VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Today is the last day you can check out live racing at Hastings Racecourse and it’s been a great season for the folks at the racecourse.

General Manager Raj Mutti says they’ve seen a major boost in attendance thanks to local jockey Mario Gutierrez — who was one win away from capturing the Triple Crown earlier this year.

“It really put Hastings on the map. Not only on the global racing scene, but also in the City of Vancouver and really put us at the forefront as an entertainment destination on Friday night and Saturday and Sunday afternoons,” Mutti notes.

He adds horse racing has a lot of challenges, especially as they try to find creative ways to bring in a younger crowd.

“Our attendance is up double-digits, our live racing handle for the year is going to be up double-digits as well. Last year, we were one of the only tracks in North America that saw an increase in attendance and increase in wagering.”

Hastings isn’t completely closed during the winter. You can watch simulcast racing from around the world, including the Breeders’ Cup on November 2nd and 3rd. Gutierrez will ride “Commander” that weekend.