Vancouver, B.C. (July 2/17) — It’s weird how this works. Snuggles, trained by affable Dino Condilenios, is noted for her belligerent behaviour prior to a race. Then there’s Victress with an engaging attitude trained by stone-faced Robert Gilker, a man of few words. It’s almost as if the roles should be reversed. Gilker, who also…
Vancouver, B.C. (July 1/17) – It was a Happy Canada Day for the huge crowd at Hastings Racecourse Saturday and even happier for jockey Richard Hamel. Veteran thoroughbred patrons were left shaking their heads wondering, “what’s with this guy?” after Hamel rode four winners Saturday to go along with the four he won the previous…
By Greg Douglas – Dr. Sport SCENE & HEARD: The Canada Day 150 celebrations at Hastings Racecourse were launched in fine form Saturday and continue today with the running of the $75,000 Monashee in Race 4 on this afternoon’s card. Seasoned track patrons don’t have to be reminded about Monashee, one of the best…
By Greg Douglas – Dr. Sport SCENE & HEARD: Dixie Jacobson is our very own real-life Happy Face emoji. The Hall of Fame owner and breeder was wearing “that look” again last Sunday when Dixie and husband Roy celebrated Sedin’s first win of the season with their son-in-law and trainer Mark Cloutier. Dixie’s ever-present…
THE BEAT GOES ON FOR DAZ LIN DAWN IN $50,000 EMERALD DOWNS HANDICAP Vancouver, B.C. (June 25/17) – There wasn’t much dazzling about Daz Lin Dawn’s $2.20 payoff for a winning ticket Sunday afternoon at Hastings Racecourse. But it clearly didn’t bother part owner and trainer Nancy Betts to see the star of her stable…
Vancouver, B.C. (June 24/17) – At the conclusion of last year Phil Hall ranked seventh overall in the final trainers standings at Hastings Racecourse. After 66 starts, he had made an honest but modest 17 trips to the winner’s circle. Today, after just 17 race dates into the 2017 season, Hall has been part of…
By Greg Douglas – Dr. Sport SCENE & HEARD: David Lopez has been riding horses professionally for the past two decades. “If there is one thing I have learned,” the 35-year-old native of Peru says, “when things are going well, you simply work harder. It’s an up-and-down business. You can’t fall asleep.” Lopez accepted…
By Greg Douglas – Dr. Sport SCENE & HEARD: Eric Dudley worked a beat for the New Westminster Police Department as a constable, acting sergeant and acting corporal over a span of 29 years that he fondly remembers began on May 1, 1967. “I was a police officer in England for three and a…