Hoss Talk

Last week, Hastings trainers Rob Van Overschot and Rick Kamps sent Lord Shogun, Illusive Force and Regal Rebel by cargo jet to race at Woodbine.

Years ago, horses flying coast to coast was almost unheard of. That was until 1969, when the late, H.E. "Tex" Sutton began the first equine charter.

"This weekend, there are four big races at Lone Star racetrack in Texas," said Paul Holtus, vice-president of Sutton Equine Cargo.

"We flew six horses from the east coast and 10 from the west coast at a cost of $5,000 US to run in those races. Obviously when they schedule those races it is worth the money for a stable to fly their horses right before their race and leave right after."

Prices vary according to service.

"Because we asked the airline [Cargojet Canada] to supply us with a professional handler, our cost was a little more at $2,800 Cdn one way than if we had not," said Van Overschot.

This year Sutton Air Cargo expects to fly more than 2,000 horses. With average equine tickets at $2,900 US for one-way flights from Los Angeles to Louisville, flying horses is a multi-million-dollar business. And it's quick.

"We can deliver a horse from his stall at Santa Anita in California to his stall at Belmont Park in New York within eight and half hours for $3,700 US. By van it would cost $2,500 US and take four days." said Holtus.

As for how much some owners are willing to pay for flying a horse to a major stake race? Last year, five owners shipped horses from Baltimore, Maryland to Chicago, Illinois to race in the Breeders' Cup, at a cost of $25,000 US one way.

MOVING FORWARD: A three-page letter from the B.C. Lottery Corporation outlining the components of a new slot machine facility at Fraser Downs has met with full approval by the Surrey gaming sub-committee.

The new B.C. Lottery proposal now goes before Surrey Council on Monday.

Approval would allow Fraser Downs to plan for a $20 million to $30 million refurbishing of its plant and slot machine gaming area.

Tom Wolski can be seen on the Sport of Kings, 11 a.m. Saturday on Citytv.
 
 

Edition: Final 
Story Type: Sports; Column 
Length: 367 words 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Source: Vancouver Province
E-mail Tommy Wolski at twolski@home.com