HorseRacing Central April 9, 2010

OPEN HOUSE, MEDIA EVENT PREVIEW SEASON

Things Are Bustling in All Areas at Hastings Racecourse

With the 2010 live thoroughbred racing season just two weeks away, the pace at Hastings Racecourse has hit a peak in preparation for the April 24-25 opening weekend. Director of Racing Paul Ryneveld reports that 820 horses are on site and entries for the first two dates of the 71-day calendar are “looking good” and “right on target”.

General Manager Raj Mutti has announced plans for a unique Open House on Sunday, April 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. when owners, trainers, jockeys and VIP guests will enjoy breakfast on the patio as they watch the top horses at Hastings go through their morning workouts. That will be followed by a special Media Lunch on Wednesday, April 21 in the Casino Eclipse Lounge with owners, trainers and jockeys on hand to mingle with the media.

Mutti also confirmed that a lively radio and television advertising campaign is in place with Team Radio and KVOS Television. The Eclipse Lounge will be the setting for pre-game radio shows on nights the BC Lions are playing next door to Hastings at Empire Fields. There are also several promotions about to be launched involving the Lions, including discount vouchers and special offers to football fans throughout the CFL season. New and exciting 30-second and 10-second Hastings Racecourse television commercials hit the KVOS airwaves beginning the week of April 19.

The 2010 Hastings advertising campaign also involves the Vancouver Sun and Province, as well as community newspapers, radio and TV Week Magazine.

COMMUNITY DAYS AWARDED TO EIGHT GROUPS

As part of a Community Benefits Program at Hastings Racecourse, each year non-profit organizations are invited to apply for a ‘Community Day at the Track’. It has proven to be a terrific fund-raising vehicle and this year’s participants are the Circus-West Performing Arts Society, Hastings Sunrise Community Policing Centre, Variety – The Children’s Charity, New Stride Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, Kiwassa Neighbourhood House, Building Opportunities with Business, The Kettle Friendship Society and Westcoast Family Resources Society.

The groups are given exclusive use of the Marquee Tent on a live race day; a food donation worth $1,500, a direct donation of $5,000 and a table at Silks Restaurant on a live race day to be auctioned or raffled off to raise additional funds.

GROOM SCHOOL A BIG HIT

In partnership with the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association of B.C. (HBPA), Hastings Racecourse is proud to be staging its Groom School program for a third consecutive year. More than 70 applicants expressed interest this year with priority given to Hastings-Sunrise and Downtown East Side residents. Instructor Alison Goulding, with assistance from Manager of Racing Operations Joe Gray, have held two classes and a third is planned for high school students this summer.

“We teach the applicants the skills required do properly care for and groom thoroughbred horses,” Goulding says. “Our success ratio has been overwhelming.”

OUT OF TOWN SCOREBOARD & SIMULCAST ACTION

Final major preps for the Kentucky Derby take place Saturday and first up is the $750,000 Toyota Blue Grass from Keeneland, a 2:30 p.m. post time. The race goes as the 9th on a busy stakes program with a field of nine going a mile and an eighth on the synthetic track. Lukewarm morning favourite is Pleasant Prince (3-1) with Julian Leparoux in the saddle. The other main contender will be Odysseus with both looking for a big score to give them enough graded earnings for the right to enter the May 1 Derby. They are currently not in the top 20 but Saturday could change things dramatically.

The action then shifts to Oaklawn at 2:48 p.m. for the million dollar Arkansas Derby. It has drawn a field of nine and goes as the 9th race on the closing day card. Nobles Promise is the likely favourite for the 1 1/8th race to be contested on conventional dirt. Other horses looking to find their way to Louisville with a win will be Super Saver and Uh Oh Bango.

ZENYATTA TAKES ON FOUR CHALLENGERS

It’s “apple blossom time” at Oaklawn today with undefeated Zenyatta taking her show on the road to compete in the $500,000 Apple Blossom. Only four others have entered against the California superstar. It goes as the 10th race at 4:25 p.m. Zenyatta will carry 123 lbs. in the 1 1/8th race and insiders say the Breeders’ Classic winner has handled the trip well and running back on dirt doesn’t pose a problem. Zenyatta won the Apple Blossom two years ago.

EMERALD DOWNS SET TO GO

Our friends down the I-5 launch their season today with the opening of the Emerald Downs season in Auburn, Washington. The entire 89 days of racing will be carried in most British Columbia simulcast sites. It’s a busy time for track openings. Others posting the ‘open for business’ signs this month include Evangeline, Lone Star and Hollywood Park.

KEEPING TABS AROUND THE PROVINCE

Scott Sinclair, Marketing and Player Development Manager with Teletheatre BC, checks in with the information that a Player Appreciation Handicapping Tournament will be taking place at Chances Kelowna on Saturday. April 17. A prize of $500 is up for grabs with the one-day tournament based on the Santa Anita racing card. The entry fee of $20 includes a buffet brunch. Each contestant will have $1,000 in mythical money and must make a series of Win wagers. Space is limited to 40 players.

Upcoming Learn to Play Days are slated for Kamloops on Friday, April 16 from Noon to 8 p.m. and Vernon on Sunday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

HENSLEY HOT AS EVER AT FRASER DOWNS

Regular racing resumes at Fraser Downs Racetrack & Casino Friday and Saturday nights as well as Sunday afternoon. Ed Hensley continues to run away in the Leading Drivers category with 146 victories and also is on top of the Leading Trainers competition with 105 wins.

HRC: The Official Voice of Horse Racing in B.C.