Vancouver, B.C. (April 17/15) – With his family roots firmly established in thoroughbred racing, 38-year-old Drew Forster is a welcomed addition to the Hastings Racecourse team in various broadcasting capacities.

Beginning with the opening of the 2015 schedule on Saturday, April 25, Forster will co-host with veteran anchor Dan Jukich the Hastings television show on race-day simulcasts as well as host the Paddock Show and interview winning owners, trainers and jockeys from the Hastings winners circle throughout the season.

The son of B.C. Horse Racing Hall of Fame trainer Dave Forster, Drew and his brother Grant worked through their high school years on the backstretch at Hastings. Grant remains a successful trainer at Churchill Downs and Fair Grounds on the U.S. circuit.

While he never followed in the family tradition of training, Drew became a jockey’s agent where his clients included Mario Gutierrez, Fernando Perez, Aaron Gryder, Richard Hamel, Felipe Valdez and Larry Lacoursiere at Hastings as well as Ben Russell at Emerald Downs and Jake Barton in Phoenix and California. Drew also served a stint as track photographer at Emerald Downs, Lone Star and Louisiana Downs.

It was in 2008 when Glen Todd hired Drew at The Derby Bar And Grill in Surrey where he remains as General Manager. Along with Mike Heads, they introduced a couple of years ago the popular Handicapper’s Corner, a weekly broadcast posted online every Friday afternoon at derbybarandgrill.com during the Hastings racing season.

“A couple of months ago Mr. Todd was hosting a racing meeting with horsemen Dave Milburn, Ole Neilsen and Hastings general manager Darren MacDonald,” Drew says. “They called me in and out of the blue offered me this opportunity to work with Dan (Jukich) on race days. I was thrilled.” “Drew is a great addition to our team,” MacDonald said. “His background and vast knowledge in the racing industry is something our Hastings patrons will enjoy.”

Jukich, in his 25th year as Voice of the Races at Hastings, is thrilled about having a new broadcasting sidekick. “Drew is an excellent racing analyst,” said Jukich. “He comes by it honestly. I’ve known his family for many years. His Dad trained a horse named Golden Jamie that myself and the late Barry Wilkins of the Vancouver Canucks owned back in the late 1970’s.”

Dave Forster, 79, is still involved with an active stable, having won two stakes races last year with Madeira Park ($50,000 Monashee Handicap) and Ambleside Park ($75,000 Fantasy). Madeira Park was named Open Division Champion Older Filly in 2014.

Opening weekend at Hastings Racecourse April 25-26 features two high profile stakes on Sunday afternoon: the $50,000 George Royal and $50,000 Brighouse Belles. Start time on both Saturday and Sunday is 1:50 p.m.

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For further information contact:

Darren MacDonald
604.216.5234
dmacdonald@hastingsracecourse.com

Greg Douglas
Media Relations
604.736.4469
drsport@telus.net