In response to the provincial government announcing the end of government funding for horse racing, Hastings Racecourse has announced they will stop horse racing effective immediately.
While there is industry pushback to the B.C. government’s announcement to end funding for horse racing, the decision did not happen in isolation.
This change follows decades of decline in revenue and public support and heavy reliance on public funding.
Hastings Racecourse was the last active race track in B.C., meaning there is no more horse racing in the province.
Hastings has seen multiple fatalities in recent seasons, including three known horse deaths in 2025, four in 2024, and eight in 2023. Each loss is a reminder of the inherent risks horses face in the racing industry.
While incredibly grateful for this decision, the VHS recognizes the uncertainty it may create for workers and animals within the industry. The VHS urges the provincial government and industry stakeholders to ensure a just and compassionate transition plan, including:
Support for workers in the horse racing industry faced with this transition;
Safe, secure retirement and rehoming plans for horses.
Join the VHS in extending our sincere gratitude to Minister Nina Krieger for her leadership in making this decision and encourage meaningful support for workers and animals transitioning away from horse racing. Use the VHS’s quick action tool below to send a letter to the Minister and your Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA).
Chantelle Archambault from the Vancouver Humane Society discusses the closure of Hastings Racecourse in Vancouver, which was announced this past Friday. Originally aired on The Early Edition from CBC News; shared on The Informed Animal Ally podcast.
On December 5th, Hastings Racecourse announced the immediate end of horse racing at the province’s last track.
The Vancouver Humane Society’s Chantelle Archambault sat down with Stephen Quinn from The Early Edition on CBC Radio to share the VHS’s response, previous advocacy around the racetrack, and what a compassionate retirement for horses would look like. Interview shared with permission.
Stephen: Thoroughbred horse racing at Vancouver’s Hastings Racecourse is ending after more than a century. In fact, it’s been going there for about 130 years. The operator announced on Friday it will no longer run a racing season at the historic facility.
Great Canadian Entertainment, which operates the site, described the move as an extremely difficult decision. It said the decision was made because of a lack of economic feasibility to move forward with another season of horse racing.
Now, the Vancouver Humane Society released a report earlier this year highlighting the need for public subsidies to remain operational.
And joining us now is Chantelle Archambault. She is the Communications Director of the Vancouver Humane Society. Good morning to you, Chantelle.
Chantelle: Good morning. Thank you so much for having me here.
Stephen: Thanks for being with us. Your reaction to the news on Friday that the race course is shutting down after being operational for well over a century?
Chantelle: Yeah, absolutely. I mean, on on the one hand, we’re so grateful for this step toward a future where animals aren’t bred for use risky entertainment activities like horse racing.
The Vancouver Humane Society has been advocating for an end to horse racing at Hastings for many years, given the animal welfare concerns associated with the industry.
And at the same time, we recognize that it brings quite a lot of uncertainty for those connected to the horse racing industry.
We’re very hopeful that all parties, regardless of their perspective on horse racing, share a common priority of ensuring that every horse currently involved in racing is provided with safe, secure, compassionate retirement.
That’s why we’re encouraging both the provincial government and industry stakeholders to prioritize meaningfully supporting both workers and animals in transitioning away from horse racing,
Report on Hastings Racecourse
Stephen: Your organization commissioned a report earlier this year on the history of the Vancouver Hastings Racecourse. What were some of the key findings of that report?
Chantelle: We looked at both the economic and animal welfare impacts of racing.
We found that there were decades of decline at Vancouver’s Hasting Racecourse, and the track was relying on public subsidies to remain operational.
It outlines that there was decline in attendance, revenue, race days.
The race days went down from about 150 a year in the 1980s to about 45 planned for 2025.
Attendance has collapsed from about 1.1 million people in 1982 to about 150,000 in 2022.
In 2023 and 2024, the horse racing industry received about $9 million from slot machining revenue to keep it running.
So there’s been a heavy reliance on public funds to keep this industry going.
