Alberta bred BIG HUG Wins R.K. Red Smith Handicap

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n Memory of Golden Made (1998 - 2025) Today, we say goodbye to Golden Made, whose beauty, kindness and spirit made her a favourite for everyone on the farm. Golden Made earned over $372,000 on the track with 11 wins from ages 2 to 5, but her greatest gift to us was in the breeding shed: 12 foals, 12 to race, 12 to win. She was perfect. Highfield Stock Farm was fortunate to purchase Golden Made at the Keeneland January Sale in 2007, and she has been a cherished part of our broodmare band ever since.

2024 Alberta Thoroughbred Industry Award Winners Celebrated at the 51st Night of Champions The achievements of Alberta’s Thoroughbred industry were proudly recognized on Saturday, May 3, as the new racing season kicked off at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino. More than 130 owners, breeders, trainers, and passionate fans gathered in the Triple Crown Suites for the annual Night of Champions celebration. Against the backdrop of a thrilling day of live racing — and the excitement of the Kentucky Derby — Alberta’s top Thoroughbreds and their connections were honored for their success during the 2024 season. With champions crowned and the starting gates open, the 2025 season began in true Alberta racing style.

The Princess of the Track is now Queen of the Hill. Absolutely marvelous, Big Hug was named Alberta’s Horse Of the Year Saturday at the annual Night of Champions Awards dinner at Century Mile. Also named Alberta’s 2024 Champion Older Mare and Champion Alberta-bred, Big Hug won six of her eight starts in Alberta last year capturing the Founders Distaff, CTHS Sales stake, the Fall Classic Distaff and the R.K. ‘Red’ Smith Handicap for owner/trainer Rick Hedge and Lori and Martin Neyka’s Empire Equestrian. Purchased by Hedge for just $3,400 at the Alberta Yearling Sale, the now-five-year-old mare won $175,500 last year and $354,000 in her career. Big Hug was sired by Mr. Big and is out of the mare Temeeku, who broke her maiden for no tag at Del Mar, California. “Best horse I’ve ever trained,” said Hedge, 76, who has trained many outstanding thoroughbreds in his career and many more as a jockey.

The Western Canadian Derby Series is back and bigger than ever for 2025! 🏇 $100,000 Derby Bonus for any 3-year-old who sweeps the Manitoba Derby (Aug 4), Canadian Derby (Aug 23), and BC Derby (Sept 13) – now all back in the lineup! 💰 Plus, a $25,000 Owner-Trainer Bonus is up for grabs based on points earned across all three races #horseracingalberta #albertaracing #ridersup #FeelTheRush #bestinthewest

Equineline and T.I.P. today announced the launch of a new report centered on Thoroughbreds in their second careers.

Dual-Breed Dream: Thoroughbred Jockey Omar Moreno Finds New Passion In Standardbreds While Moreno will continue to be active in Thoroughbred racing, his wintertime passion for harness racing has given him a deeper appreciation for all horses Chris Lomon/Woodbine Communications21 hours ago

The public comment period for the proposed countermeasures, with feedback from business, stakeholders, and Canadians regarding their impacts has been extended to April 2nd. Once again, we strongly encourage all industry stakeholders to submit their input through this comment submission form and request an exemption to the Canadian tariffs for purebred breeding and racing horses at https://forms-formulaires.alpha.canada.ca/en/id/cm7upmkx9008rx268zhy9l6pj. Please make sure you make a note of the following HS Tariff Items in your exemption request: HS Tariff Item 0101.21.00 Pure-bred breeding animals HS Tariff Item 0101.29.00.20 – Other For Racing

From the racetrack to the show ring! Code, the first foal out of Crimson Deed by Omega Code, retired sound after his racing career and found a new purpose with a dedicated young rider from High River. Given the time and patience OTTBs need to transition, Carol built a strong bond with him before training for his second career. Now, they’re gearing up for their next big challenge—a show at Spruce Meadows from March 13-16. A true testament to the versatility and heart of Alberta-breds!