Tag: Horse racing

Categories
News/Blog

VHS welcomes end to horse racing at Fraser Downs, calls for changes in Vancouver

Screenshot: Incident on October 19, 2023 from ElementsCasinoSurrey.com

  • Last week, Surrey’s Fraser Downs Racetrack announced its immediate closure.
  • The move follows a wider trend of waning public support for horse racing, plummeting revenues, and increased knowledge around animal sentience and well-being.
  • The Vancouver Humane Society (VHS) welcomed the decision by the City of Survey to terminate the racecourse’s lease, and called for the City of Vancouver to follow suit with Hastings Racecourse.
  • A recent VHS report shared with the City of Vancouver in June outlines persistent animal welfare concerns and the long-term decline in attendance, revenue, and race days at Vancouver’s Hastings racecourse. The report recommends ending horse racing at Hastings Parks when the current Operating Agreement expires in 2026.

Read media coverage on the racetrack’s closure and the VHS’s response below.

CTV News Vancouver

Horse racing ends in Surrey ‘effective immediately’ after city takes back land for development

The Fraser Downs Racetrack announced there would be no more horse racing “effective immediately” after the City of Surrey, which owns the land, decided to terminate its lease.

“The Fraser Downs Racetrack announced there would be no more horse racing ‘effective immediately’ after the City of Surrey, which owns the land, decided to terminate its lease.”

“The Cloverdale Fairgrounds track is one of two in B.C. and the only one that hosts standardbred harness racing.”

Read article

CityNews Vancouver

‘Part of me is gone’: Abrupt end for Fraser Downs track a blow to B.C. horse racing

A groom at the Fraser Downs racetrack said the abrupt announcement of the harness racing track’s closure last week is a blow to her childhood memories.

“The Vancouver Humane Society welcoming the city’s decision, calling horse racing ‘outdated’ and ‘harmful’ entertainment.”

“‘While the closure at Fraser Downs marks an end to racing at that site, it is emblematic of a wider, long-overdue shift away from horse racing,’ the society’s campaign director, Emily Pickett, said in a statement.”

“‘Horse racing inherently subjects horses to pressure and danger, debilitating injuries, early physical decline, and at times fatal outcomes.'”

Read article
Categories
Media Release

VHS supports end of horse racing at Fraser Downs Racetrack, calls for broader shift away from horse racing in Metro Vancouver

VANCOUVER, August 18, 2025 – The Vancouver Humane Society (VHS) welcomes the announcement that horse racing is coming to end at Surrey’s Fraser Downs Racetrack. This development offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect on and accelerate the transition away from outdated and harmful entertainment traditions that put horses at risk.

“While the closure at Fraser Downs marks an end to racing at that site, it is emblematic of a wider, long-overdue shift away from horse racing,” said VHS Campaign Director, Emily Pickett. “Horse racing inherently subjects horses to pressure and danger, debilitating injuries, early physical decline, and at times fatal outcomes.”

The VHS has been advocating for an end to horse racing at Vancouver’s Hastings Racecourse, pointing to horse fatality rates that are significantly higher than the industry average. The organization has tracked at least two horse deaths at Hastings so far in 2025, four in 2024, and eight in 2023. 

As the VHS recently highlighted in a report delivered to Vancouver City Council, horse racing no longer justifies the reliance of public subsidies, especially given declining attendance and rising welfare issues. The report advocates for an end to horse racing at Hastings. 

The Fraser Downs closure opens a path to reimagine how communities can thrive without putting animals at risk of suffering, injury, and death. 

“There’s been a lot of conversation as of late about the future of Vancouver’s Hastings Racecourse. We’re hopeful decisions-makers in Vancouver will come to the same conclusion and move away from horse racing at Hastings as well,” commented Pickett.

The VHS is urging municipal and provincial leaders to refrain from supporting or renewing horse-racing operations elsewhere, recognizing the inherent risks and public welfare concerns.


The VHS is also encouraging individuals to reflect on the ethics of animal-based entertainment and to take the VHS pledge to avoid attending horse races.

