By Greg Douglas – Dr. Sport
SCENE & HEARD: The return of the Wiener Dog Races can mean only one thing: Hastings Racecourse is officially – and happily – looking forward to its very own “spring into summer” mode.
With the recent nasty weather behind us, our ‘darling little dachshunds’ (as TSN Radio’s Brook Ward refers to them) it means the annual Deighton Cup is on the horizon, soon to be followed by the launching of the popular Friday Night Live racing dates.
Track announcer Dan Jukich will be uttering those familiar words “And the Wiener Is …” shortly after the championship heat following Race 6 on Sunday’s regular horse racing card. That will draw the curtain on Wiener Weekend for another year.
Next up under the heading of ‘Special Attractions’ at Hastings Racecourse will be the 9th annual Deighton Cup on Saturday, July 22.
It has become one of the most fashionable events held in Vancouver with the emphasis on fascinators and fedoras in a festival of attire that is on parade non-stop throughout the day.
It is Vancouver’s version of the world-renowned Kentucky Derby with ongoing attractions that include fine food, craft cocktails, live entertainment and, of course, the thrill of live thoroughbred racing. More exciting details of the July 22 Deighton Cup agenda are available at info@deightoncup.com
Friday Night Live racing at Hastings Racecourse was introduced several years ago to provide a new and younger demographic the opportunity to enjoy live racing as a form of nighttime entertainment. It quickly became a sought-after event for the business community to host staff and client gatherings in a totally unique setting. It became the norm to see a lineup of limousines outside the main entrance to the racetrack delivering male and female patrons ‘dressed to the nines’.
The Friday Night Live schedule includes six dates beginning July 28 with a 7 p.m. start and carries through the entire month of August as well as Friday, Sept. 1 during the PNE Fair. A special seventh date of racing under the lights has been booked for Wednesday, Sept. 6. During the Friday Night Live dates, the late Pick 4 will have a guaranteed $10,000 pool.
Wiener Dog Weekend, the Deighton Cup, Friday Night Live racing … they are three very good reasons to be thinking we are finally “springing into summer” at Hastings Racecourse.