And the report also, of course, highlighted the risks that horses face in racing. At least 14 horses died at Hastings in 2023. In 2024, the fatality rate was 1.78 deaths per 1000 starts, which is well above the industry average and nearly double the rate at tracks that have stronger safety rules.
So given that, the racing industry really no longer aligns with the City of Vancouver’s priorities for public access, sustainability, economic resilience. We were recommending an end to horse racing at Hastings Park when the current operating agreement for the racetrack expires, which would have been in 2026.
Stephen: I’m sure the people who work at the track and work with horses would say that they certainly do their best to ensure the health of horses and to make sure that they stay healthy, do they not?
Chantelle: I absolutely am sure they do. It’s impossible to work with animals and not love them and care for them.
But the reality is that there were so many deaths at this track that it seems like it’s an inevitable, inherent part of the racing industry.
What’s next for the horses?
Stephen: So what will happen then to the horses now that they’re no longer competing at the racetrack?
Chantelle: It’s a great question. A responsible transition plan really means developing clear, transparent retirement pathways for every horce that’s racing.
Horses are only able to race for a fraction of their natural lifespan, so this should be a baked in part of the industry, and we are hopeful that it is. Under normal circumstances, any industry that relies on animals should already have a well-developed safety net and in place for animals who age out of the industry.
From our perspective, a good outcome would be for the horses to move out of the racing industry into an environment where they can have positive experiences, bonds, and the freedom to express their natural behaviors.
So some examples of that would be retiring to a sanctuary or therapy horses, in a setting where they can regularly have time to run free.
Declining public support
Stephen: Chantelle, is this something you see just happening here in the Lower Mainland or in British Columbia, or are we seeing a decline in in horse racing operations across North America?
Chantelle: We really only have been looking very closely at British Columbia, but I have heard whisperings that there there is a wider decline across the industry as a whole.
There’s decreasing public support for this industry. I think it’s clear that people are seeing across multiple industries that use animals and put them at risk like this, that there is a decline in public support as people learn more about animal welfare and animal sentience and learn that animals are beings who can feel pain, feel fear, feel stress, and care about their lives.
Stephen: Chantelle, we’ll leave it there this morning. Thank you so much for taking the time. We appreciate it.
Chantelle: Thank you so much for having me.
Stephen: That is Chantelle Archambault, who is the Communications Director at the Vancouver Humane Society, talking about the end of horse racing at Hastings Park after 130 years, and what will happen to the horses and all of the people who work with those horses as well.
The Vancouver Humane Society (VHS) has learned that Vancouver’s Hastings Racecourse is ending horse racing effective immediately. This announcement follows recent government funding changes, including an end to casino slot machine revenue being provided to the horse racing industry, and declining attendance, shrinking revenues, and increasing animal welfare concerns in recent years.
A VHS-commissioned report released earlier this year highlighted decades of decline at Vancouver’s Hastings Racecourse and its dependence on public subsidies to remain operational. The report also raised concerns about the welfare of horses used in racing. Recent data illustrates the serious risks horses face. At Vancouver’s Hastings Racecourse, at least 14 horses have died since 2023. According to the B.C. Gaming & Policy Enforcement Branch, the 2024 fatality rate at Hastings reached 1.78 deaths per 1,000 starts, which is markedly higher than the North American industry average of 1.11 and nearly double the rate at tracks operating under stronger safety regulations (0.90).
This announcement marks a milestone toward a future in which animals are not bred, used, and put at risk for entertainment. At the same time, the VHS recognizes the uncertainty the decision creates for the people and animals currently connected to B.C.’s horse racing industry.
While perspectives on horse racing vary, we hope all parties share a common priority: ensuring that every horse currently involved in racing is provided with a safe, secure, and compassionate retirement. We encourage the provincial government and industry stakeholders to provide support for both workers and animals alike in transitioning away from the horse racing industry.
As of January 31, 2026, the B.C. Government will no longer provide casino slot machine revenue to the horse racing industry.