– ends –

SOURCE Vancouver Humane Society

For more information, contact: 

Amy Morris

Emily Pickett

Related links:

https://vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca/

https://vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca/posts/new-report-calls-for-end-to-horse-racing-at-vancouver-track/

Categories
News/Blog

New report calls for end to horse racing at Vancouver track

  • A new VHS report is urging Vancouver city council to end horse racing at Vancouver’s Hastings Racecourse, citing persistent animal welfare concerns and the long-term decline of the industry.
  • The report comes after the preventable death of a horse at Hastings on June 8th. The horse, Gem Dancer, collapsed, went into distress and died of suspected heat exhaustion after racing during a heat warning.
  • Gem Dancer’s death marks the second known horse fatality at Hastings in 2025 and follows a troubling trend—four horses died at Hastings in 2024, and eight more in 2023.
  • The racing-related fatality rate at Hastings racecourse is markedly higher than the industry average, raising concerns about the potential for more deaths with the 2025 race season underway.

TAKE ACTION: Sign the pledge to not attend horse races and the VHS will update Vancouver city council about the number of pledge signatures.

Take the pledge
Read the report
Welfare concerns

Sign the pledge to not attend horse races and the VHS will update Vancouver city council regarding the number of pledge signatures.

Report: Considerations for the discontinuation of horse racing at Hastings Park

No Title

No Description

Key welfare concerns

Horses used in the high-pressure racing industry are subjected to stress, pain, and the risk of injury or death.

These harms result from selective breeding practices, aversive training methods, and the use of painful equipment such as whips, bits, and tongue ties.

Beginning racing or training at a young age poses health risks.

Typically, horses begin racing at around two years of age. Research has shown that initiating high-intensity activities at such a young age is associated with high rates of injury and early decline.

“Retired” horses face an uncertain future.

Most racehorses retire between the ages of four and six. When these horses can no longer be re-homed, used for breeding, or otherwise used to generate profit, they face an uncertain fate and may end up at auction and ultimately be slaughtered.

The racing fatality rate at Hastings is significantly higher than the industry average.

The racing-related fatality rate at Hastings in 2024 was 1.78 per thousand starts. This is markedly higher than the 2024 industry average of 1.11 per thousand starts and almost double the 0.90 fatality rate at tracks regulated by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority.

Categories
News/Blog

VHS speaks out on preventable horse death, submits report calling to end racing at Hastings

Screenshot: Hastings Racecourse

  • On Wednesday, June 11, the Vancouver Humane Society learned of the tragic and senseless death of a horse named Gem Dancer, who collapsed and died after a race held during this past weekend’s heat warning.
  • That same day, VHS submitted a report to Vancouver City Council calling for an end to horse racing at Hastings Park when the current Operating Agreement expires in 2026.
  • The report highlights animal welfare concerns and demonstrates that the racecourse conflicts with the City of Vancouver’s goals for public access, sustainability, and economic resilience.

Read media coverage on this devastating incident below, comment on the news articles sharing your support for an end to horse racing at Hastings, and add your voice to the VHS’s call to end this risky and outdated use of animals in our city.

Media coverage
Take the pledge
Read the report

CTV News

Calls to abolish horse racing in East Vancouver after latest animal death

There are calls to abolish horse racing in East Vancouver following another death at the Hastings Racecourse.

“There are calls to abolish horse racing in East Vancouver following another death at the Hastings Racecourse.”

“The racehorse Gem Dancer collapsed and died following an event on Sunday, during a period of elevated temperatures that Environment and Climate Change Canada called an ‘early season heat event.'”

“In a news release, the Vancouver Humane Society suggested the horse died due to heat exhaustion, and called the incident ‘preventable.’ The charitable organization also submitted a report to city council the following day asking officials to end horse racing at the facility when its operating agreement expires next year.”

Read article

Daily Hive

Horse dies during heat event at Hastings Racecourse in Vancouver | News

The Vancouver Humane Society is raising the alarm after a horse died at the Hastings Racecourse during a heat event.

“The Vancouver Humane Society (VHS) is sharing information about a death that occurred at the Hastings Racecourse in Vancouver within the last week.”

“VHS confirmed the details in an email from B.C.’s Gaming and Policy Enforcement branch. Emily Pickett, the VHS campaign director, had some strong words in the aftermath of the death.”

“‘This horse was literally run to their own death for the sake of public entertainment,’ she said.”

