COVID-19 suspends harness racing at Surrey's Fraser Downs
Harness racing has been suspended at Surrey's Fraser Downs because of COVID-19 financial pressure, leaving 135 workers unemployed.
Harness Racing B.C. says as the province enters year two of the pandemic, horse racing in the Fraser Valley is facing difficult times.
“Because of COVID, we've been forced to suspend all racing indefinitely after the last race tonight and 135 workers will be unemployed,” said Nigel Holmes, executive director of Harness Racing B.C., in a statement Friday.
“We have no choice — we've literally run out of money to operate at the track.”
Holmes said the regular spring racing meet will end early and prospects don't look good for running the fall meet either, unless they can negotiate some form of short term COVID financial support from the B.C. government.
He added that horse racing groups are facing financial challenges because of the closure of the casino connected to Fraser Downs, and a similar track/casino complex at Hastings Racecourse in Vancouver.
Under a long-standing agreement with the province, thoroughbred and harness racing groups receive a share of slot machine revenue generated at the casinos.
“It's money we use to sustain the industry, run races, hire workers, pay the purses, maintain the track, stable horses, and fund a host of agricultural support programs for breeding, rearing and training,” said Holmes.
“But casinos were closed early in 2020, and that revenue source has dried up — with significant
Holmes said his group would like to renew discussions with Victoria about possible emergency support measures that will help the industry make it through 2021 and be able to flourish as B.C. recovers from the pandemic.
“We are committed to finding a way to survive this year. Those involved in harness consequences.” racing are very passionate about its place in our sporting and agricultural communities. In the coming days and weeks, we will be making that case as we meet with government representatives,” he said.
Holmes said the financial stress had led to 135 layoffs and will hurt locally-owned businesses.