Hastings Set for April 17 Opening Day
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One of the richest schedules ever presented at Hastings Racecourse launches with the Sir Winston Churchill and Brighouse Belles (allowance stakes) on opening day, Sunday, April 17.
The two $35,000 allowance stakes mark the beginning of a 41 "stake" schedule with purses totaling $2.6 million over the course of the 2016 season, up $100,000 compared with last year.
"The fact we were able to increase purses in some races for older horses means a better product for the wagering public," said Hastings general manager Darren MacDonald. "We have also worked together with Emerald Downs to stagger our schedules, giving horsemen in the Pacific Northwest more opportunities to participate in stakes races."
MacDonald noted that there will be 10 stakes at Hastings this year with purses of $75,000 for 3-year-olds and up, beginning with the Longden 6000 and Strawberry Morn on Saturday, June 4.
"We're very excited about coordinating our stakes schedules with Hastings Racecourse in 2016," said Phil Ziegler, Emerald Downs president. "This will give our owners and trainers more opportunities plus it will help attract more stakes horses to both tracks."