HorseRacing Central February 1, 2008

FRASER DOWNS CARDS CANCELLED

This late bulletin from Fraser Downs general manager Scott Sinclair:

“Due to track conditions our Friday, Saturday and Sunday cards have been cancelled. The track has been frozen because of the recent cold weather and with it starting to thaw, the surface is loose and results in soft-footing.

“For the safety of the horses and drivers, a joint decision by a committee of drivers and Fraser Downs management has been made to cancel our cards of Friday, Feb. 1, Saturday, Feb. 2 and Sunday, Feb. 3. This cancellation does not affect our regular simulcast schedules.”

KUNG HEI FAT CHOY

Both Fraser Downs Racetrack & Casino and Hastings Racecourse will be celebrating Chinese New Year next week and, in fact, it’s been turned into a two-day festival.

Thursday, Feb. 7 is the actual date when the Year of the Rat kicks into gear. Fraser Downs begins the celebration at 2 p.m. and carries it into the night with one lucky patron every hour up until 10 p.m. having the opportunity to pull a red envelope from the Cherry Blossom Tree containing a voucher for either $88 or $888.

Hastings continues the festivities on Friday, Feb. 8 with several promotions, including the traditional Lion’s Dance starting at 9 p.m. in Jerome’s Sports Bar and continuing in The Racebook, Diamond Club and Silks Restaurant. Starting at 8 p.m. guests will receive a complimentary Money God bobble head doll and, again, red envelopes will be handed out containing either wagering vouchers or slot vouchers. If you sign up for BC Gold or for the HorseRacing Central database, you will also be handed a lucky red envelope with a valuable voucher inside.

Hastings’ party-hardy hostess Christine Hong guarantees complimentary Chinese tea and cookies. Sha Tin simulcast wagering from Hong Kong will be an added attraction at Hastings.

FAREWELLL TO A GREAT CHAMPION

Jot the date down: Saturday, Feb. 9. That is when it is anticipated the great Monashee will close the book on her distinguished racing career when she runs in the Grade 1 $250,000 Santa Maria over a mile-and-sixteenth at Santa Anita. Fresh off her victory in the $80,000 Pasadena Stakes at Santa Anita, there is little doubt that Racebook locations locally and TBC outlets throughout British Columbia will be packed to watch history in the making: Monashee, win or lose, making her final career appearance.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA REPORT

Popular Hastings trainer Rob Gilker enjoyed a terrific week at Golden Gate Fields when homebred gelding Cassiar visited the winner’s circle and then recent claim Savo Island finished second in a tough allowance race.

Golden Gate is into its final week. Gilker and fellow Hastings trainer Troy Taylor will be sending their horses home to get ready for the local racing season that starts on Saturday, April 26.

Local trainers Alex Murray, Barbara Heads, Terry Clyde and John Snow still have horses competing at Golden Gate and plan to stay for the early part of the Bay Meadows meet. Runners to watch this weekend at Golden Gate are three Clyde trainees: Newton’s Rule, Commodore Craig and Code Magic. Saxophone will be running for Snow on Saturday.

FAST TRACKING …

Congratulations to Calgary-based Albert Wong who was one of three Hastings Racecourse reps in the 9th annual Daily Racing Form/NTRA National Handicapping Championships in Vegas last week. Mr. Wong finished 4th in a field that included 278 handicappers from throughout North America … Both Hastings and Fraser Downs enjoyed the return of the Magna Pick 5. The cross-country wager will continue until the end of Santa Anita’s meet … There’s still time to enter the Hastings Horsepower Giveaway: Next Thursday (Feb. 7) some fortunate patron will win the Honda Civic EX-L from Happy Honda in Burnaby. The draw will be made at 7 p.m. on the 7th at the Hastings Gaming Floor … Fraser Downs has a car giveaway in progress, too. 100 contestants will be chosen by a Hot Seat Draw in the Casino or through a random draw. Check Guest Services at Fraser for more details.