US Edition‘Part of me is gone’: Abrupt end for Fraser Downs track a blow to B.C. horse racing
The City of Surrey ended the lease with Great Canadian Entertainment due to a rat infestation and plans to redevelop the Cloverdale Fairgrounds, affecting over 200 workers in horse racing.
- Great Canadian Entertainment announced on August 16, 2025, that horse racing would end immediately at Fraser Downs racetrack in Surrey, B.C., after the City of Surrey terminated the lease.
- The city terminated the lease to initiate planning and early construction efforts for redeveloping the Fairgrounds area and adjacent town center, aiming to accommodate new housing and facilitate the development of a $3-billion hospital.
- The closure surprised many involved with the racetrack, including racers preparing to compete, and will impact local businesses, trainers, and the broader Surrey community economically and emotionally.
- Kristina Rennich said the closure left her feeling empty as the place taught her a work ethic and called it 'a large hole' for drivers, trainers, veterinarians, and farriers who shared a passion for racing.
- The lease termination marks the start of transforming the Fairgrounds into a regional destination that preserves Old Cloverdale's heritage but drew criticism from former officials who said this decision harmed an entire industry.
19 Articles
19 Articles
Abrupt end for Fraser Downs track a blow to B.C. horse racing (Metro Vancouver)
Kristina Rennich started working as a groom at the Fraser Downs racetrack, formerly known as Cloverdale Raceway, when she decided to turn her passion for horses into a career at the age of 12. Rennich, 53, said she used to tag along with trainers to soak up every piece of knowledge she could at the ...
‘Part of me is gone’: Abrupt end for Fraser Downs track a blow to B.C. horse racing
Kristina Rennich started working as a groom at the Fraser Downs racetrack, formerly known as Cloverdale Raceway, when she decided to turn her passion for horses into a career at the age of 12.
'Part of me is gone': Abrupt end for Fraser Downs track a blow to B.C. horse racing
Kristina Rennich started working as a groom at the Fraser Downs racetrack, formerly known as Cloverdale Raceway, when she decided to turn her passion for horses into a career at the age of 12. Rennich, 53, said she used to tag along with trainers to soak up every piece of knowledge she could at the […]
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