Hoss Talk

Although the horse racing at Hastings Racecourse season is officially over, for management at the east end oval, their biggest race is only beginning.

Six months ago and after countless hours of debates on the issue of slot machines at Hastings, City Council of Vancouver finalized the approval for slot machines at Hastings Racecourse.

For those involved within the horse racing industry and many thousands fans who enjoy the sport, their biggest question has been, where are the slot machines?

“Are we behind schedule? No. Presently we are in the middle of talks with the Vancouver City Development Planning Committee. Because it is a fair process, we understand and respect their process. This is a huge undertaking we are doing. Of course for everyone, earlier the better, is our goal.” said Ross McLeod, CEO of Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, operators of Hastings Racecourse.

Among major renovations expected for the new Hastings Racecourse will be a new modern grandstand and the modernizing of the barn area.

‘Our plan is to do that as smooth as possible. That means, we have to do certain parts of the construction over the course of the next two years. We definitely do not want to interrupt the live racing.” adds McCleod.

To accomplish this, GCGC realizes their might have to be some tweaking to the racing dates so they can have it all wrapped up by 2006.

“What I want to do is to have Hastings be a very class facility, because Vancouver is deserving of it. We have a lot of work to do, but by this time next year you will obviously be seeing a difference. The good thing is we already have all the capitol in place to do all of this.” Says McLeod.

MOVING FORWARD:  Standardbred horse racing also got another boost, when North Saanich council recently voted to approve slot machines for Sandown Park racetrack. The approval allows Sandown 200 slot machines; factor in 420 already in place at Fraser Downs, the future is beginning to appear brighter for the harness racing industry in this Province.

“There are still minor details to be worked out. It is as close to reality for us, without getting the building permit to start” said Chuck Keeling, General Manager at Fraser Downs.

WEEKEND UPDATE: Bill Boden & Gerry Hudon’s Keystone Romola won the $36,600 Surrey Cup at Fraser Downs on Friday night. Keystone Romola paced the mile in 1.55.2 and was trained by Dave Hudon and driven by Tim Brown.

Over at Hastings, Cheap Charlie’s Stable’s, Lethal Grande, continued his wininig way with a front running victory in Sunday’s $35.000 Au Revoir Allowance . Lethal Grande, trained by Daryl Snow was ridden by Dave Wilson.

FOXY LADY: Recently, several jockeys at Churchill Downs in Kentucky went on strike for increase insurance accident benefits.

One rider not joining the group was female jockey Tammy Fox.

In 1998, Fox’s brother Billy Jr, also made the choice also to ride against New York based riders who stuck for higher jockey fees.

She recall’s how after that strike was settled, her brother became involved in a fight with that track’s leading rider and left him with two black eyes and bloody nose.

Asked after winning a race, what she would do if threatened, Fox replied.  “If any jockey gets into my face and says something, I probably would hit them. And they all know it” Fox weighs less then a 100 pounds and stands 4 foot-six. “Pound for pound she might be the toughest person on the racetrack, said Churchill Downs spokesperson John Asher.