Off to the the races! Hastings Racecourse opens for 2015, Deighton Cup set for July in Vancouver
Photo credit: Hastings Racecourse on Facebook
And there they go!
This coming Saturday and Sunday (April 25 and 26), the thoroughbreds will be off and running as Hastings Racecourse marks its opening weekend in Vancouver.
Whether or not you’re interested in betting, the scenic spot is a good place to enjoy some high-energy excitement on a nice day.
The season’s first stakes races happen this Sunday (April 26): the $50,000 George Royal and $50,000 Brighouse Belles. In 2015, the 50-day meet runs through October 12, with four tentative dates later in October.
Photo credit: Hastings Racecourse on Facebook
There will be a total of 38 stakes races with purses totaling more than $2.4 million. This includes the 70th running of the Grade 3 BC Derby on Sunday, September 13, which will carry a $250,000 purse, up from $150,000 in previous years.
The busiest month this year will be May with 10 dates on the racing calendar, including the Victoria Day Monday (May 18). Two other Monday dates are on the calendar: August 24 and August 31 during the Fair at the PNE.
You can find the complete live racing schedule here. A free shuttle operates to and from the racecourse to Renfrew Skytrain Station, also stopping at Hastings and Renfrew for passengers.
Photo credit: The Deighton Cup on Facebook
If your idea of a day at the races involves fancy hats, dapper suits, craft cocktails, and Champagne, mark your calendar for Saturday, July 25.
That’s the date for the seventh annual Deighton Cup, a special event organized by Vancouver’s Social Concierge. The sophisticated afternoon attracts Vancouver’s best-dressed men and women for a whirlwind of socializing, live jazz, and southern-style fare by Cocktails and Canapés Catering.
Tickets haven’t been released yet, but you can reserve them on the Deighton Cup’s website.
You can follow Carolyn Ali on Twitter @carolynali
Article source: http://www.insidevancouver.ca/2015/04/21/off-the-the-races-hastings-racecourse-opens-for-2015-deighton-cup-set-for-july-in-vancouver/
