Horse racing
Horse racing occurs at a number of locations around the province. Government directs, controls, and regulates the British Columbia horse racing industry and licenses its participants.
Learn more:
Racing Locations & Dates
Race Tracks
There are five horse racing tracks in British Columbia. Five thousand licensed owners, jockeys, drivers, trainers, grooms and exercise persons participate in approximately 125 days of live racing in the province each year. See the table below for details.
| City | Race Track | Type | Race Dates 2018 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Osoyoos | Desert Park | Thoroughbred | No racing in 2018 |
| Princeton | Sunflower Downs | Thoroughbred | No racing in 2018 |
| Surrey | Fraser Downs Racetrack | Standardbred | Fraser Downs Race Dates (PDF) |
| Vancouver | Hastings Racecourse | Thoroughbred | Hastings Race Dates (PDF) |
| Vernon | Kin Park | Thoroughbred | No racing in 2018 |
Teletheatres
Teletheatre sites across B.C. present simulcast satellite broadcasts of horse races run at local, national and international tracks.
To find out which communities in B.C. host teletheatres, see Gambling Locations.
Horse Racing Industry Overview
In recent years wagering at race tracks and teletheatres in British Columbia has totalled more than $200 million annually. Of this amount, about 75 per cent is wagered on simulcast races, the other 25 per cent on live racing.
According to a 2008 report, "Size and Scope of Horse Racing in British Columbia", by IER Pty. Ltd., the province's horse racing industry provides British Columbians with approximately 3,600 full-time equivalent jobs. This equates to more than 7,400 individuals who derive an income from racing in full-time, part-time or casual employment. The report also estimated the overall economic impact of the industry was more than $350 million.
Working in or Participating in Horse Racing
Every participant in British Columbia's horse racing industry must be registered and licensed to ensure that high standards of honesty, integrity, and financial responsibility are met.
Find out how to apply at Apply for Registration & Licence.
