cthsalta

Alberta Stallion Owners Earn Big Rewards!

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 19:26:03 GMT

It pays to own a stallion in Alberta!

The Thoroughbred Breed Improvement Program will provide $2,380,244 in incentives to the Alberta Thoroughbred industry this season, including a $100,000 stallion bonus. With such rewards in place, it continues to pay to own a stallion in Alberta. Stallion owners with Alberta-bred progeny earning $10,000 or more during the calendar year may qualify to share in the stallion bonus.

Alberta-bred progeny may also earn bonuses based on their purse earnings in Alberta races, and with one of the strongest purse structures in Canada outside Ontario, these opportunities allow Alberta-sired runners to compete and succeed while strengthening the reputation and value of the province’s stallions.

Quality stallions are essential to producing competitive Alberta-bred racehorses and sustaining a strong breeding industry. By supporting stallion owners and encouraging continued investment in Alberta’s stallion roster, the program helps ensure breeders have access to strong bloodlines and opportunities to develop successful runners.

Qualifying stallion owners last season shared in rewarding payouts with the Breed Improvement Bonus distributing a total of $100,000 to 29 stallions at 3.25%. The following stallions took the top five spots in the stallion bonus payout in 2025.

Fed Biz earned the top spot on the Stallion Bonus leaderboard with a bonus of $34,636 and total eligible progeny earnings of $938,962. The graded stakes-winning son of Giant’s Causeway stood at Highfield Stock Farm from 2021 through 2025 and is consistently ranked among Canada’s leading sires.

Leading the Alberta-bred runners for Fed Biz was Relaxgodoitramone, who earned $125,300 last season with four victories, including the CTHS Sales Stakes, Alberta Premier’s Futurity, and the Canadian Juvenile Stakes. The two-year-old gelding is owned and bred by Highfield Investment Group.

Additional Alberta-bred runners that contributed to Fed Biz topping the stallion bonus standings include Thatswhatimherefor, No More Lies, Kamal, Tango for the Soul, and Whatwomenwant.

The second-place stallion bonus of $8,557 was earned by the Distorted Humor son It’s No Joke , whose progeny recorded $231,965 in eligible earnings last year. It’s No Joke is owned by Dr. Don Gibb of Lethbridge. The stallion’s leading runner was We the Fringe, who posted $55,255 in eligible earnings during the season. The 2021 mare was bred by Pierre Esquirol and is owned by Biggs Racing. Fifteen additional It’s No Joke runners also contributed to the stallion’s bonus, including Briar’s Rose, Amusing Way, Justinflation, Kulsum, and Flashing Joker.

The Cape Canaveral influence is still seen in many successful Alberta-bred runners today where the late sire is ranked third on the stallion bonus earners list. The Mr. Prospector son Cape Canaveral spent many years at the top of the leaderboard in Canada and was the foundation sire for Highfield for fourteen years. Cape Canaveral earned a stallion bonus of $8,059 for Highfield Investment Group with total progeny earnings of $218,471. The leading Cape Canaveral runner last season was Wedge Pond with earnings of $37,076. The 2018 gelding is owned by Mitch Sutherland and was bred by Highfield Investment Group Inc. Definitely Italian, Sizzlin Rose, Rough Customer, and Tennessee Moses were also among the stable of twenty Cape Canaveral-sired runners whose performances helped place the sire among the leaders on the Alberta Stallion Bonus list.

Fourth on the list is Car Talk whose progeny earnings put the Bernardini son in fourth position among the leaders on the Alberta stallion bonus list. Car Talk earned a stallion bonus of $4,829 with total eligible progeny earnings of $130,901. The leading runner among the seven Car Talk runners was the 2022 gelding, Fancy Like That, with eligible earnings of $39,250. The 2022 gelding is owned by Theo Ward and bred by Empire Equestrian. Suddenly Famous, Tabula Rosso, Cassano and Maverikie also helped to earn the Cat Talk stallion bonus.

Rounding out the top five on the stallion bonus list is the Any Given Saturday son, Saturdaynitelite s, with a stallion bonus earned of $4,230. The Perry Pellerin owned sire had progeny earnings of $114,673 from twelve eligible runners. My Kind of Nite was the leading Saturdaynitelites runner with earnings of $15,532. The 2021 mare is owned by Perry Pellerin & Memory McCracken and was bred by Perry Pellerin. The fifteen Saturdaynitelites bonus earning runners also included names such as Babylikestorock, Turn It Loose, Dontbringmedown and Thrill of the Nite.

Exciting new stallions for the 2026 breeding season in Alberta include the Jimmy Creed son, Joey Freshwater and the Into Mischief son, Higher Standard. Joey Freshwater stands at Cambridge Park in St. Michael and Higher Standard stands at Esquirol Farms in Sherwood Park.

More information on these two new sires and other stallion listing information may be found on the new interactive national stallion directory on the CTHS National website at

https://www.cthsnational.com/stallion-directory , or find more information about the Horse Racing Alberta Thoroughbred Breed Improvement Program at https://www.cthsalta.com/breed-improvement-program

Counterforce Offers Exciting Opportunities to Alberta Breeders

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 16:30:02 GMT

Champion Sire Counterforce Brings Exciting Breeding Opportunities to Alberta!

Congratulations to the connections of Counterforce, who was named Champion Sire in British Columbia for 2025 at last night’s industry awards evening!

The son of Smart Strike has built an impressive resume, previously earning Champion BC Sire in 2022, while also being recognized that same year as Champion Freshman Sire in both British Columbia and Canada.

Now standing in Alberta for his second season, Alberta breeders are fortunate to have access to this proven sire whose progeny continue to make an impact on the racetrack.

Learn more about Counterforce at the New Interactive National Stallion Directory for 2026

https://www.cthsnational.com/stallion/2

#ABBreds #ThoroughbredBreeding #CanadianThoroughbreds #HorseRacingAB

Apprehend Standing in BC

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 17:13:24 GMT

The Arrogate son, Apprehend, is a G3 winner in British Columbia and a new track record setter in 2025 in the Century Mile Handicap

Now Standing I British Columbia , Apprehend, new track record setter in 2025 in the Century Mile Handicap.

For more information go to the cthsnational.com/stallion-directory online.

The Jockey Club Releases ID My Thoroughbred App

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 17:45:48 GMT

Thursday, February 19, 2026

Contact: Shannon Luce 859.224.2716

The Jockey Club Releases ID My Thoroughbred App

The Jockey Club today released the ID My Thoroughbred app, which allows users to access Thoroughbred information using a microchip number.

“The ID My Thoroughbred app is just one of the many tools The Jockey Club has provided to support the industry’s aftercare and traceability initiatives,” said James L. Gagliano, president and COO, The Jockey Club. “These initiatives are crucial to ensuring the welfare of Thoroughbreds throughout their lives, and we appreciate the collaboration among other industry organizations to make this a priority.”

When a Thoroughbred that has a microchip recorded with The Jockey Club is scanned or a valid microchip number is entered, the app provides the horse’s name and detailed markings. For the best experience and to access registration photos, customers are encouraged to enable location access.

“We developed the ID My Thoroughbred app to make identification simple and accessible while also strengthening the industry’s ability to track and understand where Thoroughbreds are throughout their lives,” said Kristin Werner, deputy general counsel and director of Industry Initiatives, The Jockey Club. “Knowing the location of Thoroughbreds that are no longer racing or breeding helps the industry strengthen aftercare efforts and promotes accountability and public trust in our sport.”

“We were excited to field-test the ID My Thoroughbred app with our sanctuary herd of retired broodmares. As a nonprofit dedicated to protecting retired Thoroughbred broodmares, accurate and immediate identification is essential to our work,” said Kyle Rothfus, co-Founder, Mareworthy Charities. “The ID My Thoroughbred app allows us to scan a microchip and instantly see a horse’s identity. That ease of identification, combined with location tagging, is a meaningful advancement in traceability and accountability across a Thoroughbred’s lifetime.

“One of the most unexpectedly fun parts of testing the app was seeing each horse’s registered photos. For us, it’s especially meaningful to see the mares in our sanctuary, now in their 20s, and glimpse what they looked like as foals. It’s a reminder that these horses have full, documented lives, not just careers.”

In addition to identifying Thoroughbreds, the app is integrated with Thoroughbred Connect so a user can indicate if a horse is in need of assistance or if they are willing to provide assistance for a horse.

“Thoroughbred Connect is a fantastic resource that connects a horse with someone who is willing to help care for it,” Werner said. “You can also access Thoroughbred Connect through Interactive Registration at registry.jockeyclub.com .”

The ID My Thoroughbred app is available for free through Google Play or the App Store .

The Jockey Club, founded in 1894 and dedicated to the improvement of Thoroughbred breeding and racing, is the breed registry for Thoroughbreds in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. In fulfillment of its mission, The Jockey Club provides support and leadership on a wide range of important industry initiatives, and directly or through subsidiaries, it serves the information and technology needs of the sport of Thoroughbred racing. Among its many supported initiatives are America’s Best Racing ( americasbestracing.net ), OwnerView ( ownerview.com ), and the Thoroughbred Incentive Program ( tjctip.com ).

Additional information is available at jockeyclub.com .

The Jockey Club of Canada Announces 2025 Sovereign Award Finalists

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 16:59:26 GMT

Alberta Bred BIG HUG Finalist in Champion Older Main Track Female

The Jockey Club of Canada Announces 2025 Sovereign Awards Finalists

February 13, 2026!

The Jockey Club of Canada is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2025 Sovereign Awards honouring Canada’s champions and recognizing their outstanding achievements in Canadian thoroughbred racing and breeding.

Congratulations to the connections of Alberta bred Champion Older Main Track Female category finalist Alberta bred BIG HUG. The Mr. Big runner had her best season ever in 2025 with $179,120 in earnings. Big Hug is owned by Empire Equestrian and Kerredge Farm and was bred by Chalet Stable. The six year old mare was sold through the 2021 CTHS Alberta Sale for $3,768.

The winner of each category, along with Canada’s Horse of the Year for 2025, will be announced during our 51st Annual Sovereign Award ceremony which will be held on the evening of Thursday, April 23, 2026 at Paramount Eventspace in Woodbridge, Ontario.

Please call or email the The Jockey Club of Canada for more information and to reserve your tickets today!

Tickets can also be purchased online at: https://jockeyclubcanada.com/online-payments/ .

https://jockeyclubcanada.com/

Go Hug Your Horse

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 23:23:56 GMT

A Legacy of Care

Shared with the bill of sale, this quote serves as a reminder of the care, planning, and people behind each Thoroughbred — beginning with the mating and continuing throughout the horse’s lifetime.

Alberta Bred Thoroughbreds Drive Owner Incentive Earnings

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 21:26:54 GMT

The Owners’ Bonus program continues to deliver real, measurable value to Alberta horsemen.

Alberta-Bred Thoroughbreds Drive Owner Incentive Earnings

Calgary, AB – As owners plan for the 2026 racing season, the Alberta Horsemen’s Benevolent and

Protective Association (HBPA), in partnership with Horse Racing Alberta, highlights the continued

strength and stability of Alberta’s Thoroughbred incentive structure through the Horse Racing Alberta

Thoroughbred Breed Improvement Program. In 2025, an amount of $627,495 was earned by owners

through the Owners’ Bonus, reinforcing the program’s role in supporting competitive, sustainable

racing for Alberta-bred Thoroughbreds.

A total of $597,495 was awarded to owners of Alberta-foaled racehorses of all ages who finished win,

place, or show in all eligible sanctioned races in Alberta, with a minimum purse of $9,000 and entered

at or above a $6,250 claiming price. In 2025, the Owners’ Bonus represented 34% of the earnings

from all races meeting the eligibility requirements at Alberta racetracks.

Mike Vanin, Executive Director of the HBPA of Alberta, emphasized the continued impact of the

program, noting that “the Owners’ Bonus program continues to deliver real, measurable value to

Alberta horsemen. Seeing more than $627,000 returned directly to owners in 2025 reinforces that

Alberta-bred Thoroughbreds are a sound and competitive investment. Programs like this are

essential to maintaining a healthy horse population, rewarding commitment to local breeding, and

ensuring long-term stability for Thoroughbred racing in Alberta.”

Leading Owners and Bonus Earners

Empire Equestrian and Kerredge Farm top the 2025 Owners’ Bonus earners list with a bonus of

$47,300. Their leading bonus-earning runner was the Champion Older Mare, Alberta-bred and Horse

of the Year, Big Hug. The Mr. Big mare captured three eligible victories, including the black-type R.A.

Red McKenzie Handicap, R.K. Red Smith Handicap, and Lynn Chouinard Handicap, and added a

second-place finish in the Northlands Dista�� Handicap, earning $105,000 in qualifying winnings.

Their Car Talk runner, Suddenly Famous, also made a significant contribution with $24,850 in eligible

earnings from two wins, two seconds, and two thirds in claiming races.

Curtis Landry ranks second on the Owners’ Bonus list with an impressive $28,870 Owners’ Bonus

awarded. Itsallgoodman was his main contributor with $77,500 in eligible winnings from two

Allowance Race victories, a win in the black-type Spangled Jimmy Handicap, a second-place finish

in the Century Mile Handicap, and a third in an Allowance race. The stakes-winning Speightster

gelding sold through the 2022 CTHS Alberta Sale for $23,000. Little Did We Know also contributed

$5,600 in eligible earnings toward Landry’s total. The Fed Biz gelding was purchased at the 2024

CTHS Alberta Sale for $28,000.

Third on the Owners’ Bonus list is Highfield Investment Group Inc., earning a total bonus of $21,192.

Their leading runner, Relaxgodoitramone, contributed $56,800 in eligible earnings, highlighted by a

Canadian Juvenile Stakes victory, a Maiden Special Weight win, and a second-place finish in the

Kindergarten Stakes. The Goldencents filly Hope Shines added $2,400, while the Oxbow gelding

Rumohr Reigns contributed $1,800.

Empire Equestrian secured fourth place on the Owners’ Bonus list with $20,254 earned.

Thiscatsgotspeed was their leading bonus earner, posting $22,500 in eligible earnings from two wins

and two seconds in claiming and starter allowance races. Additional bonus earners for Empire

Equestrian included Caravalla, Cassano, El Correcaminos, Fancy Like That, and Tabula Rosso, who

combined to contribute $35,800 in eligible earnings.

Rounding out the top five is Biggs Racing, with a total Owners’ Bonus of $19,282. It’s No Joke sired

We the Fringe led the way with $38,700 in eligible earnings, recording two wins, two seconds, and

two thirds in allowance races during the season. It’s No Joke runner Justinflation added $16,800 in

eligible earnings with a win in a Maiden Special Weight race.

North American Bonus Program

In 2025, the Horse Racing Alberta Thoroughbred Breed Improvement Program introduced the North

American Bonus, making $30,000 available to owners of Alberta-foaled horses placing in eligible

Allowance races with purses over $40,000 and open stakes races with purses over $50,000 outside

Alberta across North America. This initiative paid a 20% bonus to eligible owners.

Congratulations to all recipients of the Alberta Owners’ Bonus this season, and sincere thanks to

Horse Racing Alberta for their continued support in making the Thoroughbred Breed Improvement

Program possible.

Owners of Alberta-breds earn more!

Read the entire news release at:

January 12, 2026 Alberta Bred Thoroughbreds Drive Owner Incentive Earnings

Four Key Incentive Program for 2026

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 22:31:44 GMT

Four key incentive programs designed to encourage breeding, foaling, purchasing, and developing horses right here in Alberta!

Happy New Year to our CTHS Members!

As we head into 2026 , we’d like to wish all our breeders, owners, and industry partners a successful and rewarding year ahead.

In partnership with Horse Racing Alberta through Breed Improvement Funding, the CTHS (Alberta Division) is excited to continue supporting Alberta-bred Thoroughbreds through four key incentive programs designed to encourage breeding, foaling, purchasing, and developing horses right here in Alberta.

Several of these programs have limited capacity , so we encourage members to review the details and apply early where applicable.

2026–2027 Maiden & Open Mare Program

Up to $2,500 per eligible mare

This program supports registered Thoroughbred mares that have not produced a Thoroughbred foal in 2025 or 2026 and foal in Alberta in 2027 .

