Emerald Downs, Hastings Racecourse announce Derby/Oaks bonus in 2016

Published 2:26 pm Thursday, February 25, 2016

For the Reporter

Emerald Downs and Hastings Racecourse in Vancouver, British Columbia, have announced a new bonus for horses that sweep the tracks signature events for 3-year-olds in 2016.

A sweep of the $75,000 Emerald Downs Derby on July 31 and $150,000 BC Derby (Grade 3) on Sept. 10 is worth a $25,000 (CDN) bonus, and a sweep of the $75,000 Washington Oaks on July 24 and $100,000 BC Oaks on Sept. 10 also is worth $25,000 (CDN) bonus. All four races are 1 1/8 miles.

In addition, horses nominated to either the Emerald Downs Derby or Washington Oaks are automatically nominated to the BC Derby and BC Oaks, and allowance or stakes horses will receive a $500 (CDN) stipend when shipping from Emerald Downs to Hastings Racecourse and $400 when shipping from Hastings to Emerald Downs.

“I am happy to see that our tracks commitments to work together are growing further,” said Hastings General Manager Darren MacDonald. “Having the best horses in the Pacific Northwest running in our marquee races can only help the sport, and adding the bonus will help to promote this.”

Emerald Downs Director of Racing Bret Anderson said the new arrangement figures to help field size.

“I am confident that it will be very beneficial to both entities, and to the horsemen as well,” Anderson said. “It’s a natural with our close proximity and our similar stakes schedules.”

Emerald Downs announced a 70-day meet in 2016, opening April 9 and closing Sept. 11, while Hastings’ 53-day meet runs April 17 through Oct. 15.

For more track info, visit emeralddowns.com and hastingsracecourse.com.