Latest news with #WhiskySmoke
Vancouver Sun
07-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Vancouver Sun
Cigars and Stetsons feature in a weekend of special events at Hastings
The summer of special events at Hastings Racecourse continues this weekend with 'Whisky Smoke' on Friday night, dedicated to an evening of fine cigars, whiskies, cognacs and beer, while Saturday afternoon features the second annual Country Club Festival. Whisky Smoke has become popular among the cool set looking for Friday night fun, with the evening described as, 'Like no other in Vancouver, combining a tasting event with a night out at the track.' Friday and Saturday's events are hosted by Feaster, the marketing folks behind Cup Day — the biggest day of the year at Hastings in terms of attendance and easily one of the biggest betting days of the season. 'We're excited to elevate the upcoming event to new heights of sophistication by curating a truly enhanced experience for all attendees,' said Adam Bloch, Feaster president. 'By extending the festivities into the late evening, under the Friday night lights, amid the racing action, we're aiming to create an unforgettable evening that'll leave everyone buzzing with excitement.' While Whisky Smoke is now well established, the Country Club Festival, marketed as 'Daisy Dukes and cowboy boots,' returns for a second year following a positive introduction 12 months ago. 'We're so excited to bring Country Club back to Vancouver,' said Bloch. 'The first year exceeded all expectations, and this time we're going even bigger. We're putting the spotlight on bold tequila cocktails, paired with all the good vibes of a classic country tailgate.' Special event days at the track work on a variety of levels. They increase the attendance, normally give a small boost to the betting handle and can also help to introduce horse racing to newcomers. It's not all upside, however, with the owners, trainers and regular racing fans banned from watching from the tarmac in front of the grandstand during both events. Neil Stajkowski, secretary of B.C.'s Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, said: 'These special days can help showcase our sport to a wider audience,' he says, 'but, once again, the track operator (Great Canadian Gaming Corp.), which uses horse racing to promote these profitable stand-alone events, refuses to include in any event planning the people actually putting on the show! This has led to owners, trainers, backstretch workers and race fans feeling unwanted at the track they help to finance through their ongoing support of racing.' Whether they're squinting through cigar haze, or craning necks to see over a forest of Stetsons, fans who know their racing will be particularly excited to see the final three races on Friday, which feature some of the toughest and most loved equine athletes at Hastings. The three contests feature 20 veteran campaigners who, between them, have won 135 races and close to $1.5 million in purses. Those impressive stats underline the dedication and professionalism that goes into ensuring horses receive the level of care required to perform for those in the stands — and that's not blowing smoke. Friday, Aug. 8: First post, 7 p.m. Race 3. The veteran of 40 races, Pineapple Tidbits remains among the most consistent performers on the East Van oval. She hasn't missed the board all season and goes for her 12th lifetime win. Race 4: Queen of Attitude continues to enthrall fans with her come-from-behind exploits. She'll again be looking to mow down her rivals late as she chases a remarkable 16th career win on what will be her 29th start.
The Province
07-08-2025
- Sport
- The Province
Cigars and Stetsons feature in a weekend of special events at Hastings
It's a case of "smoke 'em if you've got 'em" at Whisky Smoke on Friday while the track also hosts the Country Club Festival on Saturday. Whisky Smoke, an event described as "like no other in Vancouver". Photo: Michael Bye. The summer of special events at Hastings Racecourse continues this weekend with 'Whisky Smoke' on Friday night, dedicated to an evening of fine cigars, whiskies, cognacs and beer, while Saturday afternoon features the second annual Country Club Festival. 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 Whisky Smoke has become popular among the cool set looking for Friday night fun, with the evening described as, 'Like no other in Vancouver, combining a tasting event with a night out at the track.' Friday and Saturday's events are hosted by Feaster, the marketing folks behind Cup Day — the biggest day of the year at Hastings in terms of attendance and easily one of the biggest betting days of the season. 'We're excited to elevate the upcoming event to new heights of sophistication by curating a truly enhanced experience for all attendees,' said Adam Bloch, Feaster president. 'By extending the festivities into the late evening, under the Friday night lights, amid the racing action, we're aiming to create an unforgettable evening that'll leave everyone buzzing with excitement.' 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. While Whisky Smoke is now well established, the Country Club Festival, marketed as 'Daisy Dukes and cowboy boots,' returns for a second year following a positive introduction 12 months ago. 'We're so excited to bring Country Club back to Vancouver,' said Bloch. 'The first year exceeded all expectations, and this time we're going even bigger. We're putting the spotlight on bold tequila cocktails, paired with all the good vibes of a classic country tailgate.' Special event days at the track work on a variety of levels. They increase the attendance, normally give a small boost to the betting handle and can also help to introduce horse racing to newcomers. It's not all upside, however, with the owners, trainers and regular racing fans banned from watching from the tarmac in front of the grandstand during both events. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Neil Stajkowski, secretary of B.C.'s Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, said: 'These special days can help showcase our sport to a wider audience,' he says, 'but, once again, the track operator (Great Canadian Gaming Corp.), which uses horse racing to promote these profitable stand-alone events, refuses to include in any event planning the people actually putting on the show! This has led to owners, trainers, backstretch workers and race fans feeling unwanted at the track they help to finance through their ongoing support of racing.' Whether they're squinting through cigar haze, or craning necks to see over a forest of Stetsons, fans who know their racing will be particularly excited to see the final three races on Friday, which feature some of the toughest and most loved equine athletes at Hastings. The three contests feature 20 veteran campaigners who, between them, have won 135 races and close to $1.5 million in purses. Those impressive stats underline the dedication and professionalism that goes into ensuring horses receive the level of care required to perform for those in the stands — and that's not blowing smoke. Queen of Attitude, ridden by Amadeo Perez, goes in search of a remarkable 16th career win on Friday night at Hastings. Photo: Michael Bye. Hastings Selections Friday, Aug. 8: First post, 7 p.m. Race 3. The veteran of 40 races, Pineapple Tidbits remains among the most consistent performers on the East Van oval. She hasn't missed the board all season and goes for her 12th lifetime win. Race 4: Queen of Attitude continues to enthrall fans with her come-from-behind exploits. She'll again be looking to mow down her rivals late as she chases a remarkable 16th career win on what will be her 29th start. GlobeNewswire Vancouver Whitecaps Local News Sports Local News