Funding:

$2,500 – Foals sired by an Alberta-based stallion
$1,500 – Foals sired by an out-of-province stallion
Limited to first 30 applications

Application Deadline: August 1, 2026

Maiden & Open Mare Program Details

2026 Foal in Alberta Program

$1,500 per eligible mare

Encouraging breeders to foal new mares in Alberta and strengthen the provincial foal crop.

Program Limit: 21 mares (first-come, first-served)

Application Deadline: August 1, 2026

Foal in Alberta Program Details

2025-2026 Mare Purchase Program

Up to $5,000 reimbursement + $1,500 Alberta Stallion Bonus

Current Program Window:

Purchases made between August 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026
Mare must foal in Alberta in 2026

(The 2026–2027 Mare Purchase Program parameters will be reviewed following the conclusion of the current cycle)

Application Deadline: August 1, 2026

Mare Purchase Program Details

2026 Two-Year-Old Development Program

$1,500 per Alberta-bred starter

First official start on Alberta Racetrack
Limited to the first 35 qualifying starters
Must be a registered Alberta Bred
No application required

Two-Year-Old Development Program Details

�� How to Apply (Mare Programs Only)

�� Submit completed applications to before August 1 2026:

cthsweb@cthsalta.com

All programs require current CTHS (Alberta) Full Membership in good standing.

Please ensure you review the full program guidelines, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines prior to submitting an application. Incomplete or late applications may not be considered. Application are on a first come first serve basis.

Thank you for your continued support of Alberta’s Thoroughbred industry. We wish all our breeders the very best of luck this season — and here’s to making 2026 a great year for Alberta-bred Thoroughbreds.

Warm regards,

CTHS (Alberta Division)

Thank you for a successful 2025 Season!

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 17:28:55 GMT

Thank You for a Successful 2025 Season

Dear Members and Industry Partners,

As the 2025 season comes to a close, we would like to sincerely thank our breeders, owners, horsepeople, workers, volunteers, partners, sponsors, and stakeholders for the commitment, passion, and collaboration that continue to support Alberta’s Thoroughbred industry.

This past year reflected the value of continued collaboration across the industry. Through strong participation and shared effort, Alberta’s Thoroughbred racing and breeding programs continued to provide support across all levels of involvement.

We are grateful for the continued support of Horse Racing Alberta through the Breeder Improvement Program (BIP). In 2025, more than $720,000 in breeder bonuses were distributed through BIP, providing breeders with a 25% bonus that was reinvested directly into Alberta’s provincial breeding industry. In addition, the HBPA distributed over $620,000 in owner bonuses at a 35% rate, further supporting owners and encouraging participation within Alberta racing.

Through HRA BIP CTHS is also pleased to distribute over $148,000 through industry programs, including the Open and Maiden Mare Program, Foal in Alberta Program, Mare Purchase Program, and 2YO Program, initiatives designed to strengthen the long-term health and sustainability of the breed. All of these programs will be available again in 2026.

Throughout the year, with the continued support of our sponsors and partners, CTHS hosted multiple industry events that welcomed over 600 attendees, creating opportunities to connect, share ideas, and celebrate the people behind the horses and the industry. These gatherings reflect the strength, engagement, and collaboration within our community.

The 2025 CTHS Yearling Sale marked an important milestone, achieving its highest gross in over a decade at $1,024,600. This year also marked the launch of CTHS’s first digital sale across Canada, helping to build a foundation and create new opportunities for horse trade and market access nationwide.

In addition, 2025 marked the first year the Alberta Fall Classic purse increased to $60,000, reflecting continued investment in premier racing opportunities and the growth of Alberta-bred stakes racing.

As we look ahead to 2026, our focus remains on supporting breeders and owners, encouraging participation, and working collaboratively across the industry to build a strong and sustainable future.

Thank you for being part of a successful 2025 season. We look forward to continuing this momentum together in the years ahead.

With appreciation,

Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society

Alberta Division

Breeders of Alberta Bred Thoroughbreds Earn Big Rewards!

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 16:48:40 GMT

A total of $721,495 was distributed through the 2025 Breeders’ Bonus as part of the Horse Racing Alberta Thoroughbred Breed Improvement Program!

For Immediate Release: Breeders of Alberta-Bred Thoroughbreds Earn Big Rewards

Calgary, AB – December 15, 2025 – The Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (Alberta Division), in partnership with Horse Racing Alberta, is pleased to announce that a total of $721,495 was distributed through the 2025 Breeders’ Bonus as part of the Horse Racing Alberta Thoroughbred Breed Improvement Program. Thanks to generous funding through the program, qualifying breeders are now reaping the benefits of their hard work and dedication to producing top-tier racehorses.

A total of $691,495 was awarded to breeders of Alberta-foaled horses of all ages who finished 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in sanctioned Alberta races with five or more starters that carried a minimum purse of $9,000 and had horses entered at or above a $6,250 claiming price. This year’s bonus accounts for 25% of the earnings from all races meeting the eligibility requirements at Alberta racetracks in 2025.

Leading Breeders and Bonus Earners

Pierre Esquirol topped the 2025 Breeders’ Bonus list with $91,802 earned. His leading runner, the Cross Traffic filly Hiway Fortynine, delivered eligible earnings of $107,000 from three wins, one second, and two thirds in seven starts. The outstanding two-year-old captured the Sturgeon River Stakes and the CTHS Alberta Sales Stakes, while also placing in the Freedom of the City Stakes and finishing third in both the Princess Margaret and Kindergarten Stakes.

Additional Esquirol-bred bonus earners included: AH Touche, Alberta Ice, Briar’s Rose, Diamond Di, Goldie Socks, Pump the Brakes, We the Fringe, Pacheco, Kulsum, Kiss Me Hello, Jeff Fa Fa, Jackpot Bar, and Marrymeingeorgia.

Highfield Investment Group Inc. finished second with $90,347 in Breeders’ Bonus earnings. Their standout was the Fed Biz colt Relaxgodoitramone, who amassed $122,800 in eligible earnings and secured four wins, including the Canadian Juvenile Stakes, Alberta Premier’s Futurity, and the CTHS Alberta Sales Stakes. Other key contributors to Highfield’s successful season included Cape Comander, Rumohr Reigns, Absolut John, Flash for Dani, Wedge Pond, Cape’s Legacy, Destin to Be Great, Hope Shines, Knowing Glance, Miss Hottie, Whatwomenwant, Bri’s Boy, and First Infantry.

In third position was Stone Ranches, earning $43,019. Their Speightster gelding Itsallgoodman recorded the best season of his career, with victories in the black-type Spangled Jimmy Handicap, Red Diamond Express Handicap, and the CTHS Alberta Sales Stakes. He finished 2025 with $143,500 in eligible earnings from five wins, two seconds, and one third in ten starts. Bootiful Rose, City Ballett, and Forgotten Man also contributed to Stone Ranches’ strong results.

Chalet Stable secured fourth place with $34,827 in bonus earnings, led by their exceptional mare Big Hug, who earned $141,000 in eligible earnings. The Mr. Big mare captured the black-type R.A. Red McKenzie Handicap, R.K. Red Smith Handicap, Alberta Fall Classic Distaff Handicap, and the black-type Lynn Chouinard Founders Distaff Handicap. Big Hug won four races and placed second in another during her outstanding 2025 campaign.

Rounding out the top five was Empire Equestrian, earning $32,469. Their Car Talk-sired three-year-old Fancy Like That led the stable with $38,750 in eligible earnings, posting one win, two seconds, and two thirds from six starts. Supporting earners included Caravella, Cassano, Cranberry Chill, El Correcaminos, Suddenly Famous, Tabula Rosso, and Thiscatsgotspeed.

North American Bonus Program

New in 2025, the Horse Racing Alberta Thoroughbred Breed Improvement Program introduced the North American Bonus, which made $30,000 available for breeders of Alberta-foaled horses placing in eligible Allowance races over $40,000 and Stakes races over $50,000 at racetracks outside Alberta. The program paid a 20% bonus to these breeders.

A total of $8,472 was earned through this incentive in 2025, with the remaining funds added back into the main Breeders’ Bonus pool.

Boe and Janet Stone earned a $2,652 bonus for the success of their runner The Wright Way, whose season included a second in the CTHS Sales Stakes and a third in the Debutante Stakes at Assiniboia Downs.

Esquirol-bred three-year-old Coal Boy added a $1,020 bonus for his third-place finish in The Golden Boy Stakes at Assiniboia Downs.

Big Hug earned Chalet Stable an additional $4,800 for her two third-place finishes in the G3 La Canada Stakes and G3 Wilshire Stakes at Santa Anita.

This program remains one of the strongest regional breeder incentives in North America, directly supporting the continued production of competitive Alberta-bred Thoroughbreds.

Congratulations to all recipients of the Alberta Breeders’ Bonus Programs this season, and our sincere appreciation to Horse Racing Alberta for their generous support through the Thoroughbred Breed Improvement Program.

It Pays to Breed in Alberta.

Media Contact:
Lindsay Ward
Communications | CTHS Alberta
403-229-3609
wardlind@cthsalta.com

###

Thoroughbred percentage of the horses competing at the WNFR

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 20:48:44 GMT

2025 WNFR Pedigree Analysis ... one thing remains constant – all the timed-event horses at the WNFR have Thoroughbred ancestry. The most prolific of those ancestors is the Thoroughbred stallion Three Bars .

The 2025 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo will take place December 4th-13th at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event will showcase the top fifteen Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping and bull riding. The top contestants of the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association will also be competing at the WNFR. However, due to the ongoing EHV-1 outbreak, the breakaway roping has been postponed. The barrel racing will still proceed, but several contestants will be borrowing horses.

This WNFR will look a little different than in years past, but one thing remains constant – all the timed-event horses at the WNFR have Thoroughbred ancestry. The most prolific of those ancestors is the Thoroughbred stallion Three Bars . Most of the horses also trace back to Top Deck , Depth Charge, Jackstraw, Spotted Bull and Azure Te . More recent influxes of Thoroughbred blood come from stallions such as Beduino , Raise Your Glass , Reb’s Policy, Master Hand and Leinster House .

Examining the pedigrees of modern Quarter Horses makes the Thoroughbred influence hard to ignore. To illustrate this, The Western Thoroughbred went back eight generations and calculated the Thoroughbred percentage of the horses competing at the WNFR.

Credit to The Western Thoroughbred for the article.

Highlights of Alberta breds in the Open Stakes Season

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 18:37:27 GMT

The 2025 Alberta Thoroughbred racing season unfolded as a showcase of consistency and rising homegrown talent across both northern and southern meets.

The 2025 Alberta Thoroughbred racing season unfolded as a showcase of consistency, resilience, and rising homegrown talent across both northern and southern meets. Beginning May 2nd at Century Mile Racetrack & Casino and concluding November 1st at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino, the season featured twenty one open stakes, seven Alberta Breeders’ Fall Classic races, four Sales Stakes and two Sires Stakes. Throughout it all, Alberta-breds delivered standout performances that underscored the strength and progression of the province’s breeding program.

While stakes races restricted to local horses highlight the depth of Albertan bloodstock, open stakes races serve a different purpose: they offer an opportunity for any horse—regardless of origin—to compete on equal terms. When an Alberta-bred steps into that broader arena and succeeds, it reinforces the growing competitiveness and sound conditioning of horses raised in the province. This season, three such runners—Big Hug, Itsallgoodman, and Relaxgodoitramone—rose to the challenge with style.

The first breakthrough for Alberta breds came on June 27 at Century Mile, when two Alberta-breds swept key open stakes events. Champion Alberta-bred, Champion Older Mare, and Horse of the Year Big Hug powered to victory in the $50,000 R.A. Red Mackenzie Handicap, followed by an impressive win from Itsallgoodman in the $50,000 Spangled Jimmy Handicap. The pair set the tone for a season where local runners proved ready to compete at all levels.

For Big Hug, it was only the beginning of another dominant campaign. The five-year-old daughter of Mr. Big went on to add the $50,000 RK Red Smith Handicap, the $60,000 Alberta Fall Classic Distaff Handicap and the black-type $50,000 Lynn Chouinard Founders Distaff Handicap to her growing list of accomplishments. Racing for Empire Equestrian and Kerredge Farm and bred by Chalet Stable, Big Hug entered the season already a multiple graded stakes placed runner and left it with 17 wins in 32 starts and $642,374 in career earnings. Remarkably, she began her journey as a CTHS Alberta sale graduate purchased for only $3,877—a reminder that the province continues to produce quality runners at every price point.

Itsallgoodman, bred and consigned by Stone Ranches, put together his most impressive campaign to date. In addition to the Spangled Jimmy, he captured the $60,000 Red Diamond Express Handicap before heading south to Century Downs, where he added the $50,000 CTHS Sales Stake. The Speightster gelding—bought for $24,435 at the 2022 CTHS Alberta sale by owner Curtis Landry—finished the Century Mile meet second overall in both wins and earnings. He closed the season with 9 wins from 22 starts and career earnings of $348,655, marking him as one of the province’s most reliable and durable performers.

The rising juvenile star of 2025 was Relaxgodoitramone, the Fed Biz colt bred and owned by Highfield Investment Group. After securing the $50,000 Canadian Juvenile Stakes, he continued his momentum with victory in the $60,000 Alberta Premier’s Futurity and then extended his success into the fall meet with a win in the CTHS Alberta Sales Stakes at Century Downs. Out of Highfield’s Cape Canaveral mare Heartless Sofiya, he concluded his first season with 4 wins from 9 starts and $127,086 in earnings—an exceptional beginning for a colt who showed speed, versatility, and maturity beyond his age.

Fittingly, all three open-stakes-winning Alberta-breds returned to shine on Alberta Breeders’ Fall Classic Day on September 13th. Big Hug took the Distaff, Itsallgoodman captured the Red Diamond Express, and Relaxgodoitramone claimed the Alberta Premier’s Futurity. Their collective achievements carried them to second, third, and fourth place on the Century Mile leaderboard by both wins and earnings.

Through a competitive and well-supported 2025 season, Alberta-breds once again demonstrated that they are capable of excelling in every stakes environment. Whether facing familiar rivals or stepping into broader company, these horses underscored the continued growth and potential of the Alberta breeding industry.

Cambridge Park is happy to announce multiple GSW Joey Freshwater - G3 will be standing in Alberta for the 2026 season.

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 20:44:48 GMT

Cambridge Park is happy to announce multiple GSW Joey Freshwater - G3 will be standing in Alberta for the 2026 season.

16:6-2-2 LTE $480,780 USD

The son of Jimmy Creed, winner of the 2023 G3 Bay Shore Stakes and the 2024 G3 Runhappy Stakes. A career best 105 Beyer and his win in the 2024 Runhappy being the fastest six furlongs in Nth America, which was quicker than the 2024 Breeder's Cup Sprint winner.

He will be standing to a limited book of mares for his 2026 season at $2500 CAD S&N.

First foals hit the ground in 2026, in California.

For mare nominations contact Cambridge Park.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553591769316

James 780-721-5458

Yvette 587-589-8347

Albertans Active at the 2025 Keeneland Breeding Stock Sale

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 18:24:54 GMT

The Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale has long been known as the marketplace where the future of the Thoroughbred industry begins. This year was no exception, as the 82nd edition of the sale delivered record-setting energy—and strong participation from Alberta breeders building their next generation of racing and broodmare stars.

Keeneland reported that the 2025 November Breeding Stock Sale concluded with $237.45 million in through-the-ring sales, plus nearly $8.45 million in post-sales, for a total of $245.9 million. This marks the highest-grossing November Sale since 2007 and continues a historic auction year for the Thoroughbred industry. By comparison, the 2007 November Sale grossed $340,877,220 over 15 sessions and included horses in training, a group that was separated into its own stand-alone November Horses of Racing Age Sale beginning in 2022.

From November 4–11, Keeneland sold 1,891 horses through the ring for $237,456,400, a 26.60% increase over last year’s nine-day auction. The world once again gathered in Kentucky, seeking foundation mares, future producers, and the next wave of elite racing prospects.

