Record Crowds expected at Hastings Racecourse Saturday as Vancouver gathers to cheer on Super Mario in his bid for the Triple Crown

VANCOUVER, June 7, 2012 /CNW/ - Not since 1978 has a horse won the coveted Triple Crown when Affirmed took the honours.

This Saturday Hastings jockey Mario Gutierrez will ride I'll Have Another and vie to be the first jockey in 34 years to win what many call the hardest quest in sport… The Triple Crown.

Hastings Racecourse and Slots in Vancouver is pulling out all the stops Saturday as fans from far and wide are invited to cheer on Vancouver's adopted hometown hero live from the most beautiful racetrack setting in the world -Hastings Racecourse.

Next to being in New York to witness the 144^th running of the Belmont Stakes 'live', the best place to be for Mario Gutierrez' amazing run for the Triple Crown will be right where this incredible story began six years ago:  Hastings Racecourse.

An all-time record crowd is expected to be on hand Saturday with the chant 'Go Mario Go' ringing out from every level of Hastings Racecourse that overlooks the stunning North Shore Mountains and Burrard Inlet.

With hundreds of television monitors located throughout the grounds at Hastings Racecourse to complement the colossal screen in the infield, fans from all over Greater Vancouver are invited to watch - free of charge - a chance at history in the making.

Join in the fun of Super Mario on Saturday June 9^th at Hastings Racecourse and let the world know how much we love and support our Mario.

Interesting facts about the Belmont Stakes Race:

Cost of a single ticket in an Owner's Sky Box to watch the Belmont Stakes Saturday in New York: $3,150 (US).

Cost of a single Third Floor Grandstand ticket:  $119 (US).

Cost of admission to watch on a 40-foot outdoor jumbo screen at Hastings Racecourse with your friends… Priceless!  Absolutely nothing. "It will be the best value anyone could ask for" said Raj Mutti, Hastings GM. "Come experience the pageantry and fun of live racing and the closed-circuit broadcast of what may be history making!"

The Belmont Stakes will run at approximately 3:40 p.m. (PST) on Saturday after Race 4 of the live Hastings card that begins at 12:50 p.m. Hastings opens at 9am Saturday and the public is welcome.

Hastings Racecourse & Casino is located in Vancouver, B.C. and features live and simulcast wagering, vibrant slot gaming floor, numerous dining options, private and public event facility rental opportunities and outstanding guest services.

For Media inquiries:

Howard Blank:  604 512 6066
Sonja Mandic:  604 889 7114

Note: Mr. Blank and Ms. Mandic will be on site at Hastings Racecourse and Slots from 9am Saturday June 9^th.