VANCOUVER, June 12, 2025 – The Vancouver Humane Society (VHS) is doubling down on its call for an end to horse racing at Vancouver’s Hastings racecourse following the preventable death of a horse this past weekend. The horse, Gem Dancer, collapsed and died of suspected heat exhaustion after a June 8th race held during a heat warning.
The same day the VHS learned of the horse’s senseless death, they submitted a report to Vancouver City Council advocating for an end to horse racing at Hastings Park in 2026, when the current Operating Agreement is set to expire.
The recommendations in the VHS report, “Considerations for the Discontinuation of Horse Racing at Hastings Park”, depict the long-term decline of the industry—including reduced attendance, revenue, and race days—and its increasing reliance on public subsidies. The report describes persistent animal welfare issues and crumbling infrastructure, which have diminished public support. Given that the 45-acre racecourse provides minimal public benefit—averaging fewer than 9 visitors per acre per day—and conflicts with the City of Vancouver’s goals for public access, sustainability, and economic resilience, the VHS argues that dedicating such a large portion of the park to horse racing is no longer justifiable.
The report also points to data indicating the sad reality that the racing-related fatality rate at Hastings Racecourse is markedly higher than the industry average. According to the B.C. Gaming & Policy Enforcement Branch, the 2024 fatality rate at Hastings was 1.78 per thousand starts, compared to the 2024 industry average of 1.11 across U.S. and Canadian tracks that report to the Equine Injury Database, and almost double the 0.90 fatality rate at tracks regulated by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA).
The VHS is urging decision-makers to support a move away from horse racing at Hastings Park and toward alternative land use that offers potential for long-term economic resilience, greater public utilization of space, and alignment with public values and interest.
– ends –
SOURCE Vancouver Humane Society
For more information, contact Emily Pickett: (604) 416-2901, emily@vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca
Related files: