HorseRacingBC Serving the British Columbia Horseracing community
Issue # 67
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Happy Holidays Everyone www.horseracingbc.ca
Christmas issue 2014
Looking For Old Photos We are looking for old photos that show the history of BC racing. Photos will be reproduced and published and returned safely. The Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (BC) The office of the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (BC) has moved. The new location is: #7 - 5492 Production Blvd. Surrey, BC V3S 8P5 New telephone #: 604-534-0145 New Fax#: 604-534-2847 Hastings Racecourse Stall
Applications Now Available On-Line
Hastings racecourse has advised us that the 2015 stall applications are now available on-line at the following link” http://www. hastingsracecourse.com/racing-office-for-horsemen/ Heart of Harness Racing Calendar Available The Standardbred Canada “The Heart of Harness Racing” 2015 calendar is available in the Harness Racing BC office. The picture that Cherie Paskaruk, took of Sandra Roberts and Alverna in the snow at Fraser Downs made it for the month of January. The Thoroughbred Ladies Club of BC The TLC of BC, whose charity work and scholarship program has benefited backstretch workers at Hastings Racecourse since 1973, meets the first Tuesday each month. If you would like to join them in their worthwhile efforts or help at the occasional function, please call: Linda Sentes 604-318-7949 Barb Williams at 604-542-8951.
The Bettors Night Before Christmas
…as posted (revised) on the Derby List by Larry Wellman ‘Twas the night before Christmas, And they whistled, and shouted, as His droll little mouth was drawn up when all through the barn, he called out their names; like a bow, Not a bettor was stirring, not even “Now Johnny! Now Walter! Now, He headed to the winners circle for a tout; Bryan and Carol! the final show; The betting slips were punched On, Neil!, On Jon!, On Jimmy and A clump of dirt he held tight in his with precision and care, Howard. teeth, In hopes that the Pick Six soon To the teller on the porch! As his fans encircled him like a would be theirs; To the windows and totes on the wreath; The tickets were nestled all snug in wall! He had a broad face and a little pot their hands, Now bet away! bet away! bet away belly, With visions of a six figure payoff all!” That shook, when he dismounted and dancing in the stands; As the horses prepared to let fly, like a bowlful of jelly. And mamma in her derby ‘kerI considered my bet and looked to He was chubby and plump for a chief, and I in my cap, the sky, very old rider, Had just settled down for a long So up to the gate the horses they No other jockey would try any program read, flew, harder; When out on the lawn there arose With many a well known jockey or A wink of his eye and a twist of his such a clatter, two. head, I sprang from the paddock to see And then, in a wink, I hear poundSoon let me know that he had won what was the matter. ing of hoofs the bread; Away to the betting window I flew I ran to a location on top of the He spoke not a word, but went like a flash, roof. straight to his agent, Tore open my wallet and threw As I viewed the race with binocuAnd filled his pockets with many down the cash. lars from afar, winning tickets, The wad on the beast who’s trainer Straight to the front went St. Nick And laying his finger aside of his has white hair, with the four. nose, He’s got the speed figures to win He was all dressed in his silks of And giving a nod, into the limo he this affair, red and white, dove; When, what to my wondering eyes And his fans jumped to their feet He sang out and gave his fans a should appear, yelling he’s got them whipped; whistle, But a Troy Taylor trained horse A bundle of tickets were flung in As he threw out the tickets like the with big funny ears, the air, down of a thistle. With a little old rider, so lively and All losers so why should anyone But I heard him exclaim, ere he quick, care. drove out of sight, I knew in a moment it must be His eyes — how they twinkled! his jockey St. Nick. dimples how merry! “MERRY CHRISTMAS TO More rapid than eagles his fans His cheeks were like roses, his ALL, AND TO ALL A PICK SIX they came, nose like a cherry! GOOD-NIGHT.”