“When I think of the November Sale, the word ‘future’ really does come to mind,” said Conrad Bandoroff of Denali Stud, which sold 59 horses for $14,016,500. “Whether it be your next Book 1 yearling or your next foundation mare, it starts here. This is where people look to source them. The world comes together to buy the future of their broodmare band or racing stable.”

Albertans were part of that global momentum, making strategic purchases and investing boldly in their long-term breeding plans.

Cal Britton purchased Hip 2601 in Session 7 for $3,000, a weanling colt by Mo Donegal, whose first foals are yearlings of 2025. Mo Donegal is a son of champion two-year-old colt and leading sire Uncle Mo, and the colt’s dam is an unraced Lord Nelson mare named Pinhooker.

In Session 4, Barry Doud secured Hip 1075 for $35,000. The mare, Zawish, is a six-year-old daughter of Mshawish, a black-type placed winner out of the Malibu Moon mare Zadina, and is believed to be in foal to Complexity.

Jim and Susan Hill were active buyers as well, adding three quality weanlings in Session 4. Their first purchase, Hip 1087 for $47,000, is a filly by Maximus Mischief out of the Street Sense mare Amalfi Spritz, a full sister to black-type winner Champagne Anyone. They followed with Hip 1267 for $80,000, a colt by Charlatan—the Speightstown son whose first foals are two-year-olds of 2025—out of the accomplished graded stakes mare Keertana ($1,031,938), a proven producer of four winners including Ticonderoga (US$431,470). The Hills’ third addition was Hip 1323, a weanling filly by Maxfield. Her dam is a Tapiture daughter and full sister to multiple graded stakes-placed Li’l Tootsie (US$589,718), making this filly a particularly exciting long-term broodmare prospect.

Doug Oberg added to the Alberta buying strength in Session 4 with two weanlings. Hip 1074, purchased for $15,000, is the first foal out of the Muhaarar mare Ya Beauty, sired by Olympiad, whose first foals are yearlings of 2025. Oberg also purchased Hip 1205 for $12,000, a filly by Horse of the Year Knicks Go out of multiple graded stakes placed Fiera Nocturna. His buying continued into Session 8 with Hip 2717, a $3,000 weanling colt out of Xoxo, a Majestic Warrior daughter and proven race mare who has produced three winners including Butler Cabin (US$135,440).

Starline Thoroughbreds made a strong presence as well, selecting six weanlings across multiple sessions. Their purchases included Hip 1715 in Session 5, a Flameaway colt acquired for $3,000 out of the Mizzen Mast mare Mercurial, producer of two winners. They followed with Hip 2176 for $5,000, a Vino Rosso filly out of the Speightstown mare Pilot Episode, a full sister to Canadian champion two-year-old filly and multiple graded stakes-placed Bold Script. In Session 7 they added Hip 2456 for $3,500, a colt by War of Will out of the Pioneer of the Nile mare Getting Lucky. Their Session 8 additions included Hip 2711 for $1,500, a colt by Thousand Words out of Wicked Tap, a Pleasant Tap mare and producer of five winners including Undecoded ($159,967); Hip 2735 for $1,500, a Dialed In colt and first foal out of the Astern mare Astern Affairs; and Hip 2801 for $1,200, a filly by Global Campaign out of the Ghostzapper mare Espiritu.

Stone Ranches Ltd. added a blue-blooded mare to their program with the purchase of Hip 2726, the Dynaformer daughter Alpha Centauri, for $2,000. Alpha Centauri sold for $600,000 as a weanling, and her dam, Prima Centauri, is a half-sister to multiple graded stakes winner Etoile Montante. She has produced four winners from six to race and is believed to be in foal to Vino Rosso.

Workwize Ent. Stables also made a notable addition to their breeding program with the acquisition of Hip 3005, the City Zip mare Catch a Thrill, purchased for $2,500. Catch a Thrill is out of the stakes-winning mare Successfully Sweet, who has produced five winners from six foals to race, including the multiple graded stakes-placed runner Confrontation ($398,875). Catch a Thrill is believed to be in foal to the Awesome Again son, Sir Winston, offering Alberta breeders another exciting broodmare prospect with proven pedigree power.

Looking ahead, Albertans who purchased in-foal mares have a major incentive to act now. The CTHS Alberta Mare Purchase Program is open to support buyers acquiring in-foal Thoroughbred mares located outside Alberta between October 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026** through public auctions or digital platforms. Eligible purchasers can receive a 40% reimbursement (up to $5,000 CAD) on qualifying mares, plus an additional $1,500 bonus if the mare is bred back to an Alberta stallion. To qualify, mares must foal in Alberta under program residency requirements.

Further information is available at: https://www.cthsalta.com/programs/marepurchaseprogram

https://www.keeneland.com/sales/

*Dollars in US for article

From Alberta to the Breeders Cup

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 16:13:38 GMT

MAJESTIC OOPS, bred by Albertans Bill & Sandy Dory and Gary & Janet Kropp, is set to take on the best fillies and mares in the world in the $2 Million Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff (Grade 1)!

FROM ALBERTA TO THE BREEDERS’ CUP!

This Saturday, the eyes of the racing world turn to Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in Southern California — and Alberta fans have extra reason to cheer!

MAJESTIC OOPS , bred by Albertans Bill & Sandy Dory and Gary & Janet Kropp, is set to take on the best fillies and mares in the world in the $2 Million Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff (Grade 1)!

This remarkable mare’s journey is the stuff of dreams — a one-time claimer who rose through the ranks to earn her place among the elite. After collecting her first black-type victory this year, Majestic Oops has proven she belongs on the world’s biggest stage.

In 2025 alone, she captured the $200,000 Dig a Diamond Stakes at Oaklawn Park and went on to score in the Lady’s Secret Stakes (Listed) at Monmouth Park. She’s since held her own against top company, finishing second in the Molly Pitcher Stakes (G3) and third in the Ballerina Stakes (G1) — an incredible record that showcases her heart, talent, and determination.

Bred by Albertans through and through, this daughter of Majestic Harbor out of Miss Oops (by Olmodavor) has now earned more than $645,000 CAD in her career and continues to make her home province proud.

From the Alberta prairies to the Pacific coast, Majestic Oops carries the heart and grit of Alberta horse racing with her every stride. Let’s rally behind her breeders, owners, and connections as she chases championship glory in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Distaff — a race that has crowned legends like Zenyatta.

Another story to cheer for with Alberta connections is the runner Oops and Downs, a full sister to Majestic Oops. Oops and Downs was also bred by Albertans Bill & Sandy Dory and Gary & Janet Kropp and the four year old mare is owned by Sublime Stables and Janet Kropp. Carson Frey, a respected Alberta trainer since 1999, was the trainer for Oops and Downs during her racing career here in Alberta for much of last year and this season.

Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) – Saturday at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club

Purse: $2 Million USD

Distance: 1 ⅛ Miles

Category: The World’s Best Fillies & Mares

https://www.breederscup.com/horses/entries/distaff

Read the full article by Curtis Stock: From Claiming Castoff to Stakes Star: Majestic Oops Shocks the Field

https://thehorses.com/.../4935-from-claiming-castoff-to...

Photo Credit: Majestic Oops Wins the $200,000 Dig A Diamond Stakes - Coady Media Oaklawn

#GoMajesticOops #ProudlyAlbertaBred #AlbertaToTheWorld #BreedersCup2025 #TeamAlberta #CTHSAlberta #ThoroughbredRacing #DelMar #AlbertaPride #MajesticOops #OopsAndDowns #CarsonFrey

The Jockey Club Launches Traceability Survey

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 17:12:30 GMT

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.

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Contact: Shannon Luce 859.224.2716

News Release: The Jockey Club Launches Traceability Survey

The Jockey Club today announced the launch of its traceability survey, which records the status of a Thoroughbred, including the horse’s use and location, so that the industry can better understand the whereabouts of Thoroughbreds that have retired from breeding and racing. Respondents can also provide additional information about the horse to help generate data on the lives of retired Thoroughbreds.

“With the traceability survey, we hope everyone who owns, leases, or boards a retired or unraced Thoroughbred will voluntarily report the horse’s status to help us improve traceability,” said Kristin Werner, deputy general counsel and director of Industry Initiatives, The Jockey Club. “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 Jockey Club requests all Thoroughbred owners complete the survey, which should take only a few minutes per horse, by June 30, 2026, but the survey will remain open so owners can update their horse’s future status. In July, The Jockey Club will assess the survey responses, and an analysis of the responses will be provided at the 2026 Round Table Conference.

An Interactive Registration (IR) account, which is free at registry.jockeyclub.com , is required to complete the survey. Once logged on to IR, click Traceability Survey .

The survey is part of The Jockey Club’s ongoing Traceability Initiative, which was announced at the 2023 Round Table Conference. The survey targets older horses born in 2017 and prior with paper certificates of foal registration, complementing the digital certificate traceability prompts that began in 2024.

For horses with no survey response, The Jockey Club Registry will follow up with emails to the last known connections of horses born in 2017 and prior with paper certificates of foal registration that do not have a Thoroughbred Incentive Program number or Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance activity and have not been reported as exported, deceased, or breeding stock. Connections of horses with a digital certificate will also receive follow-up notices from the Registry.

The Jockey Club Traceability Initiative helps track Thoroughbreds after their breeding and racing careers, estimate the current population, and improve traceability. Analysis of information submitted through the initiative will enable The Jockey Club to more effectively direct information and resources regarding a horse’s transition from racehorse to second career.

Resources for horse owners looking to find new careers for their Thoroughbreds can be found on The Jockey Club’s website at bit.ly/tjctbcareers .

Owners wishing to retire their horse from racing should use the Transferred as Retired from Racing process, which will permanently retire the horse.

The Jockey Club, founded in 1894 and dedicated to the improvement of Thoroughbred breeding and racing, is the breed registry for Thoroughbreds in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. In fulfillment of its mission, The Jockey Club provides support and leadership on a wide range of important industry initiatives, and directly or through subsidiaries, it serves the information and technology needs of the sport of Thoroughbred racing. Among its many supported initiatives are America’s Best Racing ( americasbestracing.net ), OwnerView ( ownerview.com ), and the Thoroughbred Incentive Program ( tjctip.com ).

Additional information is available at jockeyclub.com .

SAVE THE DATE 2025 CTHS National Digital Sale

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 23:49:33 GMT

The closing date for entries is November 12, 2025 and entry forms are available at cthsnational.com

2025 NATIONAL DIGITAL MIXED SALE

November 20 to November 25, 2025

Bidding Opens: November 20 at 9:00 a.m. EST (7 am Alberta)

Bidding Closes: November 25 at 8:00 p.m. EST (6 pm Alberta)

Entry Deadline: Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Entry Fees:

$339.00 per horse (includes $39.00 HST) – Ontario

$315.00 per horse (includes $15.00 GST) – Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Quebec & Saskatchewan

$300.00 per horse (No GST/HST) – Non-Residents

Commission: 5% for a sold horse | No commission for RNA

Sale Categories:

Breeding Stock · Weanlings · Yearlings · Stallion Shares · Horses of Racing Age

Enter today and learn more at: cthsnational.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Julie Coulter Email: jcoulter@cthsnational.com Phone: 416-675-1370

CTHS National Announces First-Ever Canadian Digital Mixed Sale

September 29, 2025 – Etobicoke, ON

The Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (CTHS) and all of its Provincial Divisions are proud to jointly announce our inaugural Canadian Digital Mixed Sale, taking place November 20–25, 2025. Providing a nationwide sale will expand the marketplace giving sellers access to more potential buyers across the country while offering buyers a broader selection in one convenient sale.

The sale will be powered by our new digital auction platform delivering maximum visibility for sellers and a smooth, user-friendly experience for buyers anywhere.

"Canada is a vast country, and this digital platform now gives us the ability to come together under one roof," said CTHS National and Ontario president David Anderson. “Our breeders and owners need a marketplace that allows them to trade stock efficiently, and this initiative delivers exactly that. I congratulate all of the provinces and their respective boards for uniting for the first time to make this a true national effort.”

The closing date for entries is November 12, 2025 and entry forms are available at cthsnational.com . The sale will include Breeding Stock, Weanlings, Yearlings, Stallion Shares, and Horses of Racing Age. Bidding opens at 9:00 a.m. EST on November 20th and closes at 8:00 p.m. EST on November 25th . The 2025 National Digital Mixed Sale sets a new standard for access, exposure and convenience in Canadian thoroughbred sales. We are confident that both sellers and buyers will appreciate and embrace the new CTHS platform with all the benefits and advantages it provides.

Enter today and learn more at: cthsnational.com

Racing, Rewards & Celebration: Don't Miss the 2025 Sales Stakes Festival

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 20:48:46 GMT

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 -

Alberta Yearling Market Soars 47%

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 15:17:04 GMT

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.

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 proud to announce that the sale generated a gross of $1,024,600 , representing a 47% increase over the 2024 gross of $699,000. This year, 73 yearlings sold with a 10% RNA and 17% Buy Back rate. The 2025 sale posted an average price of $14,036 , up 12% from the 2024 average of $12,482.14, while the median increased to $10,000 over last year’s $9,850. These gains underscore the continued growth and resilience of the Alberta market.

The sales topper, Hip 52 – Vekoma’s Pride , captured the spotlight when the yearling sold for $72,000 to Norm Tremblay, Agent , from the consignment of Doug Oberg . This represents the highest-priced yearling sold in Alberta since 2015 . Vekoma’s Pride, a gelding by the exciting young sire Vekoma out of the winning mare Janae, stood out for his athletic build and pedigree strength.

Vekoma himself was a stakes winner of six races, earning $1,245,525 , including victories in the Grade 1 Runhappy Metropolitan Handicap and the Grade 1 Carter Handicap . His first foals are just three-year-olds of 2025, yet he has already sired 12 stakes winners, one champion, and 84 winners of 135 races, with progeny earnings over $8.5 million . Among his top performers is Golden Vekoma ($1,068,145, Longines U.A.E. Two Thousand Guineas-G3). On the dam side, Janae adds proven racing ability and black-type depth, strengthening this yearling’s appeal as a future performer. The combination of sire power and maternal quality made Hip 52 one of the most coveted offerings of the sale and a clear signal of Alberta’s ability to attract buyers seeking serious racing prospects.

The top five prices of the sale further illustrate the strength of the market. Hip 52 – Vekoma’s Pride – at $72,000, followed by Hip 37 – a filly by Reload out of Ennis Lady – at $53,000. Hip 105 – a colt by Stanford out of Mischief Free – commanded $47,000, while Hip 104 – a colt by Classic Empire out of Into the Stars – brought $41,000. Rounding out the list was Hip 73 – a colt by Bakken out of My Special Angel – selling for $40,000. Together, these highlights reflect a deep and competitive marketplace, with strong demand across a range of sires and families.

Beyond the sales toppers, the market showed healthy depth. Highfield Investment Group led all consignors, grossing $104,000 from five yearlings sold. Their standout was Hip 37 , a filly by Reload, who brought $53,000 when purchased by Stetson Ent Ltd., Ryan Stetson, Stetsco Inc., Everblack Cattle Co.

On the buying side, Al Pitchko topped all purchasers with seven yearlings acquired for $152,000. His highest-priced acquisition was Hip 104 , a filly by Classic Empire out of Into the Stars, consigned by C.W. Matier , purchased for $41,000 .

This sale had some quality offerings,” said Dawson Guhle, General Manager of CTHS Alberta. “We saw strong competition from start to finish, a near-record average, and a record-matching median. It shows the confidence buyers have in the future of racing here in Alberta.”

The results of this year’s sale reflect a strengthening Alberta thoroughbred industry and signal that breeders’ investments in bloodlines and preparation are paying off. With purse growth and incentive programs, the CTHS Alberta Sale continues to be a cornerstone of the Western Canadian market.

Full results, including hip-by-hip details, are available online at www.cthsalta.com/2025-cths-alberta-sale.

