Horse racing has been part of Vancouver’s landscape for over a century. Of course, the sport has experienced some major changes over the years. Yet, it still offers locals a good dose of excitement and fun, while keeping many traditional aspects of the game in place. Currently, the beating heart of horse racing in the city is the Hastings Racecourse, while some other older venues have sadly closed their doors to live action.
Whether you’re planning a day at the races, curious about the big events, or just want to know what’s changed, here’s everything you need to be aware of:
Hastings Racecourse: Vancouver’s Racing Hub
Hastings Racecourse is currently your best bet if you’re looking for live horse racing in Vancouver. The racecourse is one of the prettiest in North America, surrounded by scenic mountains flanked by a fresh Pacific breeze. And the crowds here are always on the livelier side of the spectrum.
- Track details: Hastings is a one-mile dirt oval. That means turf and harness racing doesn’t happen here – it’s all about thoroughbreds.
- Season: The live season typically runs May through October, with races taking place on most weekends and some special holiday cards.
- Vibe: Expect a mix of die-hard racing fans, families looking for a day out, and social crowds who come for the atmosphere.
Hastings Racecourse also stays busy with simulcast wagering during the quieter, off-season periods. That’s where you can bet on big races from across North America year-round.
Big Events You Shouldn’t Miss
Besides the regular race days, Hastings Racecourse hosts some of the finest horse racing events in Canada. Here are a few of the crowd favourites:
BC Cup Day
Summer is about fun and the great outdoors. As a result, the BC Cup Day is a highlight of the Vancouver racing season. The race celebrates British Columbia-bred horses with a full card of stakes races. See the best that the local talent has to offer, accompanied by a festive atmosphere and great weather.
The British Columbia Derby
This Grade 3 race is the crowning jewel of the annual horse racing season in British Columbia. The event is open to three-year-olds and has been going strong for over a hundred years. Expect huge crowds, tons of energy, and a brimming undercard. If you’re still unsure which event is the best, this is the one.
The Cup
Are you a fan of festivals? Look no further – The Cup is racing’s answer to a summer jamboree. There’s something for everyone, with a diverse mix of cocktails, music, and live racing, all combined into one glamorous party. The only expectation is that you dress sharp. So, bring your friends along, soak in the atmosphere, and be part of one of Vancouver’s most stylish social calendar events.
Season Finale
The last few weeks of racing are when the stakes are high, and the community celebrates the year’s achievements. You’ll find late-season stakes, fan promotions, and often a bittersweet vibe as the horses wrap up their local campaigns.
Farewell to Fraser Downs
2025 saw the closing of a venue that had been the home of the Lower Mainland standardbred racing community for decades. Following the City of Surrey’s reclaiming of the track lease, Great Canadian Entertainment announced the sudden end of racing at this track.
- What remains: Elements Casino Surrey is still open, and its racebook continues to offer betting on simulcast races.
- What’s gone: Live harness racing. If you find old guides mentioning Fraser Downs race nights, you can safely cross those off your list.
This change leaves Hastings as the only live racing venue in Vancouver.
What You Won’t Find Anymore During the Upcoming Season
If you are planning which events to attend during the upcoming horse racing season in Vancouver, here are a few things you shouldn’t expect:
- No live harness racing at Fraser Downs – it’s done.
- No turf racing at Hastings – it’s dirt only.
- No horse races at the PNE or other local fairs – those are community events and rodeos, but not actual race meets.
A Short Look Back
Horse racing in Vancouver boasts an illustrious history, with the first events commencing at Hastings Park in the 1890s. The races have survived wars, industry shifts, and fires, remaining one of the favourite local pastimes.
The British Columbia Derby has been the star attraction since the early 20th century and continues to act as an anchor event for the stakes calendar. With the recent closure of Fraser Downs, the horse racing scene might be a bit more limited, even though Hastings still carries the torch.
Betting Made Simple
Horse racing newbies might find things a bit overwhelming at first. However, it’s easier than you might think.
- Win/Place/Show: Bet on a horse to finish first, second, or third.
- Exotics: Try exactas (pick first and second), trifectas (first three), or multi-race bets like the Pick 4/5 for bigger payouts.
- Programs: Available on-site, these list the horses, jockeys, odds, and stats you’ll want to consider.
- Age rules: You must be 19+ in British Columbia to place a bet or enter casino areas.
If in doubt, get in touch with the clerks at the betting windows – they’re used to helping beginners.
What It’s Like on Race Day
A day at Hastings is more than just horse racing:
- Scenic setting: The views of the surrounding mountains and the Pacific Ocean make this one of the loveliest tracks in Canada.
- Family-friendly: Kids are welcome in outdoor areas. Betting and casino sections are strictly 19+.
- Food and drinks: From hot dogs and beer to more formal sit-down options, there’s something for everyone’s taste.
- Atmosphere: Regular weekends are casual, but big events like The Cup bring out the fashionista crowd.
The Welfare Conversation
Today, animal welfare is a big thing in Canada and around the world. It is no surprise, then, that horse racing in Vancouver faces scrutiny. To add fuel to fire, there have been a few horse fatalities in recent seasons. As expected, this has sparked a debate on safety standards, track surfaces, and aftercare.
Advocacy groups are calling for stronger reforms, and the industry is working on improving vet checks, whip rules, and retirement options. As fans, we believe that you should also be aware of this side of the sport. Supporting tracks that prioritise safety and transparency helps keep racing both exciting and responsible.
Practical Tips for Visitors
- Check the calendar: The times of events or even the dates can change at short notice. Always double-check these before you head off to the track.
- Arrive early: Parking fills up quickly on big event days.
- Dress smart: Casual is fine most of the time, but for events like The Cup, you’d be expected to sport a sharper look.
- Bring cash or cards: Betting windows take both.
- Know your limits: Racing is fun, but set a budget and bet responsibly to avoid problems.
Final Thoughts
Vancouver’s racing scene has recently slimmed down. Hastings Racecourse is now the sole stage for live horse racing, offering a blend of tradition, excitement, and social fun. With big events like BC Cup Day, the BC Derby, and The Cup, the season is still packed with reasons to visit.
Yes, Fraser Downs’ closure marks the end of an era, and the welfare debate keeps the industry on its toes. But the thrill of the stretch run, the sound of hooves on dirt, and the energy of the crowd remind us why racing remains one of the city’s most enduring sporting pastimes.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where can I watch live horse racing in Vancouver in 2025?
The only venue for live Thoroughbred racing in Vancouver is Hastings Racecourse. The season runs from May to October, with races mainly on weekends and special holidays.
2. What happened to Fraser Downs and harness racing in Vancouver?
Live harness racing at Fraser Downs in Surrey ended in August 2025. While Elements Casino Surrey and its racebook remain open, there are no more live Standardbred races in the Lower Mainland.
3. What are the biggest horse racing events in Vancouver this year?
The highlights of the season are BC Cup Day in August, The Cup (formerly The Deighton Cup) in summer, and the British Columbia Derby at Hastings Racecourse.
