The closure of Hastings Racecourse in Vancouver on December 5, 2025, marks the end of thoroughbred horse racing west of the Rocky Mountains in Canada, following the earlier shutdown of Fraser Downs, the last standardbred track in British Columbia. Hastings, established in 1889, and Fraser Downs, opened in 1976, both experienced long-term declines in racing interest and horse stabling, with no horses present at closure. Fraser Downs suffered from severe rat infestations leading to its permanent closure in August 2025, while Hastings faced economic challenges after the provincial government ceased slot-machine revenue sharing with racetrack-adjacent casinos. The sites are now slated for redevelopment, including a new stadium and entertainment district by the Vancouver Whitecaps soccer team.

These closures reflect a broader shift away from horse racing in the region, which animal welfare advocates see as beneficial for horses previously bred for the risky and stressful racing industry. While horse racing has ended in British Columbia, the sport remains active in other parts of Canada, particularly Ontario, which still hosts numerous thoroughbred and standardbred tracks. The decline in British Columbia contrasts with ongoing racing operations elsewhere, highlighting regional differences in the sport’s viability and popularity.