In a statement issued on Friday, Aug. 15, officials with Great Canadian Entertainment announced the immediate closure of British Columbia's only harness racing track, Fraser Downs.
According to the release, the closure comes as a result of "notice from the City of Surrey, landlord and owner of Fraser Downs, that it is exercising its recapture option under the Lease Agreement to terminate the lease."
The termination reportedly includes the backstretch, the stabling facilities, and racetrack. There are no horses presently stabled at Fraser Downs at the moment as a rodent abatement program required the removal of all horses for the duration of that process.
Casino and racebook operations will continue as the grandstand, which houses Elements Casino Surrey, is not part of the lease termination.
“We know this decision touches everyone who has been a part of Fraser Downs’ long and proud history, from the racing community and our dedicated team members to the many people across the region who share a passion for standardbred racing," stated Rodrigo Perez, Assistant General Manager of Elements Casino Surrey and Fraser Downs. "We are grateful for the commitment and contributions to horse racing in British Columbia. Our priority now is supporting our team members through this transition and collaborating with the City of Surrey on the requirements to complete the property transition."
(Standardbred Canada; with files from Fraser Downs)