BIZARRE EQUINE ACCIDENT IN SIXTH RACE AT HASTINGS RACECOURSE & SLOTS SHAKES ENTIRE RACING COMMUNITY AND FANS

July 31, 2010

Vancouver, B.C. (July 31/2010) – A freak accident occurred at the start of the sixth race at Hastings Racecourse & Slots Saturday afternoon involving Private Mambo, a 3-year-old filly from Aldergrove.

Private Mambo, ridden by jockey Geovanni Franco, stumbled leaving the gate, unseating Franco, and veered off into the rail towards the winner’s circle. Private Mambo died on impact when he fell and slid into the glassed-in atrium adjacent to the winner’s circle. Franco was uninjured.

A Hastings Racecourse security guard was injured and taken to hospital. The security guard is currently in surgery and his condition is unknown at this time.

“The horse was medically sound and safety measures were in place,” said Howard Blank, Great Canadian Vice President. “It is a very unsettling development. Our thoughts and prayers are with our injured team member, those involved and those who witnessed the bizarre and freak accident.”

Veteran horsemen who witnessed the mishap said they had never encountered any such incident in over 50 years of working at the track.

Raj Mutti, General Manager at Hastings Racecourse, said the decision to cancel the remaining two races on the Saturday card was made in concert with the stewards and Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association (HBPA). Races 7 and 8 will be rescheduled in the future.

A public announcement and update will be issued Sunday prior to the 1:40 p.m. start time. A full investigation is currently underway involving Hastings the HBPA, the stewards and WorkSafeBC.

For Media & Entertainment Inquiries: Howard Blank @ 604.303.1000