Read article

Sign the pledge to not attend horse races and the VHS will update Vancouver City Council regarding the number of pledge signatures.

Categories
Media Release

VHS report calls for end to horse racing at Vancouver racecourse

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:

No Title

No Description

Categories
Media Release Promoted

Horse Dies from Suspected Heat Exhaustion After Racing During Vancouver Heat Wave

VANCOUVER, June 11, 2025 – The Vancouver Humane Society (VHS) is sounding the alarm following the recent suspected heat-exhausted death of a horse named Gem Dancer at Vancouver’s Hastings racecourse. 

B.C.’s Gaming & Policy Enforcement branch confirmed via email that on June 8, 2025, Gem Dancer began showing signs of distress while being led off the track following the race and soon collapsed. Despite efforts to cool the horse down, and after being in distress for approximately 2 minutes, Gem Dancer became unresponsive and was pronounced dead. 

“This horse was literally run to their own death for the sake of public entertainment,” said VHS Campaign Director, Emily Pickett. “It’s incredibly irresponsible to race horses in the midst of a heat warning. Gem Dancer’s senseless death demonstrates how horses in the racing industry are exploited for profit, pushed beyond their limit and raced to the point of injury and death.”  

Gem Dancer’s death marks the second known horse death at Hastings racecourse this year. On April 13th, just weeks before the start of the 2025 racing season, a 3-year old horse named Wynn Magic suffered a compound leg fracture during a timed workout and was subsequently euthanized.  

The VHS is deeply concerned that the 2025 race season will continue to see more tragic and avoidable injuries and deaths, pointing to the four horse fatalities at Hastings in 2024 and eight in 2023. 

The B.C. Gaming & Policy Enforcement Branch confirmed via email that the racing-related fatality rate at Hastings racecourse in 2024 was 1.78 per thousand starts. This is markedly higher than 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 continues to highlight welfare concerns within the industry. The use of stressful and aversive training methods, reliance on painful tools like whips and bits, and breeding practices that prioritize speed over skeletal strength, have no place in modern society. Even if horses do not die from heat exhaustion or a being euthanized from a broken leg, horses deemed no longer profitable at the end of their short careers may be sent to auction and ultimately slaughtered. 

The organization is urging the public to pledge not to attend horse races and is reiterating calls for decision-makers to invest in alternative community events – ones that bring people together without putting animals at risk. 

 – ends –        

SOURCE Vancouver Humane Society       

For more information, contact Emily Pickett: (604) 416-2901, emily@vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca   

Categories
News/Blog

As the 2025 racing season begins, it’s time to rethink racing at Hastings

As the 2025 horse racing season kicks off at Vancouver’s Hastings racecourse, the VHS is urging the public to rethink attending horse races and is calling on decision-makers to invest in alternative community events that don’t put horses in harm’s way. 

Take the pledge

Horse deaths in racing are commonplace

Just weeks before the start of this year’s season, a 3-year-old horse named Wynn Magic was euthanized after suffering a catastrophic leg injury during a workout at Hastings.

The incident follows a troubling trend—four horses died at Hastings in 2024, and eight more in 2023.

Racing practices cause stress and risk

Beyond the fatalities there are also broader welfare issues in the horse racing industry, including:

  • Harsh training methods and equipment like whips and bits.
  • Breeding practices that prioritize speed rather than skeletal strength.
  • Short careers that mean the industry professionals often cannot afford to care for retired horses, leading to rehoming or auction.
  • Health complications from beginning training or racing at a young age.

Horses typically start racing at just two years old, but research has shown that beginning intense activities like racing at such a young age can significantly increase the risk of injury and lead to early physical decline. In one study, 85% of two-year-old racehorses experienced at least one injury or illness during training or competition. Another study found that only 46% of horses that began racing at age two or three were still racing just two years later. 

Wynn Magic’s death serves as another stark reminder of the need to rethink how animals are used in sport and entertainment.  

Take pledge
Media release
2024 incidents
Categories
Media Release

Hastings horse death just weeks before start of race season prompts renewed calls for change

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

VANCOUVER, April 17, 2025 – The Vancouver Humane Society (VHS) is reiterating concerns after learning that a 3-year-old horse was injured and euthanized during a recent timed workout at Vancouver’s Hastings Racecourse. 