-30-

CTHS Alberta Sale Graduates Rule Fall Classic, Setting Stage for 2025 Sale

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 16:40:51 GMT

September 15, 2025 News Release

The Alberta Breeders’ Fall Classic once again showcased the success of the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (Alberta Division) sales, proving that sale graduates are winners. On Saturday, during the richest day in Alberta-bred horse racing, all seven $60,000 stakes races were captured by horses that had been available through past CTHS Alberta Thoroughbred Sales.

Leading the way was current Alberta Horse of the Year, Champion Alberta-bred and Champion Older Mare, Big Hug , who stormed home to win her second consecutive Alberta Fall Classic Distaff Handicap. This remarkable mare, purchased for just $3,500 at the 2021 CTHS Alberta Sale, has now earned over $600,000 in her career.

The day’s results also celebrated the success of other sale graduates. Itsallgoodman , bred by Stone Ranches, captured the Red Diamond Express Handicap, marking another win for the 2023 Champion Three-Year-Old Colt and Sprinter. No More Lies , the reigning Champion Two-Year-Old Filly and Sprinter bred by Bushido Stables, scored a decisive victory in the Alberta Oaks. Holiday’s Again , bred by C.W. Matier, took the Beaufort Stakes, while Relaxgodoitramone , bred by Highfield Investment Group Inc., claimed the Alberta Premier’s Futurity. Patriotic Freedom , bred by Workwize Enterprises, added to the list of triumphs by winning the Alberta Breeders’ Handicap.

The sire power behind these winners is also on display in this year’s upcoming sale. Buyers looking for bloodlines that deliver results will find a Cross Traffic filly in the Scott Palmer Ranching Ltd. consignment, sired by the same Cross Traffic who produced Sturgeon River Stakes winner Hiway Fortynine . Those impressed by the performances of Alberta Oaks winner No More Lies and Alberta Premier’s Futurity winner Relaxgodoitramone will note that both are by Fed Biz , a proven sire with multiple yearlings on offer this year. Fans of Holiday’s Again will have the chance to bid on two yearlings by his sire O’Prado Again , offered in the Janet Hawkes consignment. In addition, a half-sister to Patriotic Freedom , sired by freshman stallion Malibu Max and out of the mare Miss Marsha Lynn, will be available through the WorkWize ENT consignment.

This year’s catalogue also offers the opportunity to purchase from the very breeders behind this year’s Alberta Breeders’ Fall Classic winners. Yearlings are on offer from Bushido Stables, Stone Ranches, Workwize Enterprises, C.W. Matier, Highfield Investment Group , and three-time leading Alberta breeder Esquirol Farms .

The Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (Alberta Division) is proud to present the 2025 CTHS Alberta Thoroughbred Sale on Friday, September 19 at Westerner Park in Red Deer. With 107 entries, including 105 yearlings from more than 40 consignors, the sale features a deep and diverse catalogue that blends proven sires with the first crops of exciting newcomers.

CTHS Alberta sale graduates are also eligible to compete in the annual Alberta Sales Stakes races, with further opportunities available across the country for graduates that meet eligibility requirements in their respective provinces. Time and again, Alberta sale graduates have proven their ability to compete and win at the highest levels, making this year’s sale an unmissable opportunity.

Buyers can attend in person or participate online with live video and audio streaming available through auctions.cthsnational.com . Viewing runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, September 18 , and from 9 a.m. until sale time on Friday , with the live auction set to begin at 3:00 p.m. The full catalogue is available now at www.cthsalta.com/2025-cths-alberta-sale.

Beyond the sale, ownership of an Alberta-bred racehorse brings added value. In 2025, a remarkable $2.4 million will be shared by owners and breeders of Alberta-breds through the Horse Racing Alberta Thoroughbred Breed Improvement Program.

Be part of the excitement, invest in the future, and join the long list of success stories that began at the CTHS Alberta Sale.

Sale Connections to the Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic Nominees

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 17:41:41 GMT

Sale connections to the Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic nominees!

The richest day in Alberta horse racing is coming up at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino on Saturday, September 13 ^th . Gates open at 3:45 PM for a day that offers seven stakes races restricted to Alberta breds with each offering a $60,000 purse.

Come CHEER on the Alberta-breds!

Over $400,000 in purse money on Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic day alone is up for the taking, and $2.4 MILLION in exclusive bonuses will be shared in 2025 by owners & breeders through the Horse Racing Alberta Thoroughbred Breed Improvement Program.

Don’t miss the action, the excitement, and the chance to celebrate Alberta’s best!

Read the following for some highlights of connections of the Alberta Breeders’ Fall Classic entries to the upcoming 2025 CTHS Alberta Thoroughbred Sale:

The Red Diamond Express Handicap

CTHS Alberta sale graduates Brody’s Pal, Itsallgoodman, Patriotic Freedom, Solo Ring, The Shack and Whatwomenwant are all nominated to this stakes for three year olds and up. Brody’s Cause has a half sibling out of Trail of Letters on offer as Hip #5 while a half sibling to Patriotic Freedom out of Miss Marsha Lynn is on offer as Hip #64.

The Sturgeon River Stakes

Three of the nominated horses are past sale graduates in this stake for Alberta bred two year old fillies. Hips 39,67,97 and 99 are sired by Boisterous, the same sire as nominated filly, Hang Tight Honey and Lil Miss Addy. A Sungold yearling is on offer as Hip #82, the same sire as nominated runner Sixty Six. Sungold is the sire of Alberta champions Sunburst ($153,155, Northlands Distaff H.-L, etc.) and Infinite Patience ($703,090, Ballerina S.-L twice, etc.).

The Alberta Oaks

Six of the seven nominated runners in this stake for three year old Alberta bred fillies are past CTHS Alberta sale graduates. For those looking for Fed Biz sired runners, Biz Babe, My Mum’s Mud and No More Lies are nominees in this race. Fed Biz is a leading sire in Canada, sire of 20 stakes winners, 269 winners of 835 races and earnings of $23, 857,214, including champion Alberta champion No More Lies, who just won the Grande Prairie Oaks; while Biz Babe has won her last two claiming races. My Mum’s Mud has a full sibling on offer as Hip #72 by Fed Biz out of My Name’s Mud.

The Alberta Premier’s Futurity

Nine of the nominations for this stake for two year old Alberta breds are past CTHS Alberta sale graduates. Absolut John just won his last start out in a Maiden Special Weight and has a full sibling available as Hip #47 by Fed Biz out of Hope’s Appeal, whose first foal is just a two year old of 2025. First Infantry has a half sibling on offer as Hip #55, by Army Mule out of Joyful Frolic, dam of Amy Mule, 3 wins at 3, placed at 4, 2025, $77,850. Fed Biz sired runner and past sale graduate, Relaxgodoitramone, was the winner of the Canadian Juvenile Stakes this season.

The Beaufort Stake s

The six sale graduates nominated to the Beaufort Stakes for three year old Alberta breds include Fed Biz runners Bizness Account, Dr Broker and Whatwomenwant. Bills Bills Bills who shares the same sire, Thousand Words, as Hip #23, while 2024 CTHS Sales Stake and Birdcatcher winner, Holidays Again is sired by O’Prado Again, same sire as Hips 15 and 83. Hip 15 is the first foal out of the Tapizar mare, Amy Jean, while Hip 83 is the first foal for the Elusive Star mare, Reds Little Star. The nominated runner Zip It Writ has a half sibling on offers as Hip #79 out of the City Zip mare, Please Zip It.

The Alberta Fall Classic Distaff

This stakes for three year old and up fillies and mares has six nominations including past sales graduates, Big Hug, Destin to be Great, Kulsum and We the Fringe. The current Alberta champion older mare, Alberta bred, Horse of the Year Big Hug needs no introduction and was a bargain offering at the 2021 Alberta sale for $2,759. Destin to be Great won the Alberta Oaks last year while We the Fringe just won her last start out in an Allowance Optional Claiming race.

The Alberta Breeders’ Handicap

Brody’s Pal, FlashforDani and Patriotic Freedom are all past sale graduates nominated to this stake for three year olds and up. A half sibling to Brody’s Pal, second in the 2024 CTHS Alberta sales stakes, is on offer as Hip #5 out of the Bold Executive mare, Trail of Letters. H K Rapper was the winner of the 2023 Beaufort Stakes and is by Singing Saint, the same sire as Hips 63 & 91 available in the sale. No Hesitation is the sire of Hips 2, 28, 89 and 98 and his progeny include Alberta runners Stevie Wonder Girl ( Alberta Oaks), Miss Hesi (Sturgeon S.) Pretty Dark Rose and Our Sunshine, (3rd Beaufort S.)

After the excitement of the Alberta Breeders’ Fall Classic Day, make sure to come and find your next winner at the 2025 CTHS Alberta Thoroughbred Sale on Friday, September 19 ^th at 3 PM at the Agricenter East, Westerner Park – Red Deer.

See the details on all the entries at https://www.cthsalta.com/2025-cths-alberta-sale

2025 CTHS Alberta Thoroughbred sale live!

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 23:13:58 GMT

Click on the image below to go to the sale page and view catalogue!

2025 CTHS Alberta Thoroughbred Sale Catalogue Now Available

The excitement is building for the CTHS Alberta Thoroughbred Sale , where the future of racing will be on display. The 2025 catalogue is now live online, featuring a diverse offering of quality Thoroughbreds with pedigrees that blend proven stallions and promising young sires.

Whether you’re seeking a stakes prospect or laying the foundation for long-term success, this year’s sale delivers the right mix of quality, bloodlines, and opportunity .

Make sure to mark your calendar for September 19th at the Agricentre East, Westerner Park - Red Deer.

VIEWING

Thursday, September 18th 10:00 am - 8:00 pm

Friday, September 19th August 26 9:00 am until sale time

SALE

Friday, September 19th 3:00 pm

Printed catalogues are available at the office or contact us to send one by mail.

OwnerView: Panel 6 Buying at the Sales and Digital Sales

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 23:03:52 GMT

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 below to access the recorded version of the webinar.'

"I think you have to be conscious of the fact that you have to look at every piece of information on that catalog page from the top, which is who's representing the horse, all the way to the bottom, which is which races they're eligible for," Green said. "And every piece of information that's on that catalog is crucial and critical and should be, you know, looked at and considered before you raise your hand to bid on a horse."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcNmtxD6Lq0

https://www.bloodhorse.com/.../ownerview-webinar-covers...

The Jockey Club List of Resources and Programs to Responsibly Retire Your Off Track Thoroughbred

lindsay@cthsalta.com (Lindsay Ward) — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 20:03:50 GMT

A smooth transition into a second career for OTTBs after their racing or breeding careers is paramount

If you’re looking to responsibly retire your Thoroughbred, The Jockey Club provides a list of resources and programs to help you do so.

A smooth transition into a second career for OTTBs after their racing or breeding careers is paramount. Thoroughbreds are a versatile breed and are in high demand as sport horses, equine-based therapy horses, police horses, and more.

Ensuring this multiskilled breed continues to thrive on and off the track helps ensure their safety and wellbeing and it improves the integrity of our sport. For more information, please visit bit.ly/tjctbcareers .

OTTB Profile OTTB Profile is the first Equineline report centered on Thoroughbreds retiring from the track or enjoying their second careers.

lindsay@cthsalta.com (Lindsay Ward) — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 19:53:36 GMT

Learn About Your Off Track Thoroughbred!

OTTB Profile is the first Equineline report centered on Thoroughbreds retiring from the track or enjoying their second careers. The report, 9OT, provides information to off-track Thoroughbred owners and those in the market for a new Thoroughbred.

The OTTB Profile contains a summary of the horse’s race record, including comments, owners, and trainers for each race; the last 10 workouts; a list of the horse’s siblings; auction history; and, if applicable, the produce record if the subject horse is a mare that has been bred.

The report is free to all off-track Thoroughbreds with a T.I.P. number as of March 18, 2025. New T.I.P. numbers will have access to the OTTB Profile for that specific Thoroughbred 30 days after applying.

For more information, visit equineline.com.

CTHS Alberta Launches $60,000 Incentive Program for Alberta-Bred Two-Year-Olds

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 22:31:49 GMT

Presented at the 2024 CTHS Yearling Sale - first 2YO Race of the Season Set for Friday, June 27th!

CTHS Alberta Launches $60,000 Incentive Program for Alberta-Bred Two-Year-Olds

Presented at the 2024 CTHS Yearling Sale

First 2YO Race of the Season Set for Friday, June 27th!

The Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (Alberta Division) is proud to announce the launch of its 2025 Two-Year-Old Incentive Program — a initiative designed to reward the early racing success of Alberta-bred horses presented at the 2024 CTHS Alberta Yearling Sale.

Beginning with this Friday’s first two-year-old race of the season, the program offers a $1,500 payout to the current owner of each qualified horse that makes their first official start in Alberta during the 2025 season.

�� Only the horse’s first eligible start qualifies for the payout

�� Payouts will be processed and issued monthly as horses qualify

Program May be limited to first 40 starters

Eligibility Criteria

● Must be Alberta-bred

● Must have been offered at the 2024 CTHS Alberta Yearling Sale

● Must make at least one official start as a two-year-old in Alberta during the 2025 season

● Payout will be made to the owner of record at the time of the first start only

“This program is about rewarding owners who invest in Alberta-breds presented for sale at the CTHS sale and get them racing early,” said Dave Lovile, Breed Improvement Chair of CTHS Alberta. “By issuing monthly payouts, we’re putting money back in the hands of those who are moving the industry forward right now.”

Digital Certificate Information

lindsay@cthsalta.com (Lindsay Ward) — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 17:11:47 GMT

How to Transfer Jockey Club Digital Certificates

Click above for a reminder of the step by step process for transferring the Jockey Club Digital Certificates to the sales company for consignors.

NEW - CTHS National - Canadian Digital Certificates For Foals of 2024

The CTHS National office has announced that the CTHS Registration Papers, commencing with foals of 2024, are now Digital.

When the CTHS Digital Certificate is issued it will be attached to The Jockey Club (TJC) Digital Certificate in your Interactive Registration account. You will be able to access your CTHS Digital Certificate simply by clicking on the CTHS Logo that appears at the top of the TJC certificate.

In Memory of Golden Made

lindsay@cthsalta.com (Lindsay Ward) — Mon, 26 May 2025 17:52:36 GMT

Highfield Stock Farm Loses Blue Hen Mare - Golden Made

We're sad to share the news of the passing of the beloved Highfield broodmare, Golden Made (1998–2025).

A cornerstone of the Highfield breeding program, Golden Made was the kind of broodmare breeding programs dream of — a true blue hen and a real tribute to the Alberta breeding industry. Her legacy lives on through her exceptional offspring, including 2013 Champion Three-Year-Old Filly Tell Me Lies, and her granddaughter, 2024 Champion Sprinter and Two-Year-Old Filly No Me Lies.In Memory of Golden Made (1998 - 2025)

Tribute from Highfield Stock Farm - May 21, 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.

Her impact as a producer has been nothing short of extraordinary. She gave us:

Champion Tell Me Lies (Stakes winner of over $266,000, dam of 2024 Champion No More Lies)

Centrefire (Stakes winner of over $120,000)

Charterhill (stakes placed winner of over $81,000)

Jasper Shine – sold for $100,000 as a yearling and earner of over 14 million Yen

Golden Odie (winner of over $55,000)

Cappuchino To Go (winner of over $49,000)

Golden Cup (winner of over $46,000)

Howmuchistoomuch (winner of over $40,000

Made for Saturday (winner of over $21,000)

Street Made (winner of over $16,000)

…each one a testament to her heart and quality.

Through her foals, she passed on not only her talent but also her quiet dignity and kind nature. Her legacy lives on in Alberta racing in the winner's circle.

Run free, Golden. You were one of a kind, and you will be missed.

2024 Alberta Thoroughbred Industry Award Winners Celebrated

lindsay@cthsalta.com (Lindsay Ward) — Tue, 06 May 2025 19:45:18 GMT

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.

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.

This year, the Night of Champions was a highlight of Champions Weekend, a multi-day celebration that also featured the Casino Mixer in support of the Horse Racing Alberta backstretch community. The weekend kicked off with Clockers Corner, where fans and newcomers alike were invited to experience the thrill of morning workouts while enjoying complimentary coffee.

