HorseRacing Central July 30, 2010
GET READY FOR TAKE-OFF: BC CUP DAY MONDAY
The 16th running of the Redekop BC Cup Classic headlines what will be the biggest single day at Hastings Racecourse so far this season. Seven stakes races, that are restricted to B.C. Breds are being showcased Monday, August 2 – BC Cup Day.
The $50,000 Classic goes as the fifth race on a 10-race card that begins at 1:40 p.m. There will be more than $400,000 in purse money on the line during a holiday-festive afternoon of great thoroughbred racing, live music by March Hare and chances to win fabulous prizes.
The Honourable Rich Coleman, Minister of Housing and Social Development, has agreed to be guest decorator of this year’s Redekop BC Cup Classic. The ever-popular Spaghetti Mouse has been installed as the 6-5 morning line favourite in a five-horse field that includes Ganbei, Trick of the North, Surprisal and last year’s winner Krazy Koffee. Spaghetti Mouse, trained by Lenore (Terry) Dubois, is the all-time leading money winning B.C. bred with $919,677 in earnings, all won at Hastings Racecourse for owners Nick and Pauline Felicella.
Ganbei is list at 7-5 on the morning line. Trained by Mel Snow, Ganbei is coming off a win in the S.W. Randall Plate on July 18.
The other six stakes on Monday – all with $50,000 purses – include the Dogwood, Sprint, Debutante, Nursery, Stellar’s Jay and Distaff. Guest decorators for these races include movie star Steven Seagal, former Canucks scoring sensation Tony Tanti, radio and television personalities Red Robinson, Phil Reimer and David Pratt, as well as one of the most powerful entertainment managers in the music industry, Bruce Allen.
* * * * Please note: Because of the three consecutive days of racing at Hastings – Saturday, Sunday and Monday – there will not be any Friday Night Live program tonight (July 30). Friday Night racing resumes August 6.
CHUCK KEELING LEAVING FRASER DOWNS
Great Canadian Gaming Corporation has announced that Chuck Keeling has resigned his position as Vice President, Racing Operations and General Manager of Fraser Downs Racetrack and Casino. Named 2009 Business Person of the Year by the Surrey Board of Trade, Keeling was instrumental in developing Great Canadian’s position within the Canadian horse racing industry. Keeling will pursue a new opportunity outside of both gaming and horse racing. He joined Great Canadian in 2005 when the Company completed its purchase of Orangeville Raceway Limited, which operated both Sandown Raceway on Vancouver Island and Fraser Downs in Surrey.
NEW STRIDE LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERS
The New Stride Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (www.newstride.com) is looking for energetic individuals interested in joining the Board of Directors and Member Committees. New Stride would like to build a diversified base of talented and skilled people from the racing community. The Board meets monthly to discuss planning and initiatives designed to support the racing industry and act as a resource for thoroughbred owners. Elections will be held at the upcoming Annual General Meeting on Saturday, August 14 at 12:00 p.m. at Hastings Racecourse. To get involved, contact Kim Inglis at kinglis@newstride.com
OUT OF TOWN SCOREBOARD
The $200,000 San Diego Handicap for 3-year-olds and up is set for Del Mar Saturday at 5:30 p.m. At Northlands, the feature is the $50,000 Count Latham Stakes at 2:42 p.m. with Mario Gutierrez riding recently purchased St. Liams Halo for owners Glen Todd and Patrick Kinsella.
There is plenty of activity Sunday with Woodbine’s $250,000 Wonder Where Stakes at 1:35 p.m. Northlands features the $50,000 Madamoiselle Handicap with Gutierrez riding Holy Nova at 2:42 p.m. PST.
Emerald Downs has two big events on tap Sunday, including the $50,000 Mt. Rainier (5:30 p.m.) with local hopeful Senor Rojo breaking from the rail for trainer Dave Forster. Del Mar’s feature is the $250,000 Bing Crosby at 5:30 p.m.
