Emerald Downs, Hastings Racecourse announce $125,000 in stakes bonuses

March 12, 2017 7:53 pm
A Longacres Mile/BC Premiers sweep is worth $50,000. COURTESY PHOTO, Emerald Downs
A Longacres Mile/BC Premiers sweep is worth $50,000. COURTESY PHOTO, Emerald Downs

Emerald Downs and Hastings Racecourse in Vancouver, British Columbia have announced enhanced bonuses for any horse that sweeps the tracks’ major races of 2017.

The $125,000 bonus program includes signature events for 2-year-olds, 3-year-olds and older horses, and would be paid in U.S. funds:

• A $50,000 bonus for any horse sweeping the $200,000 Longacres Mile (Grade 3) on Aug. 13 and $100,000 BC Premiers (G3c) on Oct. 9.

• $25,000 bonus for sweeping the $75,000 Emerald Downs Derby on July 30 and $150,000 BC Derby (G3c) on Sept. 9.

• $25,000 bonus for sweeping the $75,000 Washington Oaks on July 30 and $100,000 BC Oaks on Sept. 9.

• $25,000 bonus for sweeping the $65,000 Gottstein Futurity on Sept. 17 and either the $100,000 Fantasy on Sept. 30 or $100,000 Ascot on Oct. 1.

Emerald Downs President Phil Ziegler said the expanded bonus program is beneficial to horsemen at both tracks.

“This demonstrates a strong commitment to promote horse racing in the Pacific Northwest,” Ziegler said. “It’s a natural extension of the program we began last year for 3-year-olds,” Ziegler said.

Hastings Racecourse General Manager Darren MacDonald said cooperation between neighboring tracks is exemplary.

“I think it’s great that we are working together to create added value to our stakes programs,” MacDonald said. “We hope these bonuses will increase the quality of these races at both tracks.”

Emerald Downs announced a 70-day meet in 2017, opening April 8 and closing Sept. 17, while Hastings’ 52-day meet runs April 23 thru Oct. 22.