In a shocking turn of events, Randy Rutledge, a prominent figure in the harness horse racing community, has officially announced the immediate closure of Fraser Downs Racetrack in Surrey, British Columbia, sending ripples of dismay through the local racing community and beyond. The abrupt decision, driven by a combination of local government actions and concerns over a controversial US tax policy, has sparked widespread protests among fans and industry stakeholders who describe the situation as “unreal” and devastating to their livelihoods and cultural heritage. The closure, effective immediately, has left trainers, grooms, and horse owners scrambling to find alternatives, with many expressing anger and frustration over the lack of prior warning.

The City of Surrey, which owns the Cloverdale Fairgrounds where Fraser Downs is located, informed the racetrack’s operator, Great Canadian Entertainment, that it was terminating the lease to make way for redevelopment plans. Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke stated that the decision was part of a broader initiative to revitalize the Cloverdale Fairgrounds and Town Centre, including plans for new housing, a $3 billion hospital, and expanded public spaces. However, critics argue that the closure of a nearly 50-year-old racing tradition undermines the city’s commitment to preserving its historic precinct. David Milburn, president of the Horsemen’s Benevolent Protective Association of B.C., questioned how ending such a longstanding tradition aligns with heritage preservation, noting that the racetrack occupies only five hectares of land that could coexist with development plans.

The sudden shutdown has hit the harness racing community particularly hard. Fraser Downs was British Columbia’s only facility for standardbred horse racing, a distinct discipline from the thoroughbred racing hosted at Hastings Racecourse, the region’s sole remaining track. Trainers like Cody Easton emphasized the long-term investment required to breed and train racehorses, highlighting the economic and emotional toll of the closure. “It’s going to hurt a lot of people,” Rutledge said, echoing the sentiments of many who now face job losses and uncertainty. He has taken in displaced horses at his Aldergrove farm, but the lack of alternative racing venues in the region poses a significant challenge. Industry members held a rally outside the adjacent Elements Casino, which remains open, to protest the city’s decision and demand greater consultation.

Adding fuel to the fire, the racing community is reeling from concerns over a proposed US tax policy that some fear could exacerbate the industry’s woes. While the specifics of the tax remain unclear, it has been described as “unreal” by fans and stakeholders, who worry it could further strain the already fragile economics of horse racing. The policy, rumored to involve changes to betting taxes, has drawn comparisons to a similar controversy in the UK, where the British Horseracing Authority canceled races on September 10, 2025, to protest a proposed tax hike on horse betting from 15% to 21%. That move, part of the “Axe the Racing Tax” campaign, aimed to highlight the sport’s economic contributions, including £4.1 billion to the UK economy and 85,000 jobs. Although the US tax issue is distinct, its timing has amplified fears among Surrey’s racing community, who see parallels in the potential for financial devastation.

The closure of Fraser Downs has also raised questions about the future of horse racing in British Columbia. Kelly MacMillan, a spokesperson for Harness Racing B.C., described the closure as a “complete shock,” noting that the community had been preparing for a September 4 start to the racing season. The lack of notice has left many feeling betrayed, with significant expenses already incurred. Some hope to find alternative racing opportunities, but options are limited, and the loss of Fraser Downs threatens to erode decades of local heritage. Industry leaders argue that the city’s redevelopment plans could have included provisions for racing, preserving both economic benefits and cultural significance.

As protests continue, the harness racing community remains united in its fight to preserve their industry. The closure of Fraser Downs serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing horse racing globally, from local land disputes to broader economic pressures. For now, the future of the sport in Surrey hangs in the balance, with fans and stakeholders vowing to keep the pressure on local authorities to reconsider their decision.