Vancouver, B.C. (March 24, 2015) – It won’t be long now before those familiar words “There They Go!” ring out from the broadcast booth as track announcer Dan Jukich launches his 25th anniversary calling the ponies at Hastings Racecourse.

Thoroughbred fans have circled the dates Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26 as opening weekend approaches featuring the season’s first stakes races on April 26: the $50,000 George Royal and $50,000 Brighouse Belles.

Hastings Racecourse General Manager and Director, BC Racing Darren MacDonald announced in January a 50-day meet for 2015 that runs through October 12, with four tentative dates reserved for later in October.

A total of 38 stakes races with purses totaling more than $2.4 million include the 70th running of the Grade 3 BC Derby on Sunday, September 13 that will carry a $250,000 purse, up from $150,000 in previous years.

MacDonald noted that the Friday Night Live cards at Hastings have been increased from four to five during the 2015 season. “We will continue with the four Friday Night dates in August and have added Friday, September 4 to the list,” MacDonald said. “They have proven to be a favourite event with our younger demographic.”

The busiest month in 2015 will be May with 10 dates on the racing calendar, including the Victoria Day Monday on May 18. Other special holiday cards featuring stakes races are scheduled for Canada Day on Wednesday, July 1; BC Day on Monday, August 3 and Labour Day on Monday, September 7, in addition to the traditional and legendary BC Derby/Oaks Day on September 13.

Two other Monday dates are on the calendar: August 24 and August 31 during the Fair at the PNE with 4:00 p.m. starts.

Both the 2015 regular season dates and 2015 stakes schedule are available at www.hastingsracecourse.com