The thunder of hooves will fall silent at one of Canada's oldest sporting venues. Hastings Racecourse in Vancouver, British Columbia's last operating horse track, is closing its gates after more than 130 years of operation. The announcement, made on Friday, December 6, 2025, by operator Great Canadian Entertainment, sent immediate shockwaves through the province's racing industry.
A Sudden and "Absolute Shock" to the Industry
According to Gary Johnson of Thoroughbred Racing B.C., the decision came "without any warning whatsoever" and was met with "absolute shock." The track's owner, Hastings Racecourse and Casino, stated that thoroughbred horse racing would cease effective immediately. This abrupt end halts a tradition that began in 1889.
Wayne Odegard, Regional Vice-President for Great Canadian Entertainment, called it an "extremely difficult decision" given the track's historical legacy. He emphasized the move was "strictly a business decision" driven by economic uncertainty about hosting another racing season. The company, which has operated the track since 2004 and leases the facility from the City of Vancouver, stated its immediate focus is supporting impacted employees and racing participants as they assess future options.
Provincial Funding Pull Precipitates Closure
The closure announcement follows a critical financial blow delivered just one week prior. The provincial government confirmed it was pulling slot machine revenue from the facility. For decades, as live horse racing attendance has declined across North America, tracks like Hastings have relied heavily on a share of revenue from on-site casinos to subsidize and sustain the sport.
Nina Krieger, B.C.'s Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, justified the province's move, citing "significant concerns" about the financial sustainability of horse racing in B.C. following an economic impact assessment. This withdrawal of vital funding appears to have been the final factor making the racing operation untenable for Great Canadian Entertainment.
End of an Era and Uncertain Future
With the thoroughbred racing season typically running from April to October, no horses are currently stabled at Hastings. This logistical detail offers a small grace period for owners and trainers to relocate their animals, but does little to soften the blow to the community.
The closure of Hastings Racecourse marks the end of a major chapter in Vancouver's cultural and sporting history. It leaves a void in the provincial racing industry, eliminating the last venue for thoroughbred racing in British Columbia and putting hundreds of jobs and related equestrian businesses at risk. The future for thoroughbred racing participants in the province is now deeply uncertain, as they are left to seek options elsewhere.
