Hastings Fans Can Relive the Triple Crown Belmont Moment
Vancouver, B.C. (June 14/15) — More than 10,000 racing fans at Hastings Racecourse watched on the jumbo screen as American Pharoah won the Triple Crown at Belmont earlier this month.It hadn’t happened in 37 years. And now Hastings patrons have the opportunity to share the moment in the form of a beautiful 13” x 19” commemorative poster as a gift on Father’s Day – Sunday, June 21.
Popular jockey Victor Espinoza on American Pharoah took the lead and toyed with the field of seven other horses to win the $1.5 million Belmont Stakes. They hit the wire in the 1 ½ miles in 2:26.65, a fifth of a second faster than Affirmed, the last to capture the Triple Crown in 1978.
As part of Father Day’s celebrations at Hastings, the now famous picture of Espinoza roaring across the finish line will be given to the first 2,000 customers on Father’s Day. The give-away – one per person – will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the Winner’s Circle. Start time of live racing Sunday is 1:50 p.m.
In addition to the poster, there will also be a draw for five complimentary ownership memberships to the new Hastings Racing Club. Valued at $250 each, the memberships enable racing fans to experience the thrill of owning a horse with accompanied backstretch and paddock access on Club race days; complimentary live racing programs, weekly updates and ownership information, plus monthly financial updates.
Richard Yates, Secretary Treasurer of the HBPA, has taken on the responsibilities of managing the Hastings Racing Club. Trainer Steve Henson said the Club’s initial purchase – two-year-old colt Urban Achiever – could be making its debut at Hastings within the first two weeks of July.