Important Changes to Hastings Season
Following discussions between the HBPA BC, BCTOBA and CTHS BC Division it has been decided to adjust the 2024 Hastings Race Meet.
Following discussions between the HBPA BC, BCTOBA and CTHS BC Division via their working group, Thoroughbred Racing BC (TRBC), it has been decided to adjust the 2024 Hastings Race Meet.
The last two race days (October 19th and 20th) will be cancelled.
By sharing this now, we aim to give all owners, trainers, and industry workers the opportunity to adjust their schedules for the remainder of the season and make the most of the upcoming race days.
Focusing on a Strong Finish
Like many sectors across North America, the horse racing industry has faced challenges. However, we’ve emerged from the difficulties of recent years with a renewed focus on keeping our sport strong. For 2024, we’ve worked hard to maintain competitive purses, ensuring the funds we allocate go as far as possible in support of the industry.
Our income comes primarily from two sources: a share in slots at Hastings and Fraser Downs (Elements) Casinos, and revenue from Teletheatre BC, which manages live and simulcast racing in the province. While Teletheatre BC continues to meet budget expectations, we’ve seen a drop in slot revenue, leading us to make strategic decisions for the remainder of this season.
After careful consideration, it is clear that we need to end the meet on October 13 in order to allow us to avoid a budget shortfall that could impact next year’s season.
Addressing the Needs of Owners
We understand that the current environment for owners needs improvement. Increasing income per horse and finding ways to lower expenses are key priorities. Horse racing must remain sustainable and rewarding for owners, and we are committed to addressing these challenges.
Maintaining competitive purse levels is essential, but we are also actively exploring ways to reduce the overall costs of participation, making ownership more viable and attractive.
Planning for the Future
The HBPA BC, along with BCTOBA and CTHS BC Division delegates, alongside our partners, have been proactive throughout 2024 in looking at all potential solutions to strengthen our financial base. We engaged 360 Strategies to help us access government decision-makers and secure long-term funding mechanisms, as we believe this is key to the continued growth and sustainability of horse racing in BC.
Although we have not yet reached a resolution to secure additional funds for this season, we’ve made significant progress. Minister Farnworth and his team have expressed support for our industry’s future, and we expect more productive discussions after the upcoming provincial election. We are confident that ongoing engagement with the government will result in a solution that benefits everyone involved in horse racing.
2025 and Beyond: A Bright Horizon
We’re looking ahead to 2025 with optimism. We are focused on maintaining competitive purse levels to ensure the sustainability of the industry, along with initiatives to support breeding programs, increase horse population, and improve the financial outlook for owners.
We’re also intending to continue both a wintering program and a fresh horse program. The details of these initiatives will be detailed over the next month or so as we finalize our discussions with government partners and solidify our 2025 budget.
Together Toward a Strong Future
To all owners, breeders, trainers, and industry workers—your dedication is the cornerstone of horse racing in BC. The road ahead may present challenges, but with everyone’s continued support and a positive outlook, we are confident that the future of racing in our province will be bright and prosperous.
We are committed to keeping you informed as we work through the next few months and strive to secure a thriving future for horse racing.
The TRBC working group was created to more easily represents the collective interests of horse racing in British Columbia, with HPBA BC, BCTOBA, and CTHS-BC Divisionall working together to ensure a unified and prosperous future for the sport while still maintaining the current elected structures of each organization.