The evening began with a warm welcome and the introduction of distinguished guests, including City of Leduc Mayor Bob Young, Councillor Larry Wanchuk, MLA Brandon Lunty, and Honorary Member of Parliament Dale Nally.

Master of Ceremonies Ken Gee brought greetings from Horse Racing Alberta CEO, Kent Verlik, who gave a positive outlook for the industry; “In 2025, Purses will rise to $6.4 Million, making Alberta’s purse program the most competitive in Western Canada. Also, our Thoroughbred Breed Improvement Program is increasing from $2.8 Million in 2025, to $2.9 Million in 2026 and will reach $3.05 Million in 2027. A 7.8% growth rate over 3 years.”

Reflecting on the past yearling sale, Kent remarked, “There is renewed interest and confidence in the markets… a momentum we haven’t seen in years. We are excited to watch these young horses develop and look forward to the day we see some of them celebrated at a night just like tonight.” He concluded his speech with a message of gratitude and optimism: “Thank you for your continued support and dedication. Together, we are helping the sport of horse racing in Alberta grow stronger, more vibrant, and more sustainable.”

Alberta bred BIG HUG won all three of her nominations – the Bob Clements Memorial Trophy for Champion Older Mare; the Ted Connor Memorial Trophy for Champion Alberta Bred and the Horse Racing Alberta Trophy for Horse of the Year. Big Hug had her best season in 2024 with wins in six of her eight starts in Alberta for owners Rick Hedge and Lori Neyka. The Mr. Big mare captured the Founders Distaff, CTHS Sales stake, the Fall Classic Distaff and the R.K. ‘Red’ Smith Handicap for total season earnings of $175,500 and lifetime earnings of half a million. Bred by Chalet Stable, the CTHS Alberta sale graduate was sold for a bargain price of $2,759 and trained by her owner, Rick Hedge.

The Century Downs Racetrack and Casino Trophy for Champion Sprinter and the Dwight McLellan Memorial Trophy for Champion Two Year Old Filly were both awarded to the Alberta bred runner NO MORE LIES for her outstanding accomplishments in her debut season. The Fed Biz filly won four of her five starts including the Sturgeon River Stakes, the CTHS Alberta Sales Stakes and the Freedom of the City Stakes for earnings of $115,000. No More Lies was bred by Bushido Stables, trained by Tim Rycroft and is owned by Stetson Inc., Ryan Stetson, Stetson Enterprises Ltd. and Everblack Cattle Co.

Alberta-bred runner WEDGE POND received the H.B.P.A. Trophy for Champion Claimer following a standout season. The Cape Canaveral gelding earned $68,155 with five wins from 14 starts. Wedge Pond is trained by James Brown, bred by Highfield Investment Group, and owned by Mitch Sutherland.

The British Columbia bred PUTTINGONTHEFOIL earned the Rocky Mountain Turf Club Trophy for Champion Two Year Old Colt, winning both of his Alberta starts last season in the black type Canadian Juvenile Stakes and the Martin Deerline Juvenile Stakes. The Counterforce gelding is owned by Curtis Landry, trained by Gonzalo Anderson and had earnings of $80,000 last season.

SILKSTONE was named Champion Three Year Old Filly and awarded the Larry Olesen Memorial Trophy, sponsored by Paddockhurst Stables. The Ontario bred runner had three wins in six starts including the Sonoma Handicap for earnings of $67,920 last season. The Birdstone filly won three of six starts for owners Ryan Stetson, Stetson Enterprises Ltd. and Everblack Cattle Co. and trainer Tim Rycroft.

The Champion Three Year Old Colt trophy sponsored by Bar None Ranches Ltd. was given to the Kentucky bred CLASSY CITY. This Classic Empire colt won both the Western Canada Handicap and the Count Lathum Handicap for owners Highfield Investment Group, Inc., Dialed In Racing Stable and Smokin Guns Stable. Under trainer Craig Smith, Classy City earned a total of $82,170 last season for his connections.

VARATTI was awarded the Century Mile Racetrack and Casino Trophy for Champion Older Horse with a stellar performance last season that included wins in both the Don Getty Handicap and Speed to Spare Stakes. The Into Mischief sired runner earned $140,325 under the guidance of trainer Craig Smith for owners Highfield Investment Group, Inc., Dialed In Racing Stable and Smokin Guns Stable with five wins and three thirds from nine starts.

For the third consecutive year, Esquirol Farms was honoured as Alberta’s Leading Breeder, with Esquirol-bred runners earning an impressive $418,330 and securing 28 wins from 170 starts. Kirk Sutherland earned the title of Leading Owner, with his horses capturing 16 victories from 79 starts and amassing $313,950 in earnings. The prestigious Lou Davies Memorial Trophy for Leading Jockey was awarded to Jose Asencio, who guided horses to 69 wins from 266 starts. The H.B.P.A. Trophy for Leading Trainer was presented to Craig Smith for the second straight year, recognizing a stellar season in which his trainees claimed 49 wins from 182 starts and earned $863,258. Rounding out the major awards, Kemar Chase was named Apprentice Jockey of the Year — an honor sponsored by the H.B.P.A. — after posting five wins and $117,685 in earnings.

Special recognition and appreciation goes to the Night of Champions sponsors: Horse Racing Alberta, Bar None Ranches Ltd., Century Mile Racetrack and Casino, Century Downs Racetrack and Casino, HBPA of Alberta, Roy McLellan, Moore Equine Veterinary Centre Ltd., Paddockhurst Stables and Rocky Mountain Turf Club and the Clements Family.

The complete list of 2024 Alberta Thoroughbred award winners are show below:

Apprentice Jockey of the Year Award
Sponsored by the H.B.P.A.
KEMAR CHASE

Leading Jockey
The Lou Davies Memorial Trophy
JOSE ASENCIO

Leading Trainer
The H.B.P.A. Trophy
CRAIG SMITH

Leading Owner
The Jockey Club of Canada Trophy
KIRK SUTHERLAND

Leading Breeder
The C.T.H.S. Trophy
PIERRE ESQUIROL

Champion Claimer
The H.B.P.A. Trophy
WEDGE POND

Champion Sprinter
The Century Downs Racetrack and Casino Trophy
NO MORE LIES*

Champion Two Year Old Filly
The Dwight McLellan Memorial Trophy
NO MORE LIES*

Champion Two Year Old Colt
The Rocky Mountain Turf Club Trophy
PUTTINGONTHEFOIL

Champion Three Year Old Filly
The Larry Olesen Memorial Trophy
Sponsored by Paddockhurst Stables Inc.
SILKSTONE

Champion Three Year Old Colt
Sponsored by Bar None Ranches Ltd.
CLASSY CITY

Champion Older Mare
The Bob Clements Memorial Trophy
BIG HUG*

Champion Older Horse
The Century Mile Racetrack and Casino Trophy
VARATTI

Champion Alberta Bred
The Ted Connor Memorial Trophy
BIG HUG*

Horse of the Year
The Horse Racing Alberta Trophy
BIG HUG*

$3,400 Bargain Becomes Alberta’s Best: Big Hug Honoured as Horse of the Year

Mon, 05 May 2025 20:15:40 GMT

The Princess of the Track is now Queen of the Hill

Written by curtisstock@icloud.com
Follow me on X (Twitter) at CurtisJStock and on Facebook

Author: The Turcottes: The Remarkable Story of a Horse Racing Dynasty.

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.

“She’s all muscle,” said Hedge, of the mare that was also a finalist for Aged Mare of the Year in Canada.

“She’s got a big heart and she’s very athletic. She’s something special. You never expect to have a horse like her.”

Big Hug didn’t just win races; she dominated.

She won the Red Smith by almost six lengths. She won the Fall Classic and an allowance race by four-eased up lengths and she won the Founders and the Sales Stake almost as easily never even seeming get out of a gallop.

Big Hug was also well named with Hedge, his owners and his barn crew knowing full well how much she loves to have a big hug.

“She’s a snuggler,” said Hedge.

“She’s so good to do anything with. She’s been a pleasure to be around and she’s been that way ever since she was a baby.”

Hedge always thought Big Hug could be something very special but he knew for sure on a warm July 4th morning in 2022 when, as a two-year-old, she breezed three furlongs in 35 seconds.

“I knew she went fast but she did it so easily that I couldn’t believe the time.

“From that day on she was a runner.”

Second in a stakes race in Phoenix, just missing in the Shirley Vargo and a good third in the Northlands Distaff to multiple B.C. champion mare Infinite Patience, who won 22 of 32 starts before being retired as a broodmare, and Majestic Oops, who just won the black type Dig a Diamond stake at Oaklawn Park (more on her later), Big Hug had a spectacular season in Alberta last year.

This year Hedge and the Neykas had bigger plans: they went to the ‘Big Time’ and started in five Graded stakes at Santa Anita, California this past winter and spring.

Big Hug never won any of those tough races but if she had some racing luck instead of one excuse after another she could have.

“Her first race at Santa Anita was the January 19 La Canada,” said Hedge. “She was wide all the way but the biggest factor was that she only arrived in California two days before the race. People say you need at least one work over that track before you run. We wanted to go earlier but the smoke from all the fires in Los Angeles prevented that.”

Big Hug still ran good finishing third.

Next up was the February 1 Megahertz. Big Hug stumbled badly leaving the gate to lose all chance.

“She was 16 lengths back but closed up to lose by just six lengths,” said Hedge.

On March 1 Big Hug made her third Santa Anita start in the Grade 2 Buena Vista.

“Despite being taken back she was three and four wide all the way around. It was not a good race,” Hedge said after finishing fifth.

Big Hug ran what could have been a winning race in the March 15 mile and a quarter Santa Ana. But luck was definitely not in her corner again.

“She was laying second and seemed to be running easily right behind the leader but then the leader stropped at the quarter pole and we got stopped as well. We had to let everyone behind us go by. It was most unfortunate.”

Big Hug’s final foray at Santa Anita came in the Wilshire on March 29. Again Big Hug got stopped. “She tried to go through a hole but the hole closed. She probably lost four lengths and she only got beat by two lengths. She was going the best at the end.

“She proved she belonged with those mares and they were top mares. We’ll run her in Alberta again this year and then we’ll hopefully go back to California. She really didn’t have any luck in any of her California races and I’d like to give her another shot.

In other awards...

No More Lies was an automatic choice as champion Two-Year-Old Filly winning four of her five races last year. She easily won her maiden debut and then, after running second in the Princess Margaret, rolled off three stakes wins in the Sturgeon River, Sales Stake and then a devastating four-length victory in the Freedom of the City.

A $30,000 sales purchase, No More Lies won $115,000.

In a rarity, despite being a two-year-old, No More Lies also took Champion Sprinter.

Varatti was also in a league of his own for Champion Older Horse. He crossed the finish line in front in his last six starts. He won the Don Getty in a romp, won the prestigious Speed to Spare under a great ride by N’Rico Prescod, and three allowance races. He also strode across the finish line on top in the Century Mile but was disqualified for drifting out - seemingly needlessly - very late in the stretch.Purchased privately in Kentucky for just $17,000 by Adrian Munro’s Highfield Investments, the Smoking Guns Stable and champion trainer Craig Smith, Varatti was sold again after the Alberta racing season.

Surprisingly he was sold for $100,000 to interests from the Philippines.

“Varatti just blossomed since Craig has had him,” said Munro. “He grew up and filled out.”

Two-Year-Old Colt of the Year, in what had to be a narrow decision, saw Puttingonthefoil take home top honours. Breaking her maiden in a stake, Puttingonthefoil, who was purchased as a yearling by Curtis Landry for $34,000 also won the Canadian Juvenile before finishing second in B.C.’s Jack Diamond Futurity.

Silkstone was voted Champion Three-Year-Old Filly; Classy City took Champion Three-Year-Old.

Trained by Tim Rycroft, who also trained No More Lies, Silkstone won three races in a row including the Sonoma stakes by three and three-quarter lengths.

Classy City , trained - like Varatti - by Craig Smith and owned by Munro, Smith and Smoking Guns - just like Varartti - went to post 16 times last year, winning four with two seconds and three thirds.

Bought privately in California for $50,000, Classy City won the Western Canada - at odds of 16-1 - and the Count Lathum - at odd of 10-1. The two stakes are Canadian Derby prep races.

Classy City won the Count Lathum despite losing his left front shoe leaving the starting gate when he went to his knees. “Credit jockey Rasheed Hughes for staying composed said Smith.”

Classy City finished fourth in the Derby.

The Champion Claimer was Wedge Pond , owned by Mitch Sutherland and trained by Jim Brown. Wedge Pond won five times last year and had three seconds and two thirds.

Smith was Alberta’s leading trainer for the second straight year; Kemar Chase was the top apprentice; Jose Asencio was the champion jockey; Pierre Esquirol was the leading breeder; and Kirk Sutherland was the Leading Owner.

curtisstock@icloud.com
Follow me on X (Twitter) at CurtisJStock and on Facebook
Author: The Turcottes: The Remarkable Story of a Horse Racing Dynasty.

The Western Canadian Derby Series is back and better than ever!

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 20:24:16 GMT

$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. Read all the details below!

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

lindsay@cthsalta.com (Lindsay Ward) — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 19:59:56 GMT

Equineline and T.I.P. today announced the launch of a new report centered on Thoroughbreds in their second careers. The bespoke report provides information to off-track Thoroughbred owners and those shopping for a Thoroughbred, including pedigree, race record, the last 10 workouts, a list of the horse’s siblings, auction history, and produce record if the subject horse is a mare that has been bred.

OTTB Profile (Equineline Report 9OT) is available for $10. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/OTTBProfil e or https://tjctip.com/About/FA Q.

As a token of appreciation for 14 years of support, the report is offered for free to any Thoroughbred with a T.I.P. number through your T.I.P. account. New T.I.P. numbers will have access to the report 30 days after application. To access the report, log in to your account on the T.I.P. website and click OTTB Report.

For questions and assistance with your account, visit the FAQs at https://tjctip.com/About/FAQ .

Dual-Breed Dream: Thoroughbred Jockey Omar Moreno Finds New Passion In Standardbreds

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 17:41:08 GMT

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

Re-printed from Woodbine Communications and Paulick Report

Author - Chris Lomon

Omar Moreno's horse racing journey has taken several unexpected yet rewarding turns, particularly through his growing relationship with horses and his active involvement in the Standardbred racing community.

It was around two years ago when Moreno, Canada’s champion apprentice jockey of 2009 and winner of both the Sovereign and Eclipse Awards for the same in 2010, was sitting at home on a non-descript weekend evening, talking to his friend, longtime horseman Arthur Silvera.

Read entire article : Dual-Breed Dream: Thoroughbred Jockey Omar Moreno Finds New Passion In Standardbreds - Author - Chris Lomo n

Read archive article: Omar Moreno - A Passion for Success - Canadian Thoroughbred - April 2010

Author - Lindsay Ward

Canadian Tariff Countermeasures Update

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 19:30:42 GMT

Canadian Tariff Countermeasures Update March 18, 2025

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

A few key points we would ask you to include in your submissions:

1. The movement of horses across borders is essential for Thoroughbred, Standardbred and Quarter Horse breeding, racing, and sales, and any additional trade barriers would have severe economic consequences. Such tariffs could discourage international investment, limit market opportunities, and place an undue burden on Canadian Thoroughbred, Standardbred and Quarter horse breeders, trainers, and owners who rely on the ability to import and export horses efficiently.

2. In order to avoid further negative impacts to important Canadian industries that support rural Canadians and that are already suffering negative impacts from the new U.S. tariffs, we strongly believe that purebred Thoroughbred, Standardbred and Quarter Horses used for breeding and racing purposes should be exempted from the implementation of the proposed countermeasures in response to the new U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods.

We will continue to provide updates as more concrete details become available. In the meantime, we appreciate your patience and encourage members to reach out if you have relevant information, insights, or experiences related to this issue.

For further inquiries or to share your feedback, please contact the CTHS National Office:

P: (416) 675-1370

E: info@cthsnational.com

https://www.cthsnational.com/

Alberta bred He's Crimson Code : From Racetrack to Show Jumping

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 22:47:29 GMT

Breeding is both an art and a science, and it’s always rewarding to see these horses thrive—not just in racing but in their lives beyond it. The best breeders take pride in ensuring their horses have a good future, whether that’s on the track, in the breeding shed, or in second careers.

