HorseRacing Central – Friday, June 14th, 2013
THE BROTHERS BARROBY HONOURED THIS WEEKEND
Members of the British Columbia Horse Racing Hall of Fame are going to be saluted throughout the season at Hastings Racecourse and what better way to launch the project than to recognize brothers Harold and Frank Barroby.
These two racing industry veterans will be honoured Saturday and Sunday for their distinguished accomplishments over the years. Frank is the only individual in Hastings’ long history to be named a leading trainer following a career as a jockey that landed him the title as Hastings’ top rider in 1968. He won the training title three times: 1986, 1990 and 1993 and was inducted into the B.C. Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 2009 before being named to the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 2010.
Frank will be acknowledged prior to Sunday’s 7th race. Brother Harold will have already have been in the spotlight by being recognized prior to the 3rd race on Saturday. Harold was elected to the British Columbia Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 2001. He was the leading trainer at Hastings for an unprecedented 10 times, spanning three decades.
FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE … PLUS SATURDAY & SUNDAY
The initial Friday Night Live card last week was greeted with great enthusiasm and the ‘under the lights’ action continues with a seven-race card this Friday (June 14) at 7:00 p.m. The regular start times for Saturday and Sunday remain intact: 1:50 p.m. There will be a special Father’s Day theme to Sunday racing at Hastings with a ‘golf chipping challenge’ for Dads who enter to win a golf package for four courtesy of Granville Island Brewing. All Dads can be spoiled completely with an afternoon at the races that features special Father’s Day menus in both Silks and the Grandstand Patio section. Reservations can be made at 604.216.5273.
BLOGGERS ENJOY AT A DAY AT THE RACES
Sonja Mandic, Manager of Media and Responsible Gaming for Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, hosted a group of excited bloggers last weekend at Hastings and shares (in part) the following report from blogger ‘Urban Cowgirl”:
“When I think of a race track, an air of pomp and circumstance comes to mind. Sure, most people are there to place bets on the ponies but for others – like me – the element of fashion and pure pageantry was enough to lure me to an afternoon at the races at Hastings Racecourse.
“Each year, horse racing events like the Royal Ascot in England and the Kentucky Derby attract racing reveler from every corner of the world, But why hop in a plan when you can experience an afternoon at the races right here in Vancouver?
“Hastings Racecourse features live thoroughbred racing and simulcast racing from many of the world’s most prestigious tracks. The legendary location, with spectacular mountain views, is a quick 10 minutes from Vancouver City Centre.
“We arrived to find our group decked out in fascinators and fancy frocks on a private patio overlooking the track. Our section was catered and had dedicated servers taking drink orders which (a) helps one concentrate on the races and (b) is a really nice touch if you’re hosting a large group.
“I really appreciated the friendly staff walking me through my first few bets. If you’re planning a stagette this summer or if you’re looking for a great way to spend a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, book a private patio at Hastings Racecourse for something a little different.”
OUT OF TOWN SCOREBOARD
Churchill Downs’ first post Saturday will be at 3:00 p.m. PST and will feature the $500,000 Stephen Foster with a field of six going 1 1/8 miles. Post time is 6:39 p.m. PST.
At Mohawk Raceway on Saturday it is the 30th renewal of the Pepsi North America Cup with $1 million on the line WITH 10 pacers going at 6:40 p.m. PST. The harness card gets underway at 4:05 PST