Celebrating Alberta Breds on Canadian Derby Weekend
Admin • September 29, 2020
Alberta breds BANG ON and SHOTTHRUTHEHEART Capture Win and Place in the Black Type Birdcatcher Stakes
Alberta breds had a great night of racing on Friday night at Century Mile!
The Alberta breds BANG ON and SHOTTHRUTHEHEART shut out the other runners in the $60,000 Birdcatcher Stakes when the CTHS Sale graduates placed one and two in the field of seven. The two year olds last ran against each other in the Alberta Premier’s Futurity on September 6, placing second and third.
This was the first stakes win for the two year old BANG ON who now adds black type to his record of two wins and one second in four starts for owner True North Stables. The Commissioner gelding was bred by Running Fawcett Thoroughbreds out of the Forest Wildcat mare Next Big Nothin.
The Reload gelding SHOTTHRUTHEHEART adds stakes placed to his record of one win, one second and one third in three career starts for owners Janet & Gary Kropp and Dialed In Racing. Shotthrutheheart is out of the stakes placed Western Fame mare, Chandlers Heart ($166,660) and was bred by Brian Weatherill.
On Sunday, Alberta bred SAVEITFORARAINYDAY placed second in the $75,000 Northlands Distaff Handicap for owner Tom Rycroft bringing her career earnings to $178,631. The Albertus Maximus six year old was bred by Stone Ranches and sold through the 2015 CTHS Thoroughbred Sale. Alberta bred SHIMSHINE placed third in the black type $75,000 Century Mile Handicap raising his lifetime earnings to $239,275 for owner White Pine Ranch Ltd. The five year old grades stakes placed Wilko gelding was bred by Wally Pugh and Andy Stronach.
Share
Understanding where Thoroughbreds go after their racing and breeding careers will advance the entire industry’s aftercare efforts and support welfare, accountability, and public trust in the sport.
The closing date for entries is November 12, 2025 and entry forms are available at cthsnational.com
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 -
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
September 22, 2025
Alberta Yearling Market Soars 47%
Red Deer, AB – The 2025 CTHS Alberta Thoroughbred sale delivered one of its strongest results in nearly two decades, with competitive bidding throughout the day and significant increases over recent years.
The CTHS Alberta is prou
September 15, 2025 News Release
Sale connections to the Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic nominees!
The 2025 CTHS Alberta Thoroughbred sale online catalogue is now live on the website at https://www.cthsalta.com/2025-cths-alberta-sale
Join us for the annual Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (Alberta Division) Yearling Sale — taking place on Friday, September 19th at 3:00 PM in the Agricentre East at Westerner Park,
On Tuesday August 12th, Thoroughbred OwnerView hosted the webinar "Buying at the Sales and Digital Sales". The webinar included some excellent discussions about both the in-person sales and the newest trend in digital sales. Please use the link to access the recorded version of the webinar.'
If you’re looking to responsibly retire your Thoroughbred, The Jockey Club provides a list of resources and programs to help you do so.
OTTB Profile is the first Equineline report centered on Thoroughbreds retiring from the track or enjoying their second careers.