This marks a meaningful step toward phasing out an industry that has long depended on government funding, despite declining public interest, shrinking revenues, and ongoing concerns about the welfare of horses used in racing.
The VHS welcomes this progress while acknowledging the uncertainty for those currently involved in the horse racing industry.
Government and industry are urged to prioritize a safe, compassionate retirement for all horses and to support both workers and animals through the industry’s transition.
The cut signals what may be another nail in the coffin for B.C’s last horse track.
“Even with continued government investment from casino-generated revenue, the industry is not sustainable due to declining revenues, public participation and attendance, a letter from the province reads.”
“Government officials said the amount of slot machine income that went to the horse racing industry was about $8 to $10 million annually.”
What will happen to the horse racing industry?
While media reports state that it is unknown whether the 2026 horse racing season will go forward, statements from industry stakeholders and the B.C. government observe that declining revenues and public attendance make horse racing unsustainable in the province.
A recent VHS report outlines the high racing-related fatality rate, including at least 14 horse deaths since 2023, and the long-term decline in attendance and revenue at Vancouver’s Hastings Racecourse. The report recommends that the City of Vancouver end horse racing at Vancouver’s Hastings Park when the current Operating Agreement expires in 2026.
Slot machine revenue for Hastings Racecourse will be pulled just months before the racetrack’s lease ends with the City of Vancouver in 2026.
More than 1,500 advocates have already signed a petition calling for the lease to not be renewed, supporting an end to horse racing at B.C.’s last racetrack.
Why has the VHS been raising awareness about horse racing?
Deaths at Vancouver racecourse
Hastings Racecourse has seen a concerning pattern of horse deaths, including eight in 2023, four in 2024, and at least two between April and June 2025. In 2024, the rate of horse deaths at Hastings was 1.78 per 1,000 starts—much higher than the industry average of 1.11 and nearly double that of tracks under stricter safety rules (0.90).
Early start, lifelong harm
Most horses start training and/or racing at just 2 years old, before their bones are fully developed. This puts them at high risk for serious injuries and early decline. Thoroughbred horses are often overbred for speed rather than skeletal strength, making their legs susceptible to fatal injury.
Painful & stressful practices
Horses often endure harsh training methods and uncomfortable equipment, like whips and tight mouth bits, that can cause stress and pain.
The end of horse racing at Hastings was announced in December 2025 following decling public support and revenues. Please support a safe retirement for horses and see the Current Campaigns page for more ways you can help animals.
The City of Surrey recently announced the permanent closure of the Fraser Downs horse racetrack, citing plans to develop housing, a hospital, and new public spaces on the land.
The decision aligns with the VHS’s call for an end to horse racing at Vancouver’s Hastings Racecourse, where at least 14 horses have died since 2023.
A recent VHS report shared with the City of Vancouver in June outlines the high racing-related fatality rate and the long-term decline in attendance and revenue at Vancouver’s Hastings Racecourse.
The report recommends ending horse racing at Hastings Park when the current Operating Agreement expires in 2026.
SIGN THE PETITION: Urge the City of Vancouver to follow Surrey’s lead and end horse racing at Vancouver’s Hastings Racecourse.
Hastings Racecourse has seen a concerning pattern of horse deaths, including eight in 2023, four in 2024, and at least two between April and June 2025. In 2024, the rate of horse deaths at Hastings was 1.78 per 1,000 starts—much higher than the industry average of 1.11 and nearly double that of tracks under stricter safety rules (0.90).
Early start, lifelong harm
Most horses start training and/or racing at just 2 years old, before their bones are fully developed. This puts them at high risk for serious injuries and early decline. Thoroughbred horses are often overbred for speed rather than skeletal strength, making their legs susceptible to fatal injury.
Painful & stressful practices
Horses often endure harsh training methods and uncomfortable equipment, like whips and tight mouth bits, that can cause stress and pain.
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.
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.”
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.'”
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.
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.
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 the2024 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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.
