Fraser Downs at Elements Casino Surrey wrapped up its 2025 Winter/Spring Meet on a high note, with the British Columbia racetrack reporting wagering increases.
The harness racing season began on Thursday, Feb. 27 and concluded on Friday, May 2. BC Racebook has reported that the meet featured 20 live programs versus 26 last year and with average wagering per program rising 4.4 per cent and average wagering per race up 6.6 per cent. Most notably, the average wagering per program this year was the highest at Fraser Downs in more than a decade. A strong finish helped fuel the results, with the final two race days in May showing a 24 per cent increase in total handle over the same period last year with the same number of race days. On May 1, a pair of $50,000 stakes races helped to propel wagering to over $400,000 across 10 races.
“The interest in Fraser Downs has been building over the last few years,” said Dawn Lupul, Manager of Racing and Communications. “We’re fortunate to have passionate fans and committed industry partners who have embraced the low takeout rates and wagering promotions. Combined with the competitive racing show from our horsemen, it’s clear that people are starting to notice.”
Brandon Campbell led the driver colony with 46 wins for the season and earnings of more than $215,000. Rebecca Kanak was the leading trainer with a 46.5 per cent win ratio (33 wins from 71 starts) and top earnings of more than $149,000, followed closely by Jim Marino with more than $144,000 in earnings.
Live harness racing will return to Fraser Downs on Thursday, Sept. 4, with racing every Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m. PT through the end of the calendar year.
(With files from BC Racebook)