Effective Monday, Hastings Racecourse general manager Darren MacDonald will now be involved in providing oversight and direction to harness racing in the province of British Columbia, according to a statement made by a Great Canadian Gaming Corporation executive.

The Vancouver Sun has published a statement by Terrance M. Doyle, Great Canadian Gaming Corporation's executive vice-president of B.C. Operations & Development, confirming MacDonald's promotion to director of B.C. Racing.

“In addition to his responsibilities as general manager of Hastings Racecourse, Darren will now be providing oversight and direction to Great Canadian’s horse racing operations in British Columbia – both thoroughbred racing at Hastings and now standardbred at Fraser Downs Racetrack & Casino,” said Doyle in a statement on Thursday. “I am pleased to advise this promotion becomes effective January 12.”

MacDonald was named general manager at Hastings last March after being extensively involved in the racing side of the business over the previous four years as assistant general manager. He joined the Hastings team as manager of Gaming Operations in 2007.

(With files from the Vancouver Sun)