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Vancouver Sun
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Vancouver Sun
Vancouver's beautiful people get suited and booted for a day at the races on Saturday
Vancouver's cool set descends on Hastings Park on Saturday for the 15th annual Cup Day, a gathering described by organizers as, 'A day at the races, where old-world elegance meets a debaucherous day party'. More than 10,000 people are expected to attend and, if the weather holds, it promises to be an afternoon more akin to an Ibiza day club than a celebration of the 'Sport of Kings' — although there will be hats aplenty and some of the smartest-dressed folks seen this side of Royal Ascot, as Vancouver's party people vie for the $1,000 on offer for the best dressed person. There are also plenty of food and drink options, including the return of the Cocktail Jockey, a 1970s-inspired pop-up speakeasy, melding top mixologists with classic DJ sets. Music plays a central role in making sure Cup Day goes with a swing. This year sees British hitmaker Jonas Blue headline with a live DJ set. Edmonton party band, Brasstactics and Vancouver powerhouse DJ duo, Common People, are also on the bill. Dealing with a rise in decibels apart, it's business as usual for Hastings' horsemen and women, although there remains some irony that B.C.'s racing industry will, over and above its normal cut of the betting revenue, earn nothing from the event. B.C. racing's relatively small cut of that turnover is significantly larger on the portion bet on-track (approximately 16 per cent on track, versus just three per cent of 'offtrack' money bet on Hastings), so the more partygoers bet on the tarmac at Hastings, the more the racing industry benefits. However, while the cash boost is certainly welcome on an afternoon that traditionally generates one of the year's biggest betting 'handles' of the Hastings' season, it is another perfect example of how the sport, by the way it is structured in B.C., is not the master of its own destiny. Cup Day is run by a marketing company which pays track operators Great Canadian for the privilege of hosting what is essentially a private event. The people and horses putting on the show, receive nothing extra. 'It's frustrating,' admits Gary Johnson, chair of Thoroughbred Racing British Columbia. 'We put on the show, but we don't share in its success — a success racing has helped to create.' Cup Day has grown into one of the summer's social highlights in Vancouver and, in the 15 years since its inception, that growth can be seen clearly through the rise in betting on the big day. Ten years ago, horse players generated just over $500,000 in betting turnover. In 2024, the figure was nudging $974,000, with almost $250,000 of that bet by people attending the event. However, cold hard cash aside, Cup Day remains a positive experience for the backstretch community and one it looks forward to. Trainer Steve Henson agrees that, from the horsemen's side, Cup Day remains one of the year's highlights. He said: 'I love Cup Day. It's a great, fun day out. We live for the excitement this sport generates, and that excitement is certainly heightened when the grandstands are so full. It's also a day when we get to show people, who may not be regular racegoers, what the sport is all about.' First race Saturday , (2:30 p.m.) Hastings Race 1 (2:30pm PT): Tex Hanley made merry at this level just two startsago and he can get the Cup Day party swinging early. Hastings Race 4 (5:27 p.m.): Run Rudolf, who returns to action for the first time since beating today's rival Lucky Force over this distance back in June, can land The Cup.
The Province
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Province
Vancouver's beautiful people get suited and booted for a day at the races on Saturday
More Ibiza pool party than Royal Ascot, there will still be plenty of hats and summer dresses on show at Hastings Racecourse Saturday Trainer Steve Henson at Hastings Park. Photo by NICK PROCAYLO / PNG Vancouver's cool set descends on Hastings Park on Saturday for the 15th annual Cup Day, a gathering described by organizers as, 'A day at the races, where old-world elegance meets a debaucherous day party'. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors More than 10,000 people are expected to attend and, if the weather holds, it promises to be an afternoon more akin to an Ibiza day club than a celebration of the 'Sport of Kings' — although there will be hats aplenty and some of the smartest-dressed folks seen this side of Royal Ascot, as Vancouver's party people vie for the $1,000 on offer for the best dressed person. There are also plenty of food and drink options, including the return of the Cocktail Jockey, a 1970s-inspired pop-up speakeasy, melding top mixologists with classic DJ sets. Music plays a central role in making sure Cup Day goes with a swing. This year sees British hitmaker Jonas Blue headline with a live DJ set. Edmonton party band, Brasstactics and Vancouver powerhouse DJ duo, Common People, are also on the bill. Dealing with a rise in decibels apart, it's business as usual for Hastings' horsemen and women, although there remains some irony that B.C.'s racing industry will, over and above its normal cut of the betting revenue, earn nothing from the event. B.C. racing's relatively small cut of that turnover is significantly larger on the portion bet on-track (approximately 16 per cent on track, versus just three per cent of 'offtrack' money bet on Hastings), so the more partygoers bet on the tarmac at Hastings, the more the racing industry benefits. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. However, while the cash boost is certainly welcome on an afternoon that traditionally generates one of the year's biggest betting 'handles' of the Hastings' season, it is another perfect example of how the sport, by the way it is structured in B.C., is not the master of its own destiny. Cup Day is run by a marketing company which pays track operators Great Canadian for the privilege of hosting what is essentially a private event. The people and horses putting on the show, receive nothing extra. 'It's frustrating,' admits Gary Johnson, chair of Thoroughbred Racing British Columbia. 'We put on the show, but we don't share in its success — a success racing has helped to create.' Cup Day has grown into one of the summer's social highlights in Vancouver and, in the 15 years since its inception, that growth can be seen clearly through the rise in betting on the big day. Ten years ago, horse players generated just over $500,000 in betting turnover. In 2024, the figure was nudging $974,000, with almost $250,000 of that bet by people attending the event. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. However, cold hard cash aside, Cup Day remains a positive experience for the backstretch community and one it looks forward to. Trainer Steve Henson agrees that, from the horsemen's side, Cup Day remains one of the year's highlights. He said: 'I love Cup Day. It's a great, fun day out. We live for the excitement this sport generates, and that excitement is certainly heightened when the grandstands are so full. It's also a day when we get to show people, who may not be regular racegoers, what the sport is all about.' Hastings Cup Day selections First race Saturday, (2:30 p.m.) Hastings Race 1 (2:30pm PT): Tex Hanley made merry at this level just two startsago and he can get the Cup Day party swinging early. Hastings Race 4 (5:27 p.m.): Run Rudolf, who returns to action for the first time since beating today's rival Lucky Force over this distance back in June, can land The Cup. Read More News Crime News News News
