Horse racing returning to Clancy’s Pub & Grill on Saturday morning
Pub previously hosted off-track wagering from early 2000s until 2013
It’s post time. Clancy’s Pub, Grill & Pizza will soon give its patrons the ability to watch and wager on horse racing from around the world, making it one of 20 establishments in the province to do so.
With a Teletheatre BC (TBC) Racebook off-track wagering site opening Saturday, the pub will have up to 10 races airing at one time — from the upcoming Belmont Stakes in New York to local fare at the Hastings and Fraser Downs tracks.
Renovations on the upstairs area of Clancy’s began this week and will be completed in time for Saturday morning’s first race.
Clancy’s owner Bill Gipson is looking forward to seeing the effect on his establishment’s atmosphere, as well as “the opportunity for more people to experience Clancy’s Pub.”
Patrons will be able to use one of five cash-only self-serve terminals to place bets. A kiosk providing programs, racing forms and information will be onsite as well.
The service was previously available at Clancy’s in the early 2000s up until the fall of 2013 when it moved to the Lake City Casino. Cascades Casino, which opened in April, doesn’t have the space to facilitate the service, so TBC general manager Bill McNeill turned to Clancy’s to once again host the horse racing.
The closest establishment prior to this was Chances Gaming Centre in Kelowna.
McNeill said the ability to tailor a strategy while placing a bet on a live event is a big draw.
“There’s a lot of decisions to be made before you place your bet. Unless you want to just pick your favourite number, favourite name of the horse. Which some people do, that’s a strategy as well.”
Races will be shown from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round, except for holidays observed by the pub.
Clancy’s, an establishment for ages 19 and over, is located at 333 Martin St. in Penticton behind the liquor store.