Vancouver, B.C. (June 16/18) – Jockey Aaron Gryder won the last two races on Saturday’s card – including the feature $50,000 Strawberry Morn – and still found time to acknowledge a gentleman’s 84th birthday between victories at Hastings Racecourse. With all the traditional handshakes and high-fives with owners and trainers, Gryder surprised legendary Vancouver…
DetailsBy Greg Douglas – Dr. Sport SCENE & HEARD: Since his father’s passing in 2009, Tom Locke has been placing $100 wagers in his honour on potential Kentucky Derby winners. This year Locke took things a step further in memory of his Dad and picked Justify prior to the Kentucky Derby to become only…
DetailsBy Greg Douglas – Dr. Sport SCENE & HEARD: An enormous amount of the 4,000 published photos Ralph Bower shot over his 41-year career at the Vancouver Sun originated from the PNE grounds. Think about it: during the 1950s and ensuing three decades, the city’s sports action centered around the Canucks at the Forum…
DetailsBy Greg Douglas – Dr. Sport SCENE & HEARD: In the aftermath of the Belmont buzz and bustle, it seems an appropriate time for a little ‘puppy love’. Almost a decade ago when the Wiener Dog Races were introduced to fans at Hastings Racecourse there were critics and naysayers convinced that the novelty would…
DetailsBy Greg Douglas – Dr. Sport SCENE & HEARD: Norm Fridleifson of the Hastings Racecourse security staff will occasionally glance over to the grandstand area on any given race day to see if a certain lady is in the house and comfortably seated where she enjoys her privacy. The lady is Mrs. Avelino Gomez,…
DetailsVancouver, B.C. (June 2/18) – Over the years owner Peter Redekop has made more trips to the winner’s circle at Hastings Racecourse than even he can remember. But there seemed to be something a little special going on in Mr. Redekop’s mind Saturday when he was the last to leave the celebration area following Toni…
DetailsBy Greg Douglas – Dr. Sport SCENE & HEARD: In the days leading up to the 150th running of the Belmont Stakes next Saturday and Justify’s quest to become only the 13th winner of racing’s Triple Crown, it is impossible to forget the disappointment and frustration that swept through every corner of Hastings Racecourse at…
DetailsBy Greg Douglas – Dr. Sport SCENE & HEARD: Two-time leading trainer at Hastings Racecourse Craig MacPherson subscribes to a rather simple theory. “You put a plan in place and hope everything works out,” he says. “And when you’re surrounded by great people, great things happen.” MacPherson stood tall at the podium as Leading…
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