Hastings' Weekly Winter Round-Up
Hastings' veteran FORT LANGLEY shows no signs of stopping, while Gary Johnson reports on this week's Thoroughbred Racing B.C. meeting with MNP Consultants
Veteran Fort Langley Shows no Signs of Slowing Down
Hastings’ veteran FORT LANGLEY, now a sprightly nine-year-old, showed there remains plenty of life in his legs with a trademark late move to grind down his competitors at Turf Paradise earlier this week.
Sporting the distinctive silks of part-owner Jordan Froelich, the son of Majestic Warrior was saddled by part-owner and trainer Jaymie Pearson Cruz and ridden by Jaymie’s husband and leading jockey, Alex Cruz.
Stalking just behind the pace throughout, Cruz swung FORT LANGLEY out from the rail in mid-stretch, before lengthening well under a strong drive to gradually reel-in the leaders. The pair were a neck ahead of their rivals at the wire.
Bred in Kentucky by the late Glen Todd, FORT LANGLEY’s win was the 15th of his career and took his earnings to more than $123,000. Sadly, however, it seems we may not see the blue-collar hero back at Hastings next season as, following the win, he was claimed by Canterbury Park and Turf Paradise handler, Juan Quintana Gutierrez for $4,000.
Pearman Cruz is slated to saddle another Hastings’ campaigner at Turf Paradise next Tuesday, with Wyn Racing’s OUR BLOKE (English Channel) set to go in an Optional Claiming contest over a mile on the turf.
Don’t Forget Sale Entries!
Don’t forget, if you are thinking of nominating a horse for the planned Sale of Horses of Racing Age, you need to enter by Saturday, March 22, latest. Entries should be made through Mike Heads, who can be contacted on tel: 604-309-6509. There is an entry fee of $100 payable for each horse.
Horses of Racing Age – Sponsored by Thoroughbred Racing BC
After multiple requests for a spring sale of race horses, the Thoroughbred Racing BC has decided to sponsor a sale of horses of racing age on Saturday, April 19, 2025.
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.
Once discussions have been held with Hastings Racecourse management we will make further announcements about the sale including the terms and conditions of the sale.
TRBC Meets With MNP Consultants
By Gary Johnson,
TRBC trustees met with MNP Consultants on March 5 to discuss economic impact on horse racing (in particular thoroughbred racing).
The meeting was attended by Ole Nielsen and Mike Heads (from BC TOBA) and Denise Praill and David Milburn (representing HBPA BC), as well as Interim Chair of Thoroughbred Racing BC, Gary Johnson.
The meeting was held at the MNP offices.
The trustees met on March 1 to prepare to answer the more than 20 questions in the interview guide that had been sent to them.
The MNP representatives were fully engaged and there was a wide ranging, two hour conversation. The TRBC trustees made the following points.
Horse racing contributes to the cultural fabric of British Columbia in several meaningful ways:
Heritage and Tradition – Horse racing has been a longstanding part of BC’s history, dating back over a century. Tracks like Hastings Racecourse have been community landmarks, preserving the province’s equestrian traditions.
Community Engagement – Racing brings together a diverse group of people, from owners, trainers, and jockeys to fans and casual spectators, fostering a strong sense of community and shared experience.
Employment and Livelihoods – The industry supports thousands of jobs, from stable hands and veterinarians to racing officials and hospitality workers, many of whom come from multi-generational horse racing families.
Equestrian and Agricultural Influence – Racing strengthens BC’s broader equestrian industry, as retired racehorses transition into careers in pleasure riding, show jumping, eventing, and dressage.
Tourism and Events – Major races and events attract visitors from across Canada and beyond, boosting local economies and highlighting BC’s vibrant sports culture.
Philanthropy and Charitable Work – Racing organizations often support community initiatives, backstretch worker programs, and equine welfare efforts, reinforcing a culture of giving back.
In addition to getting our points across about the current state of horse racing and breeding of thoroughbreds, we made it clear that there is a specific need for a long term funding arrangement with government and a strategic plan to see horse racing flourish over the next few years and longer.
After this full discussion the five trustees agreed that they were clearer on what the goal of the MNP study were and that they understood the industry better than we had hoped at this point in time.
