Canadian Derby: Highlights of Past Alberta Connections

Lindsay Ward • August 10, 2017

In Conjunction with the 250th Anniversary of Horse Racing in Canada

The most prestigious race in the western provinces for three year old Thoroughbreds will take place this August 19th at Northlands Park. This classic $150,000 Grade III race typically attracts entries from far and wide to face challengers over a demanding distance of one mile and three eighths.

The Canadian Derby was the creation of R. James Speers who held the inaugural event in 1930 at Polo Park Racetrack in Winnipeg, Manitoba under the name, Manitoba Stakes. At that time, it was restricted to three year olds foaled in Manitoba. It was re-named the Manitoba Derby and opened up to “Three Year Olds Foaled in the Dominion of Canada” by 1936. It was again re-named in 1941 to the Canadian Derby and the cash purse value increased from $2,000 to $5,000. The distance was expanded to one mile and a quarter in 1934 from the one mile previously. Eastern invaders were common as the race grew in purse money and status. In 1937, Goldlure, the winner of the King’s Plate, made the 1300 mile trip from Toronto to Winnipeg by rail transport to triumph in the Canadian Derby.

The race was moved to its present location in Edmonton in 1957 after Polo Park closed. Eastern and B.C. invaders continue to make their journey to compete for the prestigious win but Alberta horses have claimed their share of the victories over the years.

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