The situation in British Columbia racing. How is the industry coping?

Glen Todd holds an optimistic view regarding the future of British Columbia's racing industry, despite the lack of provincial funding.

A Racecourse for all

Hastings Racecourse offers a wide range of attractions for various interests, including live thoroughbred horseracing, a casino, excellent dining options, and a scenic patio with Vancouver's most stunning view. It is the sole sporting destination in the city that provides complimentary parking and admission. Being a prominent landmark in Vancouver since 1889, Hastings Racecourse hosts live racing events on most weekends, Friday nights, and holidays from 16th April to 2nd October.

Despite the challenges faced by the racing industry due to enforced closures and the provincial government's resistant stance, Hastings Racecourse stands out as a promising entity.

Glen Todd’s optimism

Glen Todd, an owner, breeder, trainer, and thoroughbred representative on the British Columbia Horse Racing Industry Management Committee, expressed optimism about the upcoming season. He confirmed that Hastings Racecourse would open as planned, and revealed that they currently had sufficient funding to operate for at least twenty-five days, ensuring a positive start.

In the year of 2020, Hastings Racecourse encountered delays and conducted only 25 races out of the allotted 51 race days. During those 25 days, the track generated a handle of $14,374,496, significantly lower than the totals of $25,243,879 in 2018 and $29,112,973 in 2019.

This year, the races will be held on weekdays instead of weekends, a strategic move aimed at increasing the track's revenue by taking advantage of the limited competition on Mondays and Tuesdays. If these days do not yield satisfactory results, alternative options will be explored to maximise income.

Despite the early start to the racing season, the racing associations are currently deadlocked in their efforts to secure funding from the provincial government of British Columbia. Todd acknowledged the lack of support from the government but remained determined to continue pursuing financial assistance through various avenues.

The racing industry in British Columbia faced additional financial challenges due to the unavailability of revenue sources such as casinos, which were closed due to the pandemic in 2020. However, Todd has persevered and even expanded his breeding operation by acquiring a large farm in Kentucky. He now owns 17 broodmares, several yearlings, and weanlings on the Kentucky farm.

While Todd remains optimistic about his own business, statistics from the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (CTHS) indicate a slightly less positive outlook for the industry as a whole. The number of yearlings sold in 2020 decreased compared to 2019, resulting in lower total earnings. Nevertheless, Todd was one of the top buyers at the previous year's sale, demonstrating his commitment to the industry.

As the racing season approaches, more horses are expected to arrive at Hastings Racecourse, building anticipation for an exciting season. Todd is resolute in his belief that the industry will recover, and he plans to operate his business with the expectation of returning to full capacity within the next year.

With nearly 400 horses currently at the track, slightly fewer than the previous year, Hastings Racecourse is preparing for a successful future. Todd's unwavering dedication to his business and the racing industry in British Columbia reflects his positive outlook, as he envisions overcoming the current challenges and moving forward.