner! As you'll see below, our alumni have had quite a bit of fun frolicking in the snow this winter.
As we look ahead, sharing a heartfelt thank you to all who contributed to our year-end fundraising efforts. Your support has helped us immensely in terms of being able to care for the beautiful Thoroughbreds who come our way.
While Honey, Gwen, and Shelly are looking for homes, we're working very closely with newcomers Rose, Henny, and Eddie - be sure to check out www.newstride.com to learn more about them!
Come and Volunteer with Us
We have a great group of volunteers, and there's always room for more! Do you know of anyone who loves horses and good company? New Stride welcomes volunteers for all days of the week, mornings and afternoons. Non-riders, riders, Western or English discipline, experience with handling horses is an asset. Message us here or fill out our volunteer registration you will find at this link: http://www.newstride.com/volunteer.html
We're looking forward to meeting you!
Bloodhorse Daily Headlines — Monday, March 3
