The future of horse racing in B.C. is in doubt after the provincial government pulled slot machine revenue from Vancouver’s Hastings Racecourse — B.C.’s last operating horse track.
The province dropped the bombshell to representatives of horse racing in a video meeting Thursday, then sent a letter announcing the cut from Nina Krieger, minister of public safety and solicitor general.
Gary Johnson of Thoroughbred Racing B.C. said the announcement “came as an absolute shock” and “without any warning whatsoever.”
Johnson said the horse racing industry had presented the province with a three year budget eight months ago. The province asked for some alternatives, which they sent back.