On April 13, 2025, a horse named Wynn Magic suffered a compound fracture to the left front leg and was euthanized, B.C.’s Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB), which oversees horse racing in the province, confirmed to the VHS in an email.  

This death comes just weeks before the scheduled start of the 2025 horse racing season at Hastings and follows a controversial 2024 racing season, which resulted in four horse fatalities. In 2023, there were eight horse fatalities at Hastings. The VHS is concerned that the 2025 season will see more tragic and avoidable horse injuries and fatalities.  

“It’s not a matter of if, but when, the next horse will lose their life entertaining a crowd,” said VHS Executive Director, Amy Morris. “That’s why we’re urging the public to rethink attending horse races and calling on decision-makers to invest in alternative community events – ones that bring people together without putting animals at risk.” 

The organization has also raised concerns regarding welfare issues around horse racing, including stressful, aversive training methods, the use of painful tools like whips and bits, the breeding of thoroughbred horses for speed rather than skeletal strength, and the risk of being auctioned off for slaughter for horses who are no longer profitable at the end of their short careers. 

The VHS is encouraging the public to take the organization’s pledge not to attend horse races and instead choose entertainment events free of animal suffering.  

– ends –       

SOURCE Vancouver Humane Society      

For more information, contact Amy Morris: (604) 993-0167, amy@vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca  

Categories
Media Release

Hastings Racecourse season bookended by animal fatalities as another 2-year-old horse euthanized 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

VANCOUVER, October 22, 2024 – The Vancouver Humane Society (VHS) is calling on Vancouverites to choose animal-free entertainment after another horse died at Hastings Racecourse.  

During a race on October 12th, a 2-year-old horse named Anstruther suffered a compound fracture to her right hind leg and was euthanized, B.C.’s Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB) confirmed to the VHS in an email. 

“It’s hard to imagine the fear and suffering horses endure when their fragile leg bones break at such high speeds,” said VHS Communication Director Chantelle Archambault. 

This death occurred in the last weekend of the racing season, marking the fourth fatality at the racecourse this year. The first fatal incident occurred less than one month after the racing season began, meaning this year’s racing season at Hastings was bookended by horse deaths. Eight horses also died in each of the last two years at Hastings. 

“We are a city of animal lovers. To host an event where animals are regularly dying does not reflect our values as a community,” Archambault continued. She implored people to think twice before attending a race. “If you’re attending these events, there is always a chance that you could witness some of a horse’s final moments alive.” 

More than 3,600 people have taken the VHS’s pledge not to attend horse races. The organization is encouraging people to take the pledge and choose entertainment events free of animal suffering. 

– ends –      

SOURCE Vancouver Humane Society     

For more information, contact Chantelle Archambault: 604-416-2903, chantelle@vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca 

Or contact Emily Pickett: 604-416-2903, emily@vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca 

Categories
News/Blog

Hastings racing season bookended by horse deaths

Another horse has died after being seriously injured during the final weekend of the racing season at Hastings Racecourse. Her tragic loss was the fourth fatality of this year’s racing season, with the first occurring less than a month after the season began.

Take action

There were four horse deaths at Hastings in 2024:

  • On May 25, a 3-year-old horse named Lizzie’s Rayne sustained a complete fracture of her left hind leg and was euthanized, less than one month into the racing season.
  • On August 9, a 2-year-old horse named Kiki’s Song of Life sustained a compound fracture in his left front leg during a timed workout and was subsequently euthanized.
  • On September 6, a 4-year-old horse named Lucky Cowboy suffered a compound fracture to his front leg during a race and was euthanized.
  • On October 12, a 2-year-old horse named Anstruther suffered a compound fracture to her right hind leg and was euthanized. Her death occurred during the final weekend of the racing season at Hastings.

Last year, eleven horses died at B.C.’s two racecourses – eight at Hastings and three at Fraser Downs.  

The pattern of regular deaths is not the only threat to horses’ well-being in the racing industry. Horses also suffer stress and pain as a result of aversive training and the use of painful tools like whips and bits to tightly control their movements in these risky, fast-paced events.

The VHS continues to encourage the public to not attend horse races and to take the pledge to reflect their concern for horses.  

Take pledge
In the news
2023 incidents