2024 Thoroughbred Awards Nominees
Lower Level Claimer of the Year (under $15,000)
Arikara
Owner: Robert Maybin and Sheena Maybin
Trainer: Robert Maybin
Breeder: Brereton C. Jones
Ave’s in Command
Owner: Robert Maybin and Sheena Maybin
Trainer: Robert Maybin
Breeder: James L. G. Redekop
Knopfler
Owner: Stewart Spencer and Pedersen Vanessa
Trainer: Keith Pedersen
Breeder: Ikhana Farm & Trachsel Farm, LLC
Queen of Attitude
Owner: Lorie Henson and Helen Klimes
Trainer: Steve Henson
Breeder: Helen Klimes
Upper Level Claimer of the Year (over $15,000)
Bold Arch
Owner: John and Kim Morrison and Robin Sadler
Trainer: John D. Morrison
Breeder: J. Barry Doud
Finding Ways
Owner: Hastings Racing Club and Mainline Stables
Trainer: Nancy Betts
Breeder: Dino Konstantinos Condilenios & Sandra M. Loseth
Hoax
Owner: Willow Creek Farms and Fabio Chiesa
Trainer: Steve Henson
Breeder: Nature Coast Thoroughbreds
Lucky Force
Owner: Edwin Claggett
Trainer: Craig MacPherson
Breeder: Dustin Bud Downing
Champion Two-Year-Olds B.C. Bred & Open Divisions
Champion Two-Year-Old Filly B.C. Bred & Open Divisions
Breezin Brianne
Owner: Conrad Rozenek
Trainer: Mel Snow
Breeder: Mark Johnson & Lyle Johnson
Someday Lady
Owner: Jeffrey Sengara
Trainer: Cindy Krasner
Breeder: Helen Klimes & Willow Creek Farms
Champion Two-Year-Old Male B.C. Bred & Open Divisions
Mount Doom
Owner: Willow Creek Farms and Lorie Henson
Trainer: Steve Henson
Breeder: William George Stewart
Champion Three-Year-Olds B.C. Bred & Open Divisions
Champion Three-Year-Old Filly B.C. Bred & Open Divisions
Avana
Owner: Peter Redekop B. C., Ltd
Trainer: Barbara Anderson-Heads
Breeder: Bryan Anderson & Carol Anderson
Champion Three-Year-Old Male B.C. Bred & Open Divisions
August Rain
Owner: Peter Redekop B. C., Ltd.
Trainer: Barbara Anderson-Heads
Breeder: Peter Redekop BC LTD
Diocles
Owner: Wil – A – Way Farm, Gail C. Jewsbury and Pat Jarvis
Trainer: Pat Jarvis
Breeder: Mark Johnson & Lyle Johnson
Champion Older Filly/Mare B.C. Bred & Open Divisions
Champion Older Filly/Mare B.C. Bred Division
Air Force
Owner: Dennis Dale, Morris Peter and Ed Welsh
Trainer: Keith Pedersen
Breeder: Paul Caravetta
Infinite Patience
Owner: William DeCoursey and R. N. H. Stable
Trainer: Barbara Anderson-Heads
Breeder: William DeCoursey
Matsqui
Owner: Renfrew Racing, B and B Racing, No Trump Stable, Matt Elder and Bill Breen
Trainer: Mark A. Freeman
Breeder: Suzanne I Anderson
We B Three
Owner: Willow Creek Farms
Trainer: Steve Henson
Breeder: Ole A Nielsen
Champion Older Filly/Mare Open Division
Air Force
Owner: Dennis Dale, Morris Peter and Ed Welsh
Trainer: Keith Pedersen
Breeder: Paul Caravetta
Bunny
Owner: Swift Thoroughbreds Inc.
Trainer: Dino Condilenios
Breeder: Swift Thoroughbreds Inc.
Infinite Patience
Owner: William DeCoursey and R. N. H. Stable
Trainer: Barbara Anderson-Heads
Breeder: William DeCoursey
Matsqui
Owner: Renfrew Racing, B and B Racing, No Trump Stable, Matt Elder and Bill Breen
Trainer: Mark A. Freeman
Breeder: Suzanne I Anderson
We B Three
Owner: Willow Creek Farms
Trainer: Steve Henson
Breeder: Ole A Nielsen
Champion Older Male B.C. Bred & Open Divisions
Champion Older Male B.C. Bred Division
At Attention
Owner: Dr. Bryan C. and Carol Anderson
Trainer: Barbara Anderson-Heads
Breeder: Bryan Anderson & Carol Anderson
Lucky Force
Owner: Edwin Claggett
Trainer: Craig MacPherson
Breeder: Dustin Bud Downing
Champion Older Male Open Division
Apprehend
Owner: Peter Redekop B. C., Ltd
Trainer: Barbara Anderson-Heads
Breeder: Elevated Bloodstock & Raxon Cho
At Attention
Owner: Dr. Bryan C. and Carol Anderson
Trainer: Barbara Anderson-Heads
Breeder: Bryan Anderson & Carol Anderson
Lucky Force
Owner: Edwin Claggett
Trainer: Craig MacPherson
Breeder: Dustin Bud Downing
Settecento
Owner: Hastings Horsepower and Motley Crew
Trainer: Dave Milburn
Breeder: Pam and Martin Wygod
Space
Owner: Roger E. Snow, Danard Don B. and Conrad Rozenek
Trainer: Mel Snow
Breeder: Claiborne Farm & Adele B. Dilschneider
Champion Sprinter: August Rain; Avana; Breezin Brianne; Mount Doom; Settecento; Someday Lady; We B Three
B.C. Bred Horse of the Year: Air Force; At Attention; August Rain; Avana; Breezin Brianne; Diocles; Infinite Patience; Lucky Force; Matsqui; Mount Doom; Someday Lady; We B Three
Open Horse of the Year: Air Force; Apprehend; At Attention; August Rain; Avana; Breezin Brianne; Bunny; Diocles;; Infinite Patience; Lucky Force; Matsqui; Mount Doom; Settecento; Someday Lady; Space; We B Three
Spring Training
