FAMILY FUN ASSURED AT HASTINGS RACECOURSE FOR 5th ANNUAL MASCOT DERBY SUNDAY, JULY 28

July 26, 2013

Vancouver Canadians’ Chef Wasabi Ready to Defend Title

Vancouver, B.C. (July 26/13) – Each time the Vancouver Canadians play a home game at Nat Bailey Stadium their three fun-loving, sushi-inspired mascots treat fans to a race around the base paths.  Normally, the smallest of the trio – Chef Wasabi – fails to hit the winner’s circle against the bulkier Ms. BC Roll and Mr. Kappa Maki.

But it is a different story at Hastings Racecourse where the little rascal Chef Wasabi is king.  “We won all three heats last year including the championship round and have the trophy to prove it,” says Canadians’ General Manager Jason Takefman.  “Chef Wasabi spent the entire off-season training to defend his title.  We do not take this as a recreational activity.  There is a big pride factor involved.”

Chef Wasabi goes up against some formidable competition at Hastings Racecourse as part of Sunday’s live thoroughbred racing card that starts at 1:50 p.m. The mascots will run, waddle or dive to the finish line in two qualifying heats prior to the championship showdown after Race 6 at approximately 4:22 p.m.

Mr. Fox from 99.3 FM and Jack the Giant from the Vancouver Giants are annual threats at the Mascot Derby and there will be plenty of spills and thrills provided by the likes of Farmer Kin (Kin’s Farmer Market), Heartly (Variety – The Children’s Charity), Leo the Lion (B.C. Lions), Bumper Bear (Richmond Auto Mall) and a fearsome threesome from the Cloverdale Rodeo:  Stetson, Clover and Dale. Hometown favourite Hasty from Hastings Racecourse does not have a great ‘track’ record, if you will, but never gives up trying.  The annual Mascot Derby is geared to family fun and, as always, there is no admission to watch the thoroughbreds run at Hastings Racecourse.

Hastings Racecourse & Slots features live and simulcast wagering, vibrant slot gaming floor, numerous dining options, private and public event facility rental opportunities, spectacular views of the North Shore Mountains and outstanding guest service.

For further information contact:

Howard Blank
Vice President, Great Canadian Gaming Corporation
604.512.6066 hblank@gcgaming.com

Raj Mutti
General Manager, Hastings Racecourse
604.216.5245 rmutti@hastingsracecourse.com