Alberta Horseman Ken Anderson Passes Away
Admin • January 4, 2021
Ken Anderson July 27, 1946 - December 30, 2020
Our sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Alberta Thoroughbred owner, trainer and breeder Ken Anderson who passed away at the age of 74 years on December 30, 2020.
Ken trained and raced horses all over Alberta for many years and took on various roles in the industry including that of race secretary for the Canada West Turf Club from 1982 to 1992. Under the Bar 17 Stables name, Ken bred such well-known Alberta horses as 2011 Alberta bred Champion Hollywood Dreams and 2012 Alberta bred Champion Hollywood Drama. Other Bar 17 Stables runners included the stakes winner Honey Candy, sired by their stallion, Desperately, and 2015 two year old Sales Stake winner, Modernotis.
Ken was a consistent supporter of the CTHS Alberta Sale, regularly consigning quality yearlings including the high seller at the 2018 sale. His dedication to the industry was recognized when he and his wife, Maxine, were awarded the 2017 Ken Cohoe Lifetime Achievement Award and Horseperson of the Year in recognition of their lifetime personal involvement and contribution for the love of the Thoroughbred.
Ken’s invaluable expertise and generous offers of support to those in the Alberta Thoroughbred industry will be missed greatly.
'It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of Ken Anderson on December 30, 2020, in the Red Deer Hospital, at the age of 74 years.
Ken was born in Trochu, Alberta on July 27, 1946, the second of two children born to Margaret and Walter Anderson. He is survived by his wife, Maxine, daughter Shelly (Colin) Creasy of Brownfield and their children Clayton and Lucas; son Cody (Tara) Anderson of Trochu and their child Marilyn; daughter Dayna (Brendon) Feely in New Zealand and their children Brooklyn and Daniel; and daughter Robin (John) McCulloch of Ardrossan and their child Caitlin. He is also survived by three great grandchildren, Cash, Aubrey, and Cooper Creasy, as well as a brother Marvin. He was predeceased by his parents, his first wife Marilyn, and by an infant son, Shane.
Ken obtained his schooling at Fairmount, Huxley, Trochu, and Edmonton and then went on to study Agricultural Mechanics at SAIT before getting married and then returning to the family farm where he farmed with his dad until 1983. During this time, Ken and Marilyn built their own new log home on the Bar 17 Ranch about 7 miles NW of Trochu and increasingly focused on running Thoroughbreds on the B-Circuit where, eventually, he became the racing coordinator for the Canada West Turf Association, 1981 – 1992.
Ken was always an avid horseman and an especially close friend to Howard (Shady) Green, a legend in cowboy circles, as well as Bill Greenwood, also a famous chuckwagon driver. He continued to own, board, breed and train Thoroughbreds throughout his life, knew the bloodlines of horses everywhere, and also had numerous close friends in the Thoroughbred community. He also seemed to be able to do almost anything: welding, carpentering, shoeing horses, operating farm machinery, restoring old furniture, collecting antiques, doing leatherwork, or pulling a horse trailer all over Alberta. Prior to having increasingly more medical issues, he always had a mischievous twinkle in his eye and a fun-filled life with friends and family.
The greatest dignity to be found in death is the dignity of the life that preceded it. Sure, he could have missed the pain, but then he would have also missed the dance. He ran a very good race and he did it his way.'
In lieu of other tributes, donations may be made to the Evergreen Park Injured Jockey Fund.
Contact Holly Crichton at holly_crichton@hotmail.com
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NEWS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 29, 2025 Calgary, AB – Racing, Rewards & Celebration: Don’t Miss the 2025 Sales Stakes Festival The Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (CTHS) – Alberta Division is excited to announce that the 2025 Sales Stakes Festival will take place on Saturday, October 4th at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino , with the first post at 4:45 PM . This annual showcase has become one of the most exciting days of the year for Alberta’s racing community, highlighting the quality and strength of CTHS Sales Stake graduates. Owners: Bigger and Better Rewards Owners of Alberta-breds will once again enjoy the benefit of a 25% bonus paid to the owners of Alberta-bred horses finishing win, place, or show in the Sales Stakes races. This program ensures that investing in Alberta-bred horses continues to deliver unmatched value, living up to the motto: “Owners of Alberta-breds earn more.” Trainers: Pride and Bragging Rights on the Line Trainers will also be chasing a unique prize. In 2025, the leading Sales Stakes trainer will be awarded a custom champion belt buckle – a one-of-a-kind award that symbolizes the best of Alberta racing and provides lasting bragging rights for the winning connections. Purse Money and Race Schedule This year’s Festival will feature four $50,000 sales stakes races , offering a total of $200,000 in total purse money . These races will feature graduates of the CTHS Alberta Yearling Sales, with divisions for: Two-Year-Old Colts & Geldings (6 furlongs) Two-Year-Old Fillies (6 furlongs) Three & Four-Year-Old Colts & Geldings (7 furlongs) Three & Four-Year-Old Fillies (7 furlongs) Festival Atmosphere: A Celebration for Everyone The Sales Stakes Festival is more than a day of racing – it’s a celebration of Alberta’s breeders, owners, and horses. Fans will enjoy great racing, food, and community spirit throughout the day. Adding to the excitement, Balzac Craft Brewing Company will be on-site pouring free samples, giving racegoers a chance to enjoy local flavors while taking in the action on the track. Campus Derby Day Scholarship Giveaway The Festival also coincides with Campus Derby Day , providing a special opportunity for students. Post-secondary students in attendance can enter a draw to win one of two $1,000 scholarships , making the event an even more memorable experience for Alberta’s next generation. Eligibility and Canadian Sales Stakes Series The CTHS Alberta Sales Stakes are part of the Canadian Sales Stakes Series , established in 2018. Yearlings that meet eligibility requirements through their respective CTHS Provincial Sales are eligible to run in Sales Stakes races across Canada. In Alberta, horses must have passed through the CTHS Alberta Yearling Sale , with full commissions and fees paid to the CTHS, to qualify for the Series. The 2025 Sales Stakes Festival is shaping up to be one of the premier events of the season. With exciting competition, valuable incentives, and a festival atmosphere, it’s a day that celebrates the very best of Alberta horse racing. Bring your friends, cheer on your favorites, and be part of the excitement as we crown the champions of this year’s Festival. For more information, visit the CTHS Alberta website at www.cthsalta.com . - 30 -
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