The Omega Code son out of the Alydeed daughter, Crimson Deed, HE'S CRIMSON CODE, raced for three seasons in Alberta from 2020 through 2022 and retired with $22,304 in earnings from a career record of 1 win, 1 second and 2 thirds from 15 starts.

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!

Alberta Stallion Owners Celebrate Outstanding Breeders Awards

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 22:11:41 GMT

Alberta’s breeding industry is thriving, with qualifying stallion owners sharing in an impressive $85,000 in breeding awards for the 2024 season!

The Horse Racing Alberta Breed Improvement Program Stallion Bonus rewarded 34 stallions at a rate of 3.25% , building on the momentum of 2023’s $75,000 at 3.26% —a testament to the growing success of Alberta-sired runners.

Cape Canaveral topped the Stallion Bonus leaderboard with an impressive $13,969 payout , followed by Fed Biz ($8,217), It’s No Joke ($6,486), Saturdaynitelites ($5,509), and Imperialism ($5,120) , solidifying their impact on Alberta’s breeding scene. With Alberta-sired winners making their mark on the track, the future of the province’s breeding program has never looked brighter!

The $13,969 bonus earned by Cape Canaveral was anchored by his leading Alberta bred runner Wedge Pond who earned $68,155 over the season, from a record of 5 wins, 3 seconds and 2 thirds from 14 starts. Wedge Pond was bred by Highfield Investment Group Inc. out of the Harlan’s Holiday mare, Ave’s Halo and is owned by Mitch Sutherland. Other Cape Canaveral stallion bonus earners included J J’s Caper, Jodeys Lil Pain, Tennessee Moses, When U Know U Know, Sassy Cinderella, Cape’s Legacy, Cape Comander, Chicks Dig Capes, Dermot’s Dilema and Buster Brady.

The second place stallion bonus of $8,217 earned by Giant’s Causeway son, Fed Biz , was secured by his top Alberta bred, No More Lies. This two year old filly led the first crop of Alberta bred Fed Biz runners last season with $115,000 in earnings and a record of 4 firsts and 1 second from 5 starts. No More Lies is a CTHS Alberta sale graduate out of the multiple stakes winning Captain Bodgit mare, Tell Me Lies. No More Lies was bred by Bushido Stables and is owned by Stetson Inc. Ryan Stetson, Stetson Enterprises Ltd. and Everblack Cattle Co Ltd. Fed Biz also sired stallion bonus earners What Women Want, Oki, Biz Babe, In Your Biz, Seattle Sting and Alluring Ali.

 It’s No Joke secured third place on the stallion bonus leaderboard with $6,486, thanks to a strong showing from his Alberta-bred progeny. Leading the way was Kulsum, a CTHS Alberta Sale graduate who earned $42,010 with a record of two wins and three thirds in nine starts. Bred by Pierre Esquirol out of the Formal Gold mare Pretty Golden, Kulsum is owned by Mohamad Khan. Contributing to It’s No Joke’s impressive bonus were Amusing Way, Distorted Rose, Parzanni, We the Fringe, Diamond Di, E Pay All the Way, Flashing Joker, Hashtagugotthis, and No More Jo King.

Saturdaynitelites earned fourth position with a bonus of $5,509 for the success of his Alberta bred progeny last season. The leading Alberta bred for Saturdaynitelites was Dontbringmedown with $65,050 in earnings and a record of 2 wins, 2 seconds and 1 third in 5 start. Dontbringmedown was bred out of the El Roblar mare, Plunge, by owner and breeder Perry Pellerin. Saturdaynitelites runners Thrillofthenite, I’ve Got All Nite, My Kind of Nite, Icouldbetheone, Darkcloudofsmoke, Heysweetdarlin, Icouldbetheone, Plungeintothenite and Turn It Loose helped earn the Any Given Saturday son his Stallion Bonus.

Imperialism , a son of Langfuhr, rounded out the top five on the stallion bonus leaderboard with $5,120. Leading his Alberta-bred progeny was Kiss Me Hello, who earned $23,075 for the season with a record of two wins, two seconds, and two thirds in nine starts. Bred by Pierre Esquirol out of the Kissin Kriss mare Kiss Me Goodbye, Kiss Me Hello is owned by Willow Creek Farms. Contributing to Imperialism’s earnings were fellow Alberta-breds Imperial Go Boy, Goldie Socks, Plum Blue, Runnin Baby J, Lucky Legs, and Prenton.

The upcoming 2025 season in Alberta is set to be an exciting one, with the Stallion Owners Breeding Awards increasing to an impressive $100,000 ! This boost promises a season full of growth and anticipation for breeders and enthusiasts alike.

Adding to the excitement, two new stallions are joining the province; Moonshine Now and Tapiture. Moonshine Now, a son of Malibu Moon , comes from a stellar pedigree, out of Ask Me When , whose lineage boasts multiple black-type runners, including a full sibling with earnings over $500,000 and a graded stakes performance. Moonshine Now stands at Copper Kettle Performance Horses in Didsbury, bringing his impressive bloodlines and performance potential to Alberta’s breeding scene.

The Tapit son, Tapiture , out of the Olympio mare, Free Spin, is new to Canada for 2025 and standing at Highfield Stock Farm. An outstanding sire that you won't want to miss! With over $1.5 million in earnings on the track and a stellar career in the breeding shed, Tapiture has established himself as a sire of successful runners . His impressive stats include 9 stakes winners and 6 stakes placed runners last season, making him a top choice for breeders looking to produce top-quality runners.

With these new additions and increased awards, the 2025 season is shaping up to be a game-changer for Alberta’s breeding industry! Alberta offers an exciting selection of premium stallions for breeders looking to pair their top mares with the best in the industry. Among them is the only son of Into Mischief standing in Western Canada at Workwize Stables , a rare opportunity you won’t want to miss!

With many more high-caliber stallions available, Alberta is a prime destination for breeding excellence!

To explore a full list of Alberta stallions , check out the CTHS Alberta Stallion Directory

For complete details on the Horse Racing Alberta Breed Improvement Program , visit the CTHS Alberta Breed Improvement Program

The Thoroughbred Breed Improvement Program is made possible with the much appreciated support of Horse Racing Alberta!

Anne Kursinski Still Loves A Good Thoroughbred

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 20:25:18 GMT

“I feel badly that the Thoroughbred has gotten sort of a bad name, especially in the hunters,” Anne Kursinski says of Thoroughbreds like Bobby Socks, now living his best hunter life in Market Street’s program. I grew up on Thoroughbreds, and I love their sensitivity.” Photo Courtesy Of Carol Hoffman

Re-printed from The Chronicle of the Horse Published - February 20, 2025 2:19 pm Words By Christina Keim

If you visit Anne Kursinski’s Market Street facility in Frenchtown, New Jersey, you might notice a striking bay gelding with a broad blaze and four white socks being ridden by one of her students or her partner, Carol Hoffman. You might wonder about his breeding—until you remember that for Kursinski, a member of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame, nothing can beat a good Thoroughbred.

“I am a huge fan of the Thoroughbreds, no question,” said Kursinski, 65, who famously rode ex-race horse Eros to team silver at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. “Thoroughbreds are intelligent and athletic, brave and light.”

The newest Thoroughbred in her life—Bobby Socks, so named in honor of his four white socks—became part of the Market Street family in 2022, after a chance conversation at a horse show between Kursinski and her longtime friend and retired show jumper Mary Chapot.

“Mary said they had this Thoroughbred that was too slow for Laura [Chapot, Mary’s daughter], and she thought maybe we’d like to take a look,” Kursinski recalled.

Laura had brought the skinny 4-year-old to the competition, just to hack around.

“He had his head up, typical ‘young horse at the horse show,’ ” Kursinski said with a laugh. “He definitely looked like a Thoroughbred.”

“He is a very handsome, beautiful horse, and he’s been loads of fun,” Anne Kursinski said of Bobby Socks. “He’s intelligent. I’ve ridden him myself some and showed him a couple of times. Even today, he’ll still overjump a bit. He’s impressed but brave. But he is so, so light at the jump.” Paws And Rewind Photo

But something about him piqued Kursinski and Hoffman’s interest, and the women agreed that it was worth bringing him to Market Street for a more thorough evaluation. When “Bobby” arrived several weeks later, the green prospect immediately impressed Kursinski and Hoffman with his “beautiful canter and gallop” —and then they saw him jump.

“I made my jumps very low, and he jumped a little bit high, but a beautiful, round jump,” Kursinski said. “He was very brave. And I looked at Hoffy and said, well, maybe he should spend the night, and we could play with him again in the morning. She said, ‘Oh, that’s not good,’ but she loves a Thoroughbred, too.”

The next day, Bobby continued to impress, and the women decided he should stay permanently. It was only later that Kursinski learned their new prospect was somewhat royally bred, despite his lack of success at the track. By multiple stakes winner Honor Code and out of One Of A Cat by Deputy Minister, Bobby (whose Jockey Club name is Acta Non Verba) was meant to be a stakes horse and sold as a yearling for $300,000. But he raced only once, earning a lifetime total of just $125.

“Just recently someone found a video of his one race,” Kursinski said. “He broke late, and then it shows the whole herd, all the other horses, and he comes along way at the end. They figured out early on he wasn’t going to do the race horse thing.”

Kursinski, who grew up in Pasadena, California, riding former race horses from Santa Anita, Del Mar, Agua Caliente (Mexico), and other regional tracks, has always advocated for the use of the Thoroughbred in the hunter and jumper rings. Australian-bred Eros came into her program as a 5-year-old and began making a name for himself when he won the 1994 American Gold Cup in Pennsylvania, before going on to the Olympics and other major international successes.

But Eros is just one of many Thoroughbreds that have come through the Market Street program over the years. The gray gelding Only One (Jockey Club name Notashadowofadoubt, Flame Thrower—Reely Risky, Reel On Reel) was an eventer before catching Kursinski’s eye over a decade ago.

“I got him thinking he might be the next Eros, because he had this light, high jump,” Kursinski said. “In the end, he only went to 1.40 meters. But he was such a beautiful mover and had this pretty jump, and people said he ought to do the hunters.”

The gelding went on to a long and successful career in that ring with both Kursinski and Hoffman in the irons, winning at such esteemed venues as the Winter Equestrian Festival (Florida) and the Hampton Classic (New York). Now 21, he is a beloved schoolmaster and lesson horse, over the years helping Kursinski’s students gain mileage in the children’s and junior hunters and jumpers. But although Only One offered consistent, elegant performances in the hunter ring, he was not always rewarded in the results.

“I think because he looked like a Thoroughbred—a little lean and a little long—sometimes the judges would hold it against him,” Kursinski said. “He had these long, long legs, and it was always hard to get weight on him.

“He was a lovely type, who would just float across the ground, and he was really fun to ride,” she continued. “Yet he would sometimes get knocked down, because he was a Thoroughbred.”

Fortunately, thanks to opportunities such as TAKE2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program, which incentivizes people to develop former racehorses for new careers, Kursinski thinks things are improving for the breed in the show ring.

“I think these programs are great for the sport and for the horses,” Kursinski said. “For some years, Thoroughbreds were kind of written off, and they were not in vogue. I feel badly that the Thoroughbred has gotten sort of a bad name, especially in the hunters. I grew up on Thoroughbreds, and I love their sensitivity. To me, even today, the top warmbloods have blood. They are not heavy, slow cart horses—they have sensitivity.

“Because of a Thoroughbred’s sensitivity, they will teach you to be a better rider, if you work with them,” she continued. “Some of the warmbloods today, you can kick them, hit them in the mouth, whatever, and they will sort of stay the same—not all of them of course, but it’s a bit more in their nature than a Thoroughbred that is so sensitive. That sensitivity, I think, is wonderful for a lot of riders.”

Bobby reminds Kursinski of a young Eros in that training him requires a bit of give and take.

“Even with Eros, who was amazing, I had to meet him halfway,” she said. “It wasn’t the European ‘I’m going to make this horse go the way I want him to go.’ No, no, no. It is the same with Bobby Socks—there is a fine line. You have to work with them, because of their sensitivity and temperament.

“Some people say all Thoroughbreds are wild and crazy and hot,” she continued, adding with a laugh, “and of course, some are! But I don’t think they have to be, if you ride them properly and understand them. Because of all that, it can make you a better trainer and rider.”

Kursinski and Hoffman have taken their time in producing Bobby. As he has matured and muscled up, Kursinski says some visitors will comment that “he doesn’t look like a Thoroughbred.” Even now, she isn’t sure that is a compliment.

“He is a very handsome, beautiful horse, and he’s been loads of fun,” Kursinski said. “He’s intelligent. I’ve ridden him myself some and showed him a couple of times. Even today, he’ll still overjump a bit. He’s impressed but brave. But he is so, so light at the jump.”

Kursinski admits she isn’t riding as many young horses today as she did earlier in her career, and so most of Bobby’s early show ring miles have come under her direction with various students in the irons. But Hoffman saddled him up this past summer, and the pair captured the older adult hunter championship at the Princeton Summer Encore (New Jersey). The women plan to keep Bobby in their program, and they look forward to the future.

“He is powerful, and I think he can jump the big jumps,” Kursinski said. “Hopefully, he’ll end up jumping the 4’ hunters, because he has the ability to do that. He is scopey and brave. Because we own him, we’ve gone a little slow with him; we can take the time. Hoffy loves him, and she would maybe like to end up riding him long term.”

These days, Kursinski is devoting most of her time and energy to teaching and coaching her students, and mentoring the next generation of elite riders through her role as chef d’equipe of the U.S. Show Jumping Developing Program alongside U.S. Show Jumping Technical Advisor Robert Ridland. However, she still looks forward to the times when students bring their Thoroughbred by for a little specialized coaching.

“Some are eventers, but others are trying to do them in the jumpers and the hunters,” Kursinski said. “It’s fun to work with them, and that is where I am so excited with this horse Bobby. The lightness, the balance—I love all of that.”

Two older Alberta OTTBs Silver Essence and Mint having fun!

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 17:23:53 GMT

�� OTTBs are more than just racehorses—they’re lifelong athletes, partners, and champions in new arenas! �� With their heart, versatility, and determination, they shine in second careers like jumping, dressage, eventing, and even therapy work. �� Their journey doesn’t end at the track—it’s just beginning! ✨

��✨ Off-the-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) are the ultimate comeback stars! With their athleticism, heart, and resilience, they thrive in second careers like eventing, show jumping, dressage, and even therapy work. �� Their spirit and work ethic make them incredible partners for life, proving that retirement is just the start of something great!

Here’s two Alberta bred older OTTBs having some playful fun in the Mane Attractions arena near Olds where they are now boarded!

Silver Essence ( white socks) is Dr. Brenda Abbey's husband Bob Brunt’s 27 year old Alberta bred OTTB .

Essence born in 1998 at Peaceful Valley Stables and purchased by Bob and Dr. Abbey as a yearling from Jack and Linda Johnston. Silver Essence was injured in his 2 ^nd race as a 3 year old and then had a small knee chip expertly removed by equine surgeon Dr. Greg Andrews of the Moore Veterinary clinic. After 6 months of recovery Essence began retraining in Equitation and Dressage. Bob was coached to Level 3 Dressage by Linda Johnston who also delivered Silver Essence as a foal at Peaceful Valley.

Essence’s longtime paddock buddy Mint was a homebred of former CTHS VP Roy Shelnutt.

Mint was retrained and ridden for years in the Dressage discipline by Roy and since Roy’s passing and belongs to Roy’s daughter Rebecca.

Courtesy of Dr. Brenda E. Abbey

Turning Possibilities into Probabilities

Moonshine Now Standing at Copper Kettle Performance Horses

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 17:11:45 GMT

MOONSHINE NOW – Standing at Copper Kettle Performance Horses for 2025

Copper Kettle Performance Horses is proud to offer MOONSHINE NOW for the 2025 breeding season.

