FOUR OCTOBER DATES ADDED TO 2014 SEASON

Several encouraging decisions for horse racing enthusiasts were announced following a meeting of the B.C. Horse Racing Industry Management Committee in early August. One of the most significant was the fact conditional race days at Hastings Racecourse were approved by the Committee on the basis of a successful financial performance during the first three months of the 2014 season.

Brian Butters, Director of Racing Sustainability, announced in a Committee report that four dates in October have been added to the schedule: Saturday, Oct. 18; Sunday, Oct. 19; Saturday, Oct. 25 and Sunday, Oct. 26.

Also, the Committee approved the use of approximately $100,000 to develop programs to enhance the horse population for both the thoroughbred and standardbred breeds. The funds will be split with the thoroughbred sector receiving $75,000 and the standardbred sector receiving $25,000. The funds can only be used for purposes that will lead to more race horses being available in B.C.