Today we are at the annual The Cup, a themed track day at Hastings Racecourse. This is the city’s invitation to “Get Fancy” with horse racing, betting, live music, food and drinks, and elaborate outfits showcasing Vancouver fashion and lifestyle.
I have attended this event over the years when it went by The Deighton Cup and before that “A Day at the Track”, and was able to reminisce as this year they were celebrating their 15th year anniversary. Sadly, there was nothing to specifically mark the occasion, but I did appreciate a return to the classics.
Originally this event started out as a formal affair with champagne, caviar, and cigars. Higher end restaurants the likes of Hawksworth only need to attend. There were exotic super cars parked for ambiance and luxury branded lounges to be seen in.
The more recent years past it has been more budget friendly and approachable caters, casual restaurant groups, and ready to drink coolers. So I was pleasantly surprised to see an upswing back to luxury experience that I have known The Cup to be.
I was impressed by the live band putting their orchestral swagger into modern pop songs the likes of Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy and Nelly’s “Hot in Here”.
The food selection was impressive with Lunch Lady, Monzo’s, and Hello Nori. Not necessarily matching the elevated theme, but restaurants with menus and food known for being outstanding in their respective categories.
As invited guests we had track side access to the media suite with limited tables and chairs on Astroturf.
The day is centred around the horse races and has it functioning as normal. You have the ability to watch the horses being paraded, place your bets on them, then watch them run the track for two laps before a winner is announced.
There is a lot of time in-between the racing bouts that come highly anticipated and yet feel so brief. This allows you to explore the concourse.
Greta the arcade bar hosted their own “Pink Pony Club”. A large chunk of land with their own food options, cotton candy machine, lounge seating, and bar.
The latter offered their own collection of signature cocktails and the ability to garnish them yourself at their self serve garnish station with sour watermelon gummies, pink starburst candies, dried rose buds, spray on glitter, and an iridescent cocktail umbrella.
The rest of the cocktails were arranged by spirit type: wine, vodka, tequila, gin, and spritz. You searched out the respective awning for what you wanted.
The spritz was pre-mix by Dom’s in either lemon or orange.
We grab a couple plastic cups of wine from Seastar on Pender Island.
Our favourite drink vendor was Mount Pleasant Vintage, who came with their own portable drink truck. They teamed up with sparkling water brand Perrier to offer two cocktails in their fun and funky style. One was a peanutbutter and jelly tasting number that they named “uncrustables”. They were test driving it here today and would launch it at their home bar the next day.
Majority of the drinks were $14 a glass, which was decent for event pricing. We kept to mixed cocktails as apposed to the $14 ready to drink canned ones, knowing a pack of 6 would be around $25-$30 at the liquor store. We also thought about grabbing a bottle of Veuve Clicquot knowing it averages $80 at any BC liquor store. However at the event, with the ability to sit on one of their patio tables, away from the track to enjoy it, it ran at $250 for a bottle.
Instead, we spend our money on cigars. There were designated smoking areas, but without anyone to regulate thing, you were basically free to take your smoke anywhere.
For cigarette smoking there was a designated Camel brand lounge. By completing a survey and enrolling in their email lists you could enjoy the space, take and print out a commemorative photo, and get a keepsake pewter cup custom engraved on the spot.
As for food, seeing Down Low Chicken on location with the owner Doug frying his spiced chicken on location, we had to indulge. He prepared a special burger for the occasion.
The Cup Sando is 4oz of crispy fried chicken breast on brioche with beurre Blanc, truffled caramelized onions, and shredded lettuce. You also had the choice of making it “fascinator style” by topping it with caviar. I did not see anyone exercising this option. I am not typically a fan of chicken breast, but the way Down Low prepares theirs is amazing. Never dry, it eats closer to dark meat. I love the flavours, but was longing for some acidity, the caviar would have fixed that.
We would watch a couple of races, walk the length of the concourse connecting with people we knew, and vibe out to the music. We also found ourselves on taking note of a few vendors selling bespoke hats, permanent jewelry, and skincare. We walked into this knowing what the event was about and prepared to spend money on eating and drinking. Other than entry your $100+ ticket got you little else.
In short this is still the biggest day party the city had ever seen. Giving people a chance to dress up, drink champagne, dance on tables, smoke cigars, bet on the ponies and most importantly just have a time.
Hastings Racecourse & Casino
188 N Renfrew St, Vancouver, BC V5K 3N7
(604) 254-1631
comegetfancy.com