A son of the influential Malibu Moon, one of A.P. Indy’s most successful stallion sons, Moonshine Now boasts an elite pedigree. His dam, Ask Me When (by Champion sire Speightstown), hails from a proven female line that has produced multiple black-type runners, including a full sibling, Aristocratic, who earned over $500,000 on the racetrack featuring a graded stakes performance. This impressive lineage also features Grade 1 winner and millionaire Honey Rider, among other top-class competitors. Moonshine Now raced from 2 through 7 earning over Cdn $100,000 on the track.

The 2017 stallion will stand at Copper Kettle Performance Horses in Didsbury, Alberta, for a $2,000 stud fee. For more information, contact Don or Kerry Johnston at 403-586-4462 or email copperkettlephs@hotmail.com.

2025 CTHS (Alberta) Programs

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 17:09:31 GMT

CTHS (Alberta Division) Programs for 2025

We are excited to unveil three key programs designed to strengthen and grow the Thoroughbred breeding and racing community in Alberta. These initiatives are tailored to support our breeders, enhance and grow the local horse racing industry, and incentivize the breeding of high-quality Thoroughbreds in our province.

1. 2025 Mare Purchase Program

This program encourages Alberta residents to invest in Thoroughbred mares from outside the province, fostering a diverse and robust breeding environment. Eligible mares purchased at public auctions or digital sales between January 1 and March 31, 2025, and bred to Thoroughbred stallions during the 2025 breeding season can qualify for up to $5,000 CAD in reimbursement, with additional bonuses for breeding back to Alberta-based stallions.

2. 2025 Foal in Alberta Program

Aimed at increasing the population of Thoroughbred foals born and bred in Alberta, this program supports breeders who choose to foal their mares within the province. With a cap of 20 mares, eligible breeders can receive $1,500 upon meeting all program requirements and providing necessary documentation.

3. 2025-2026 Maiden and Open Mare Program

This initiative offers funding of up to $2,500 for mares bred to Alberta stallions, with a separate payout of $1,500 for those bred to out-of-province stallions. Eligible mares that have not foaled in 2024 or 2025 can apply, with a maximum of 30 mares being accepted into the program. Yearlings from this program will be eligible for the 2027 Alberta Thoroughbred Sale, with the entry fee covered by CTHS (Alberta).

Applications for all foal and mare programs must be submitted by August 1, 2025. Please ensure that all documentation is complete and accurate to facilitate a smooth application process. For more information and to apply, visit our website and access the application links provided.

We look forward to seeing our Alberta breeders take full advantage of these programs to create a thriving, competitive horse racing in our province!

Click programs at top of the page to see detailed program information and applications.

Horse Racing Alberta Boosts Breed Improvement Programs for 2025

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 21:42:17 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 18, 2024

Horse Racing Alberta Boosts Breed Improvement Programs for 2025

As we approach the end of a successful 2024, Horse Racing Alberta (HRA) is gearing up for even greater success in 2025 with significant enhancements to its Breed Improvement Programs (BIP). The programs, which have already paid out substantial bonuses to breeders and owners, are set for an impressive expansion, reflecting HRA’s commitment to fostering a robust horse racing industry in Alberta.

In 2024, Alberta-bred Thoroughbreds and their breeders celebrated big, with over $628,000 in Breeders' Bonus winnings and $532,294 in Owner Bonuses, highlighting the effectiveness of HRA’s funding efforts. These bonuses, funded by $2,397,168 from HRA through the Breed Improvement Programs, recognized and rewarded the industry's unwavering dedication and commitment. With bonuses over 21% to breeders and 30% to owners, the programs have proven to be highly rewarding, underscoring the financial viability and attractiveness of investing in Alberta's racing sector.

Looking forward to 2025, HRA has announced an increase of over $400,000 into the Breed Improvement pools bringing the total to $2,829,990, signaling a record level of support for the industry. This increase is part of a broader strategy to enhance the competitive edge of Alberta-bred horses both locally and on larger stages. For the first time in history, the Alberta Fall Classic races will see an increase in stakes purses from $50,000 to $60,000. Additionally, a new North American bonus will offer a 20% payout for Alberta-bred horses that win races with purses over $40,000 for allowance and $50,000 for stakes outside of Alberta.

The 2024 racing season demonstrated the exceptional quality of Alberta-bred racehorses and the rewards achievable for breeders and owners through Horse Racing Alberta’s incentive programs. Thanks to the generous support of the Thoroughbred Breed Improvement Program, breeders and owners are seeing their efforts pay off in thrilling ways, both on the racetrack and in their bottom line. The Breeders’ and Owners’ Bonuses recognize the crucial role these individuals play in the sport, showcasing the success of Alberta’s commitment to nurturing and promoting excellence in homegrown talent.

Pierre Esquirol’s breeding program delivered an outstanding performance this season, earning an impressive $55,253 in Breeders’ Bonuses, reflecting the consistent success of his horses on the track. Highfield Investment Group Inc. upheld their reputation for excellence, earning $48,368 in Breeders’ Bonuses, further solidifying their impact on the industry. Bar None Ranches Ltd. also had an exceptional year, earning $37,284 in Breeders’ Bonuses.

Alberta Thoroughbred owners demonstrated the significant value of Horse Racing Alberta's Owners Bonus program, which plays a crucial role in supporting their success in a competitive racing environment. This program provides a tangible incentive for investing in Alberta-bred horses, rewarding owners for their dedication to the industry. Empire Equestrian and Kerredge Farm’s horses collectively amassed over $180,000 in purse earnings, earning a 30% bonus on eligible races. Not far behind, horses from Bar None Ranches Ltd. brought in over $160,000. Additionally, Alberta bred horses owned by entities such as Ryan Stetson, Stetson Inc., Stetson Enterprises and Everblack Cattle Co. also saw significant bonuses, notably fueled by the achievements of the two year old filly, No More Lies, who garnered over $120,000 during her impressive season.

Together, these breeders and owners highlight how the Breed Improvement Program fosters growth and success for industry members committed to quality. Their successes are proof of the incredible opportunities available through the Thoroughbred Breed Improvement Program, which continues to drive the growth and prosperity of Alberta’s breeding and racing sectors.

Horse Racing Alberta remains dedicated to its vision of a thriving, sustainable racing industry. With the planned increases in funding and the introduction of innovative bonuses, 2025 is poised to be a landmark year that will further enhance the profile of Alberta-bred horses, ensuring they continue to achieve and exceed expectations both at home and internationally.

For further information on the Breed Improvement Programs or upcoming racing schedules, stakeholders and interested parties are encouraged to visit www.thehorses.com .

For further information, contact:
Dawson Guhle
General Manager
CTHS Alberta
dguhle@cthsalta.com
www.cthsalta.com

Celebrating Alberta-Bred Success and Breeders' Bonuses

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 18:42:25 GMT

In 2024, breeders of Alberta-bred Thoroughbreds are celebrating BIG, with over $600,000 in Breeders’ Bonus winnings !

Thanks to the generous $629,594 funding from Horse Racing Alberta through the Breed Improvement Program , qualifying breeders are now reaping the rewards of their hard work and dedication to breeding top-tier racehorses.

The Breeders’ Bonus is earned through wins, places, and shows in all qualifying Alberta-sanctioned races with a minimum $9,000 purse and a $6,250 claiming price and paid out after the Alberta racing season concludes. This year's bonus accounts for 21.72% of the earnings from all races that meet the eligibility criteria at Alberta racetracks in 2024. A HUGE congratulations to all this year’s recipients!

A Special Congratulations to the Top 5 Leading Alberta Breeders based on their Breeders' Bonus Earnings!

Pierre Esquirol is the leading breeder this season with a total Breeders’ Bonus earned of $55,253. The leading bonus earning runner for Esquirol was the Mark Valeski sired four year old PACHECO. The four year old won a Claiming race, an Allowance and an Allowance Optional Claiming race to finish the season with a record of 10-3-3-3 and $39,428 in earnings. Other bonus earners in the Esquirol stable include AH TOUCHE, DIAMOND DI, DISTORTED ROSE, E PAY ALL THE WA, GOLDIE SOCKS, GWIZZ, KEEPMEINPOWER, KISS ME HELLO, KULSUM, LANNY MAC, NO MORE JO KING, PUMP THE BRAKES and YNOTIGIVEITAGO.

The second leading Breeders’ Bonus earner was Highfield Investment Group Inc. with a bonus earned of $48,368 for their 2024 race season. The Cape Canveral runner, WEDGE POND, was the leading bonus earning runner for Highfield with $14,447. The six year old gelding won two claiming races, one starter allowance, one starter optional claiming race and one allowance optional claiming to complete the season with a record of 13-5-3-2 and $70,509 in earnings. The runners BUCK SPRINGS, CAPE’S LEGACY, DESTIN TO BE GREAT, ESCROW STYLE, FLASHFORDANI, HOPE SHINES, MAMA’S QUEEN, RUMOHR REIGNS and WHATWOMENWANT also contributed toward the total bonus earned for Highfield.

In third spot on the Breeders’ Bonus standings is Bar None Ranches Ltd. with a total bonus paid out of $37,284. Their Gayego sired homebred MONOPOLIZE earned $6,179 toward the overall bonus, with a win in an Allowance Optional Claiming race and a second place in the Alberta Fall Classic Distaff Handicap. The four year old finished the season with $35,949 in earnings and a record of 7-1-3-1. BOSS MAN CAN, BRYNN’S DREAM, CHATTY GAL, COUNT ON IT, DOC COPE, DRAMATIC FLAIR, G T RAY SIR, GO MAMA, PAPICHULO, PERDITION, PERPETUAL BLISS, SILVERFOOT, STOLEN JEWEL and WISH ON A STAR all helped Bar None Ranches Ltd. to earn their bonus.

BIG HUG earned a Breeders’ Bonus of $29,863 putting her breeder, Chalet Stable, fourth in the standings. The multiple stakes winning four year old captured races including the Lynn Chouinard Founders Distaff, the CTHS Sales Stakes, the Alberta Fall Classic Distaff Handicap and the R.K. Red Smith Handicap. The Mr. Big filly had her best season yet with a record of 8-6-6-1 and US $122,826 in earnings.

Perry Pellerin secured the fifth spot among the top Breeders' Bonus earners, with a total bonus earned of $27,605. The leading runner for the Pellerin Stable was the homebred, DONTBRINGMEDOWN, who earned $14,128 toward the overall bonus. The Saturdaynitelites runner had a win in the Alberta Sire Stakes Derby and a Maiden Special Weight race finishing the season with $67,321 in earnings. The Pellerin stable runners MY KIND OF NITE, THRILL OF THE NITE and BROKEN PROMISES also helped to earn the bonus.

The Thoroughbred Breed Improvement Program Breeders' Bonuses are made possible with the generous financial support of Horse Racing Alberta. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants and congratulate the bonus recipients. Your dedication and contributions play a vital role in the growth and success of Alberta's racing industry. Keep racing, keep winning, and keep earning with your Alberta Breds!

Horse Racing Alberta Approves 2025 Budget

lindsay@cthsalta.com (Lindsay Ward) — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 22:34:12 GMT

Significant Increases in Purses and Horsemen's Programs Across All Breeds

Horse Racing Alberta (HRA) is pleased to announce the 2025 Budget which includes marked increases to purse allocations and horsemen’s programs across all breeds.

“We are thrilled to announce a $22.1 million investment in Alberta’s horse racing industry through purse allocations, breed improvement, and various industry programs,” said Kent Verlik, Chief Executive Officer of Horse Racing Alberta. “Alberta continues to lead as Canada’s most attractive destination for horse racing outside of Woodbine. We want to make it clear to the industry that horse racing in Alberta is a smart investment.”

Horse Racing Alberta Board Chair Diana McQueen highlighted the Board's balanced approach: “In developing the budget, the Horse Racing Alberta Board sought to balance both short-term needs and long-term objectives. The HRA Board believes these strategic investments are crucial to continually strengthening the future of Alberta's horse racing industry.”

Purse Funding Allocation:

Leading with purse allocations, Horse Racing Alberta is proud to announce a significant increase of 7.38% in 2025 purses, bringing the total to an impressive $16 million shared across all breeds. This boost underscores Alberta’s commitment to supporting the racing industry and its participants. Outside of Ontario, Alberta continues to maintain the most lucrative purse structure in Canada, offering substantial opportunities for Thoroughbred, Standardbred, and Quarter Horse racehorse owners and trainers.

Breed Improvement Program (BIP) Funding Allocation:

The Breed Improvement Program (BIP) has grown to $5.1 million, providing vital support to organizations including the CTHS Alberta Division, HBPA of Alberta, Alberta Community Racing Association, Alberta Standardbred Horse Association, and Alberta Quarter Horse Racing Association. Program metrics have shown that investment in this program increases our racing population by fostering stronger breeding operations and elevating the overall quality of the racing stock.

Incentive Programs - Racehorse Procurement Incentive Program (RPIP) Funding & Racehorse Shipping Incentive Program (RSIP)

Funding:

Developed in 2022, the Racehorse Procurement Incentive Program (RPIP) was designed to facilitate an increase in field sizes and the overall horse population in Alberta. The Racehorse Shipping Incentive Program (RSIP) supports ship-in costs associated with moving horses around the province to facilitate the availability of horses at each racetrack. The Horse Racing Alberta Board voted to support the continuation of these programs in 2025, allocating a budget of $700,000 to further strengthen the province’s racehorse population.

Horse Racing Alberta Industry Marketing Grant Co-Op:

Horse Racing Alberta also supports its stakeholder marketing efforts through the HRA Co-Op Marketing Grant Program valued at $300,000 split between racing breed associations and “B” racetracks. This increase represents one-third of the total HRA Marketing Budget, directly empowering stakeholders to effectively promote their racing product.

The programs have been approved by the Horse Racing Alberta Board of Directors for 2025.

For specific information and breed program details, please visit the following websites:

Thoroughbred: hbpaalberta.ca; cthsalta.com; actraracing.ca

Standardbred: asha.ab.ca

Quarter Horses: aqhra.ca

Albertans at the November Keeneland Breeding Stock Sale

lindsay@cthsalta.com (Lindsay Ward) — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 21:55:57 GMT

Albertans at the November Keeneland Breeding Stock Sale

The Keeneland website reviewed their recent sale stating that ‘Keeneland’s 81st November Breeding Stock Sale closed following nine days of vibrant trade from a global buying bench that yielded healthy across-the-board gains, led by gross sales through the ring of $187.5 million and a record median of $40,000 to signal continued buyer confidence and market stability. Demand for quality spurred competition at all levels of the market, highlighted by nine horses sold for more than $1 million and topped by $2.4 million for Grade 2 winner Roses for Debra. A strong November Sale foal market produced the two most expensive weanlings sold at public auction in North America for the 14th time in 15 years.’

A total of 2,050 horses through the ring for $187,557,400, an increase of 6.22% over last year’s nine-day auction, when 2,128 horses sold through the ring for $176,571,000. The average price of $91,491 was up 10.26% from $82,975 in 2023. The cumulative median price rose 25% from $32,000 to $40,000, exceeding the record of $37,000 set during the 2021 November Sale. The clearance rate was nearly 80%.

Albertans were definitely making their presence felt at the high-profile Keeneland November Sale , with buyers like Highfield Investment Group Inc. , Styled by Stars Ranch , Craig Smith, Agent, Don Gibb and Todd Kettleson, Agent actively competing for some of the quality Thoroughbreds on the market. Their expertise and commitment to the industry are sure to have a lasting impact, and Alberta’s growing influence in both the racing and breeding worlds is exciting to watch.

Highfield Investment Group purchased two mares ELEGANT SUPERMODEL for $36,000 and BUY ME A ROSE for 55,000, in addition to a two year old Gun Runner filly for $27,000.

The eleven year old Elegant Supermodel ($70,474) is by G1 runner Lope de Vega, sire of 135 black type winners and 6 champions, with progeny earnings of over $105 Million. The dam of Elegant Supermodel, the Sadler’s Wells daughter, Elegant As Well, has produced five winners including Treasury Notes ($91,662). Elegant Supermodel is currently in foal to the Uncle Mo son, Golden Pal.

