Hastings Park announced it will cease Thoroughbred racing after more than 130 years, following the provincial government’s decision to end slot machine revenue sharing for horse racing by January 31, 2026. Slot revenue, which began in 2008 and contributed an estimated CA$8 to 10 million annually to racing purses, was crucial to the economic viability of the sport in British Columbia. The track, operated by Great Canadian Entertainment, cited the loss of this funding as making continued racing financially unfeasible, though casino and simulcast operations at the facility will continue.

The closure marks the end of the last major Thoroughbred racing venue in British Columbia, casting uncertainty over the province’s breeding and racing industries, with many participants likely needing to relocate for opportunities. This development reflects a broader trend where governments are reconsidering casino subsidies for racetracks, often favoring more profitable casino operations. Hastings Park’s rich racing heritage, including hosting prestigious events like the British Columbia Derby, was insufficient to counter decades of industry decline.