By Greg Douglas – Dr. Sport SCENE & HEARD: Norm Fridleifson of the Hastings Racecourse security staff will occasionally glance over to the grandstand area on any given race day to see if a certain lady is in the house and comfortably seated where she enjoys her privacy. The lady is Mrs. Avelino Gomez,…
Vancouver, B.C. (June 2/18) – Over the years owner Peter Redekop has made more trips to the winner’s circle at Hastings Racecourse than even he can remember. But there seemed to be something a little special going on in Mr. Redekop’s mind Saturday when he was the last to leave the celebration area following Toni…
By Greg Douglas – Dr. Sport SCENE & HEARD: In the days leading up to the 150th running of the Belmont Stakes next Saturday and Justify’s quest to become only the 13th winner of racing’s Triple Crown, it is impossible to forget the disappointment and frustration that swept through every corner of Hastings Racecourse at…
By Greg Douglas – Dr. Sport SCENE & HEARD: Two-time leading trainer at Hastings Racecourse Craig MacPherson subscribes to a rather simple theory. “You put a plan in place and hope everything works out,” he says. “And when you’re surrounded by great people, great things happen.” MacPherson stood tall at the podium as Leading…
By Greg Douglas – Dr. Sport SCENE & HEARD: Currently in its fourth year, the Hastings Racing Club under the artful leadership of manager Richard Yates continues to flourish. The concept was introduced by the racing industry and Hastings management in June of 2015 when racing fans were invited to invest $250 to become…
By Greg Douglas – Dr. Sport SCENE & HEARD: When last Monday’s holiday racing card concluded and the final results were filed, it was nice to see the name Deirdre Bell at the head of the pack on not one, but two occasions. The lady who owns and trains a small number of…
Vancouver, B.C. (May 21/18) – The security guard at the gate leading into the paddock area swears she saw the glistening statue of the great George Royal make eye contact with active eight-year-old champion Modern prior to Monday’s fifth race at Hastings Racecourse. Modern, owned by Swift Thoroughbreds and trained by Dino Condilenios, was going…
ARAUJO’S FOUR WINS AN EYE-OPENER Vancouver, B.C. (May 18/18) – Robbie King, Jr., Executive Director of the Jockey’s Benefit Association of Canada, was in the house at Hastings Racecourse on Mother’s Day and liked what he saw. “The riding talent is deep with a strong top 10,” he said in the aftermath of last…