08/ 12/ 01 -- Vancouver: It was a red letter weekend for Hastings invaders running south of the border at Golden gate Fields. Once again BC bred horses demonstrated that they have the right stuff to compete and win at all levels against their America cousins. Friday's first race at GGF saw Full Scream Ahead win a 6 furlong, $32,000 claiming event at odds of 8-1. Princess Vye came up for third in the same race.

In the third race of the day Free Forever and Riverboat Girl came in one and two in a $5,000 claiming event. And in the 8th and final race of the day, Golden Sheika, ridden by our own Dave Wilson won the $6,250 event at odds of 9-1. On Saturday (8 September) Random Madness and Im Five picked up second and third money in the 1 mile, $11,000 claiming 8th race at GGF.

What is distressing to see are the number of our horses being claimed south of the border. These are horses that will not be returning to Hastings Park next season. How many more horses are we going to lose because local authorities, the government, and the OJC can't get together on an agreement to save thoroughbred racing in BC?

Last year we saw a severe horse shortage in the backstretch, and it can only get worse as each season passes. Sorry as I am to see so many of our horses disappearing south of the border, I can't blame the breeders and trainers for looking to the USA as a viable market for their product.

In other news, Mr. Prospector is emerging as the top broodmare sire again this year. His influence is seen in his outstanding progeny, including, Point Given (Thunder Gulch), Tiznow (Cee's Tizzy), Fusaichi Pegasus (Mr. Prospector), Ecton Park (Forty Niner), Albert the Great (Dam's sire Fappiano), King Cugat (Kingmambo), Trippi (End Sweep), and Five Star Day (Carson City) just to name a few.

Northern Dancer is also well placed with his progeny holding number 2 spot in the overall standings. It is almost impossible to search the bloodlines behind the horses in any given race running in North America on any given day you'd care to name, without coming across the progeny of these two sires in at 1/3 of all the entrants in each of those races.

For those of you who enjoy simulcast racing there is some very good racing being beamed through to the BC Teletheatres right now, including Calder race Course, Fair Grounds, Hollywood Park, Golden gate Fields and Sam Houston race Park.

Be sure to check in with Railbird's Spot Picks each weekend to give to tips on the hottest horses running down south. To all of you I wish A Happy Holiday Season and a Joyous and Prosperous New Year. See you in 2002.
railbird@countrytimes.com