HorseRacing Central August 7, 2008

ARLINGTON MILLION READY TO GO

Ten of the world’s best turf horses – including three star quality European invaders – are entered in the 26th running of the Arlington Million Saturday. It’s the centerpiece of the Chicago thoroughbred season.

Heading the list of European-based Arlington Million invaders is Archipenko, winner of Hong Kong’s Audemars Picquet Queen Elizabeth ll Cup in April. Then there’s Mount Nelson, winner of Great Britain’s Coral-Eclipse Stakes in July and the improving French-bred Spirit One, who ran extremely well against Duke of Marmalade, Europe’s top 10-furlong runner. Heading the list of American-based contestants is Einstein, winner of the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby Day, May 3.

Full coverage of the entire Arlington Million Day begins at 9:45 a.m. on our simulcast outlets at Hastings Racecourse and Fraser Downs.

Also a race to watch on Saturday is the Duchess Stakes at Woodbine with Bob Cheema’s Dancing Allstar one of the favourites. Trainer Terry Jordan has jockey Jim McAleney ready to ride.

BC CUP DAY GETS RAVE REVIEWS

Legendary broadcaster Red Robinson called it “awesome”. Entertainment guru Bruce Allen said it was “like rediscovering a jewel in Vancouver”. Actor/comedian Jackson Davies declared in his best Arnold Schwarzenegger imitation: “I’ll be back!”

They were three of several celebrity guest decorators who shared in the excitement of the 14th running of BC Cup Day at Hastings Racecourse on Monday, Aug. 4.

More than 10,000 spectators turned out to watch seven stakes races with more than $450,000 in purse money as well as the featured $22,000 BC Cup Endurance starter handicap.

At the end of the day, with the all-sources mutuels handle going over $1.4 million, Hastings general manager Raj Mutti proudly said: “Our goal has been to make the track ‘cool’ again; a fun place to be. We’re finally on our way.”

The largest crowd at Hastings in recent memory cheered Spaghetti Mouse from the parade to the post until his spectacular finish against a charging Texas Wildcatter in the Redekop BC Cup Classic.
Winning by a neck, Spaghetti Mouse earned $66,536 to become the all-time B.C.-bred money winner with a career total of $812,120, replacing Delta Colleen whose record stood at $810,798.

Owned by Nick and Pauline Felicella and trained by Lenore DaPonte, Spaghetti Mouse was in the capable hands of veteran jockey Pedro Alvarado and finished the 1 1/8-mile test in a final time of 1:50.01.

CATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS ON SPORT OF KINGS

Tommy Wolski and his talented crew were covering BC Cup Day in detail and Saturday’s Sport of Kings television show on Citytv at 11 a.m. will take you behind the scenes to share all the action of racing’s biggest single day of the year at Hastings.

8-8-8 … HOW LUCKY CAN YOU GET?

Once in our lives we can say we’ve experienced the 8th day of the 8th month of the 2008th year: 8-8-8. Both Hastings Racecourse and Fraser Downs Racetrack & Casino are prepared to celebrate this rarest of occasions. Fans at Hastings Friday afternoon for regular thoroughbred racing have a chance to win $888 if the 8th horse in the 8th race happens to win. Fraser Downs will stage an ongoing contest in the casino for 8 hours with customers having a chance to win $888, $88 or $8 from the role of lucky giant dice. Hastings will have a similar set of dice throughout the day that will give fans a chance to win merchandise and special prizes. Plus, Hastings will do 8 Hot Seat Draws at 8:08pm for $88 Slot Play Vouchers.

PERMANENT SLOT FLOOR OPENS AUG. 15

Can you feel the excitement building? Mark down the date: Friday, August 15, 2008 when racing fans are invited to the opening day of the permanent slot floor at Hastings. Since 1889 Hastings has been providing British Columbians with thrilling entertainment and on Aug. 15 the tradition continues! 600 slots, a licensed lounge and spectacular restaurant are all part of the “new look”.

Be there. Be part of history.