HorseRacing Central August 15, 2008

YOU’VE GOT TO SEE IT TO BELIEVE IT!

Timing, they say, is everything; and the timing for the opening of the brand new entertainment and gaming facility at Hastings Racecourse is ideal.

The 2008 Fair at the PNE has adopted the theme “It’s the Best Part of Summer”.

Well, it just got better! With 600 slot machines in a sparkling 42,000 square foot area, racing fans and PNE Fair patrons can now enjoy a refreshing beverage in the Dark Horse licensed lounge or a wide variety of exceptional food in Furlongs restaurant, including Vancouver’s now-famous Hastings Racecourse beef on a bun.

There will be continuous sports and entertainment events covered on a gigantic 12-foot screen in the lounge. Also, on Friday and Saturday nights during the Fair the noted hypnotist – Ron Stubbs – will be performing in the Dark Horse at 6:30 and 9 p.m.

Talk about the perfect escape from the heat and maddening crowds!

BC GOLD DRAW FOR $10,000

PNE Fair goers will soon become familiar with our Hastings Street Team that will be distributing ballots for a chance to win $10,000 from the new gaming floor. To be eligible you must be a BC Gold cardholder, a process that takes less than two minutes. Each person who signs up during the Fair will receive a $5 slot coupon plus entry into the big $10,000 prize draw.

Hastings Racecourse will have a solid presence on the PNE grounds with sponsorship of the Club 21 Casino and the Spirit Plaza Beer Garden during the Fair that runs Aug. 16 – Sept. 1.

SEPTEMBER ‘NIGHT RACING’ AT HASTINGS

Regular Friday afternoon (2:25 p.m.) racing continues through the month of August but come September Friday “night” racing returns commencing Sept. 12 and running through Sept. 26.

“We’re confident the return of evening racing cards will complement the exciting new entertainment floor,” says GM Raj Mutti. “With the 600 slots, live music, great food and beverage options … it all adds up to a fun night out.”

Mutti also announced this week that the value of a show wager has increased at Hastings. The show wagering commission reduction is designed to increase its value, dropping the wagering take-out from 17% to 12% to make it the lowest rate in North America.

KEEPING AN EYE ON LONGACRES

One of the most prestigious races in the Northwest runs Sunday at Emerald Downs: the $300,000 Longacres Mile. Vancouver champion True Metropolitan has been entered by owner Bob Cheema and is the second morning line choice at 3-1, having drawn the number 11 post in a 12-hourse field. Cheema has Woodbine leading rider Jim McAleney ready to take on favoured Tropic Storm (5-2), a Southern California invader with Aaron Gryder in the irons. Post time is schedule for 5:38 p.m. with Hastings and Fraser Downs bringing it to the local market live via simulcast.

At 4:26 p.m. the $100,000 Washington Distaff goes at Emerald Downs with two-time Hastings stakes winner Lady Raj making the trip for owners Glen Todd and Patrick Kinsella. Lady Raj’s regular rider Mario Gutierrez starts from post position five.

On a sad note, Sunday also marks the end of live thoroughbred racing at Bay Meadows, where officials have dubbed the final race on the card “The Last Dance”.

CATCH THE SPORT OF KINGS SATURDAY

In its 17th season, Tommy Wolski’s award-winning television show the Sport of Kings is packed with surprises this Saturday at 11 a.m. on Citytv. Watch for a neat feature called “The Girls Are Back”, referring to Tammy Snow and Anerella Villeseche.

PRACTICE PACING AT FRASER DOWNS

With just over a month to go before the 2008-2009 standardbred season at Fraser Downs Racetrack & Casino, the horses continue to be put through their paces.

Without any harness action currently at the Meadowlands, most of the top U.S. drivers have surfaced at Harrah’s Chester and Freehold. And here’s a little heads-up: if you’ve never witnessed one-turn harness racing it’s on the agenda at Colonial Downs and plans are in the works to have it as part of our September simulcast schedule. The September schedule also features the Little Brown Jug and Juggette.

Fraser Downs is now offering 50+ Wednesdays. You can’t beat this: a pancake and scrambled egg breakfast from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for just $1.99. Also, check out the Lucky Number Game from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a top prize of $100 and 25% off food. These are Casino specials.