HorseRacing Central April 16, 2010

COUNTDOWN TO HASTINGS OPENING APRIL 24-25

There is no shortage of activity at Hastings Racecourse these days as the opening of the 2010 thoroughbred season is one weekend away.

The scene at Hastings can best be described as “bustling”. It starts at sunrise with horses going through their morning workouts while clockers record their every move from high above track level. The racing office is crammed with owners and trainers getting their registration papers in order as entries for opening weekend close on Wednesday. Jockeys are checking in on a daily basis.

The property services department is in the process of applying over 100 gallons of paint and 60 gallons of sealers and waxes to improve the overall look of the facilities. Program kiosks have been installed in the Racebook, Jerome’s, Diamond Club, Silks and main concourse, allowing patrons to select print-outs for specific tracks and races.

Sales have been brisk for box seats on a season-long basis and Sky Box reservations for private functions are quickly being filled.

Hastings Racecourse General Manager Raj Mutti is confident the 2010 live racing season will reach new heights in the industry. “With the largest purse structure and stakes program on the west coast outside of Southern California,” Mutti says, “we are attracting owners from Alberta, Washington, Oregon and Northern California.”

The 71-day racing calendar launches on Saturday, April 24 with a 1:40 pm. start at Hastings. Watch for an abundance of newspaper, radio and television advertising in the days and weeks ahead as new marketing initiatives are in full gear.

(A reminder to owners, trainers, jockeys & VIP Guests: Our Open House is set for Sunday (April 18) at 9:30 a.m. in the Patio sections at Hastings)

OUT OF TOWN SCOREBOARD & SIMULCAST ACTION

Just as Hastings gets ready to open, it is closing weekend at Santa Anita for the 2009-10 season. It ends with Sunday’s card and the $150,000 San Juan Capistrano at a mile and three quarters on the grass. A field of 12 has entered the 10th race with post time at 5:08 p.m. Racing will shift to Hollywood Park for its spring and summer meet. Opening day is Wednesday, April 21.

The last hurrah for any Kentucky Derby hopefuls takes place Saturday, as Keeneland presents the $300,000 Coolmore Lexington with a full field of 12 going 1 1/16th. Next week is the final week of the Gulfstream meet with Friday, April 23 being closing day.

A couple of local horses will be sharing the limelight in Sunday’s $150,000 Whimsical Stakes at Woodbine for fillies and mares over six furlongs. Peter Redekop’s Tribal Belle is the morning line favourite at 7-5 while Bud Malette’s Dancing Allstar is listed at 3-1. Post time is 4:42 p.m.

STALLION STAKES NEXT UP AT FRASER DOWNS

Stallion Stake action gets underway next week at Fraser Downs Racetrack & Casino with the 4-year-old mares and 4-year-old colts and geldings highlighting the qualifying legs on Friday, April 23. The next evening it will be the 3-year-old fillies and 3-year-old colts and geldings in the spotlight. Fraser Downs is racing only two days a week until closing day on June 19. Start times are 7:30 p.m.