Glen Todd holds a special place with people at Hastings Racecourse. It’s so special, in fact, that those in charge are renaming two races after him this coming season.
Todd, who was involved in horse racing in a variety of roles for more than 50 years, died in March 2022 at age 75.
A noted owner, trainer and breeder, Todd was especially an advocate for the sport. Among the things he did was provide an interest-free, $1-million loan to fund purse money and keep races going in 2021, when the industry was still battling COVID-19 pandemic-related business issues.
This season opens Sunday. The final two stakes races will be run Oct. 14: The Glen Todd Fantasy for two-year-old fillies and The Glen Todd Ascot for two-year-old colts and geldings.
“We miss him desperately,” said Nichelle Milner, the regional manager of racing operations at Hastings Racecourse. “He meant the world to all of us. He was instrumental in what happened here.
“Racing could have been decimated without his help. We are all forever grateful to Glen.”
Todd was crucial in softball, too. He was instrumental in the building of Softball City, the four-field complex in South Surrey. He founded the Canada Cup International women’s tournament in 1993 in a bid to help the Canadian senior national team prepare for softball’s inclusion in the Atlanta 1996 Olympics. The South Surrey tournament exists to this day and is considered one of the best in the world.
Horse racing was his first sport love, though. Todd’s parents Jack and Eileen met at Hastings, and he began going to the track with his father as a youngster.
He would go on to publish his own newsletter on horse racing. He helped set up financial incentives for breeding and racing in the province. He mentored the likes of jockey Mario Gutierrez, who has rode to victory in the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes — two of the three jewels in Thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown — among several career titles.
In the midst of all this, Todd also helmed other successful businesses, including a customs brokerage.
“He was an icon. He turned horse racing around in Vancouver,” David Milburn, president of the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association of B.C., said of Todd. “Whenever he put his mind to something, he accomplished some amazing things.
“He’s greatly missed. It’s important that he’s recognized.”
As for this season overall, Milner believes that Hastings is looking “at being back 100 per cent” after all the restrictions brought about by COVID-19.
She says there will be 425 to 450 horses on the grounds during the season, and Hastings “was well under 400 at most points last year.”
As well, there’s an influx of new jockeys, from places like Trinidad and Tobago as well as Jamaica.
“I would say there’s been a pent-up demand due to COVID-19,” Milburn said. “They’re now looking past their own countries . They want to come to Hastings and other tracks in North America to ply their trade.
“There are some very good riders. Our patrons are going to be very excited.”
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The season will run for 45 live racing dates, including four Friday night cards this summer and two Monday nights dates during the PNE. The schedule includes 28 stakes races with purse money totalling $1.75 million, highlighted by the 76th running of the $125,000 Grade 3 B.C. Derby and the 58th running of the $75,000 B.C. Oaks on Sept. 16.
One of the city’s most fashionable events of the summer — The Cup — is set for July 22. It will be 13th edition where guests dress up Derby style. There will be special food and beverage offerings.
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Hastings Racecourse is also excited to be bringing back the ever-popular dog races, including the beloved wiener dogs, and will feature several other special promotional days throughout the summer.
As well, there are new betting options this year. Hastings will be offering a unique $1 minimum Pick 5 starting in Race 2 of each race date with a 100 per cent carryover should there be no winning tickets. Also, there will be Hi-5 wagering on the last race of each card with a $0.20 and 100 per cent carryover if there are no winning tickets.
The track offers a low 15 per cent takeout on both the Pick 5 and Hi-5 as well as the majority of wagering pools offered including Win, Place, Show, Double, Pick 3 and Pick 4.
More information is available at hastingsracecourse.com
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