The Violence daughter, Buy Me A Rose, is out of Crafty Friend daughter, Foxy Friend, producer of six winners including proven producer Tap for Luck ($129,565). A son of Medaglia d’Oro, Violence, is a G1 black type winner and sire of 51 black type winners, 2 champions and progeny earnings of over $54 Million. The six year old mare, Buy Me A Rose, is in foal to the Speightstown son, Olympiad.

The two year old unraced filly is by Horse of the Year and black type winner of $15 Million, Gun Runner. The Candy Ride (ARG) son has sired 33 black type winners with progeny earnings of over $51 Million including G1 winners Echo Zulu ($2.64 Million) and Taiba. The dam is El Corredor daughter, Ebony Run ($85,010) who has produced 3 winners from 3 foals to race including multiple stakes placed Pickens ($384,409).

Styled by Stars Ranch of Madden, Alberta made some strategic purchases buying the three mares VUEMONT for $2,500, SUGAR HAPPY for $3,500 and AWESOME TEAM for $2,500 among their purchases.

The A.P. Indy daughter Vuemont is a daughter of multiple grades stakes winning mare, Pico Teneriffe ($583,648), 2009 Outstanding Broodmare in Canada and producer of 6 winners including Marchfield ($1,098,938), Congor Bay ($261,775) and Westmoreland ($240,640). Horse of the Year A.P. Indy has been leading sire and leading broodmare sire twice and has progeny earnings of over $137 Million. Vuemont has produced the graded stakes placed runner Kokokomo ($251,040). The sixteen year old mare is in foal to the Curlin son and G1 winner Keen Ice.

The six year old Sugar Happy is a daughter of champion sprinter and Super Saver son, Runhappy, sire of 16 black type winners and 205 winners of 506 races with $21.96 Million in progeny earnings. The Tizway daughter, Sugar Reef, is the dam of Sugar Happy and has also produced the winner, Spirit of Power ($51,890). Sugar Happy is in foal to the Ghostzapper son, Loggins.

Awesome Team is a six year old Awesome Again daughter out of the Unbridled’s Song mare, Team Hansen. Awesome Again is a G1 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner and sire of 70 black type winners including 3 champions with total progeny earnings of over $103 Million. The dam, Team Hansen, has produced the winner Truth Goddess ($50,839) and is in foal to the Honor Code son and G1 winner Honor A.P.

Craig Smith, Agent purchased two three year old fillies, VICTORY GIRL for $11,000 and STARFALL for $8,000, in addition to the six year old mare HIGH FAIR for $15,000 and a weanling filly for $5,000.

Victory Girl and High Fair are both daughters of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, sire of 497 winners, including 48 black type winners and progeny earnings of over $66 Million. Victory Girl is a daughter of the Medaglia d’Oro daughter, Girl Talk ($117,831). High Fair is a daughter of the Ghostzapper mare, Touch and Smile ($76,240), and currently in foal to the Paynter son, Knicks Go.

The weanling filly is by the Pioneerof the Nile son, Classic Empire out of the Into Mischief mare, Into the Stars. Classic Empire was a Champion 2 year old colt and a black type winner of over $2.5 Million. Classic Empire has sired 162 winners of 405 races including 16 black type winners and 1 champion with total progeny earnings of over $17 Million.

The unraced Speightstown daughter Starfall is out of the Mineshaft daughter, Sky Shaft. Speightstown was a Champion sprinter and black type winner of $1.258 Million. As a sire, Speightstown has progeny with 956 winners of 3488 races and 144 black type winners with over $161 Million in earnings. Sky Shaft is a sister to graded stakes placed His Glory ($238,665).

Don Gibb purchased the Echo Town weanling for $1500 out of the Revolutionary mare, Pop Tall. Echo Town is a black type winner of over $400,000 and a sire of winners, with first foals who are just two year olds of 2024 including Three Echoes ($125,300).

The Pioneer of the Nile mare, FASHION HISTORY, was purchased by Todd Kettleson, Agent for $7,000.

Pioneer of the Nile was a G1 multiple graded stakes winner with earnings of over $1.6 Million as a racehorse. As a breeding stallion, the Empire Maker son is a leading sire with 448 winners including 4 champions and progeny earnings of over $72 Million. Pioneer of the Nile is a sire of dams of 13 black type winners including the champion Pica Flor V.

The dam of Fashion History is the graded stakes placed race mare and Bernardini daughter, Theysken's Theory ($195,502). The six year old mare is in foal to the Ghostzapper son, Loggins.

Looking forward to seeing the results of these carefully planned bloodstock investments!

The Alberta racing and breeding scene is bound to get even more exciting with these new quality additions. Best of luck to these buyers with their new acquisitions!

Photos reprinted from the Keeneland Sales Results website at https://www.keeneland.com/

Full sale results available on the Keeneland website at http://flex.keeneland.com/summaries/summaries.html

Celebrating Alberta-Bred Success

lindsay@cthsalta.com (Lindsay Ward) — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 21:28:26 GMT

Highlights from the 2024 Open Season at Century Mile and Century Downs

The Live Thoroughbred meet took place at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino in Nisku from May 4 ^th through the Alberta Breeders’ Fall Classic races on September 14 ^th . The meet then moved down to Century Downs Racetrack and Casino from September 21 ^st to November 3 ^rd . With Big Hug shining as the star stakes winner at Century Mile, the dominance of Alberta-bred horses at Century Downs, winning all but one of the stakes races, really underscores the strength of the local breeding program.

The Mr. Big filly BIG HUG was the first Alberta bred to capture an open stakes races in the season with her win in the black type $50,000 R.K. Red Smith Handicap on July 12th. Big Hug went on to have more success with subsequent wins in the Alberta Fall Classic Distaff Handicap, the $50,000 CTHS Alberta Three and Four Year Old Sales Stakes and the Lynn Chouinard Founders Distaff Handicap. The 2023 Champion Alberta Three Year Old and 2022 Champion Alberta Two Year Old finished her impressive season with a record of six wins from eight starts and $171,953 in earnings for the year. The multiple stakes winners now has thirteen career wins and $444,715 in total earnings for her owners Empire Equestrian and Kerredge Farm. The CTHS Alberta sale graduate was bred by Chalet Stable and sold through the 2021 sale for $2,759 to her current owners.

ITSALLGOODMAN completed the race meet at Century Downs with a win in the CTHS Alberta Sales Stakes for Three and Four Year Olds. The 2023 Champion Alberta bred brought his career earnings to $190,991 with a record of four wins and three seconds from twelve starts. The Speighster gelding was consigned to the 2022 CTHS Alberta sale by breeder Stone Ranches and purchased by Curtis Landry for $17,387.

JODEYS LIL PAIN captured the $50,000 Alberta Sire Debutante Stakes on October 20 ^th at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino. This race is for three year old fillies who are by a stallion that stood in Alberta for the 2020 breeding season. The Cape Canaveral runner placed second in the Alberta Oaks before getting the win to finish out her season. Jodeys Lil Pain now has two career wins and $94,643 in earnings. The CTHS Alberta sale graduate was bred by Roy Robert McClintock and sold for $1,890 to current owners C and H Duggan Farms.

The $50,000 Alberta Sire Stakes for three year olds by a stallion that stood in Alberta for the 2020 breeding season was also held on October 20 ^th and was won by the Alberta bred DONTBRINGMEDOWN . The Saturdaynitelites gelding finished his first season running with a record of 5-2-2-1 and earnings of $66,501 for breeder and owner Perry Pellerin.

HOLIDAYS AGAIN finished off his debut season with back to back wins in the $50,000 CTHS Alberta Two Year Old Sales Stakes on October 5 ^th and the black type $50,000 Birdcatcher Stakes on October 26 ^th . The O’Prado Again gelding completed his two year old season with a record of 6-2-1-2 and $81,131 in earnings. Holiday’s Again was consigned to the 2022 CTHS Alberta Sale by breeder C.W. Matier and sold to Tallie Racing for $13,350.

The Fed Biz Two Year Old filly NO MORE LIES had an outstanding season winning back to back races at Century Downs in the $50,000 CTHS Alberta Two Year Old Sales Stakes and the $50,000 Freedom of the City Stakes on October 26th. The two year old added these two wins to an earlier win in the Sturgeon River Stakes on Alberta Breeders’ Fall Classic day to finish her season with $117,539 in earnings and a record of four wins and a second from five starts. No More Lies was bred by Bushido Stables and sold through the 2023 CTHS Alberta sale to Stetson Inc, Stetson, Ryan, Stetson Enterprises Ltd. and Everblack Cattle Co. Ltd. for $29,666.

The 2024 Alberta Breed Improvement Program offered owners over $500,000 in incentives for Alberta-bred runners competing in qualifying open races. Additionally, the CTHS (Alberta Division) introduced an exciting enhancement to the 2024 Sales Stakes series, featuring a 25% bonus for owners of Alberta-bred horses who placed in the top three (win, place, or show) in the October 5th CTHS Sales Stakes. This significant bonus underscores the value of investing in Alberta-bred horses, further strengthening the industry’s motto: "Owners of Alberta-breds earn more!" With increased earnings opportunities across the board, this initiative continues to encourage owners to support local breeders and trainers, making the stakes higher than ever.

Photo Credits to Ryan Haynes - Coady Photo Ltd.

Tapiture to Stand at Highfield Farm in Okotoks for 2025

lindsay@cthsalta.com (Lindsay Ward) — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 20:24:17 GMT

Highfield Stock Farm is thrilled to announce that Tapiture will stand at the farm for the 2025 breeding season. A son of the breed-defining stallion Tapit, who has sired earners exceeding $211 million and produced leading North American sires such as Constitution, Tapiture embodies exceptional quality in the breeding shed.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, November 4, 2024

Highfield Stock Farm is thrilled to announce that Tapiture will stand at the farm for the 2025 breeding season. A son of the breed-defining stallion Tapit, who has sired earners exceeding $211 million and produced leading North American sires such as Constitution, Tapiture embodies exceptional quality in the breeding shed.

On the racetrack, Tapiture displayed remarkable ability and durability, amassing $1,536,820 in earnings, including graded stakes victories at ages 2, 3, and 4, as well as a notable second-place finish behind the brilliant Goldencents in the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, where he achieved a career-high E figure of 123. Tapiture boasts 11 graded stakes wins or placements, solidifying his status as a top competitor.

With a proven pedigree and an outstanding performance record, Tapiture has also excelled as a sire. His progeny have achieved remarkable success on the track, accumulating over $35 million in earnings, with over $7 million in 2024 alone. He has sired 40 black-type winners from six crops, including millionaire and Grade 1 performer Jesus Team. Tapiture has consistently outperformed top sires like American Pharoah, Constitution, and Curlin in producing winners, with a career high of 162 in 2023 and 157 already in 2024.

This move represents an exciting new chapter for Highfield Stock Farm and breeders in Alberta, as we look forward to the significant contributions Tapiture will bring to the Canadian breeding landscape.

"Tapiture previously stood at Darby Dan Farm in Kentucky, where he passed down his speed and durability to his progeny. With 40 black-type winners and average earnings per starter exceeding $68,000, Tapiture will be uniquely positioned in the stallion market in Alberta to provide breeders with exceptional quality," Adrian Munro of Highfield Stock Farm.

"Tapiture is a top-class stallion who produces superb racehorses. He was very successful at Darby Dan, and while we will miss him, we are delighted that Highfield Stock Farm, a highly professional Canadian operation, will continue his stallion career," John Phillips of Darby Dan.

Tapiture will stand for a 2025 fee of $6,000 CDN Live Foal. For more information, contact Jennifer Buck at Highfield Stock Farm at 403-660-6859 or jbuck@highfieldstockfarm.ca.

About Highfield Stock Farm: With a primary focus on thoroughbred horse breeding, Highfield Stock Farm is one of Alberta’s leading consignors and represents clients throughout the province. In addition to thoroughbred breeding and boarding, Highfield maintains a strong racing stable, partnering with horses racing across North America and select locations in Europe.

Smart Strike son, Counterforce, to move to Empire Equestrian for 2025

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 21:09:39 GMT

Son of Smart Strike has sired six stakes winners from 29 starters!

Counterforce to move to Empire Equestrian for 2025 Breeding Season

Read Paulick Report news item>>
Counterforce Relocated To Empire Equestrian In Alberta For 2025

Son of Smart Strike has sired six stakes winners from 29 starters Paulick Report Staff September 24, 2024

The Smart Strike son, Counterforce, will stand at Empire Equestrian in Ardrossan, Alberta for the 2025 breeding season. The Smart Strike son previously stood at Stride Away Thoroughbreds in Armstrong, B.C. and Road’s End Farm in Abbotsford. Counterforce has sired 14 winners, including six stakes winners, from three crops of racing age and has progeny earnings of $888,884. His leading runner is the multiple stakes winning filly Air Force (US $204,222).

For breeding information contact Lori Neyka 780-719-0400

or empire.equestrian@hotmail.ca

Alberta Bred BIG HUG wins again!

lindsay@cthsalta.com (Lindsay Ward) — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 16:28:37 GMT

The four year old filly wins the Lynn Chouinard Founders Distaff Handicap at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino on Saturday, October 12th, 2024.

Congratulations to the connections of the outstanding runner BIG HUG on her outstanding win in the $50,000 Lynn Chouinard Founders Distaff Handicap at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino on Saturday, October 12 ^th .

Big Hug is owned by Empire Equestrian and Kerredge Farm and was bred by Chalet Stable. The Mr. Big filly is a graduate of the 2021 CTHS Alberta Sale and sold for $2,759. Big Hug adds this victory to wins in the CTHS Sales Stake, Alberta Fall Classic Distaff Handicap and the R.K. Red Smith Handicap, making 2024 her best season to date with a record of 6 wins in 8 starts and $169,575 in earnings. She has truly had a remarkable 2024 season, and her consistency in stakes races is impressive. The overall career record for Big Hug is now at 21-13-4-2 and $437,630 in earnings.

Congratulations to her connections on another fantastic win!

Alberta Breds Win on Sales Stake Festival Day

lindsay@cthsalta.com (Lindsay Ward) — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 20:43:28 GMT

Alberta Breds Win on Sales Stake Festival Day!

Congratulations to the connections of the Sales Stakes winners on October 5 ^th Century Downs! All four divisions were won by Alberta Breds with ITSALLGOODMAN and BIG HUG taking the three and four year old divisions while NO MORE LIES and HOLIDAYS AGAIN won the two year old divisions.

$200,000 in purse money was offered through the CTHS Alberta Sales Stakes with four races taking place on Saturday, October 5 ^th at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino. The Two Year Olds and the Three & Four Year Olds each had a Colts & Geldings and a Filly Division; the Two Year Olds ran over a 6 furlong track while the Three & Four Year Olds competed at a 7 furlong distance.

The current Alberta bred Champion Itsallgoodman had his first win of the 2024 season with a victory in the Three and Four Year Old Sales Stakes. The Speightster three year old now has a record of 12-4-3-2 and career earnings of $136,527. Itsallgoodman was purchased through the 2022 CTHS Alberta sale from consignor and breeder, Stone Ranches, and purchased by owner Curtis Landry for $17,387.

The Alberta bred filly Big Hug’s winning streak in the Sales Stake races is impressive! Her latest victory in the Three and Four Year Old Filly Sales Stakes as a four year old follows consecutive wins in the Two Year Old and Three Year Old Filly Sales Stakes. The Mr. Big filly has inherited both strength and stamina, allowing her to stay competitive in various fields. Leading a nine-horse field is no small feat, and her ability to attain front-runner status speaks to her consistency and talent. Big Hug was bred by Chalet Stable and was purchased for $2,759 through the 2021 CTHS Alberta sale by current owners Empire Equestrian and Kerredge Farm.

Holiday’s Again had his first career win with a victory in the running of the Two Year Old Sales Stakes in a field of six runners. The O’Prado Again gelding had two third place finishes earlier this season in the black type Canadian Juvenile Stakes and the Martin Deerline Juvenile. The Alberta bred runner now has a record of 5-1-1-2 and earnings of $13,350 for owner, Tallie Racing. Bred by C.W. Matier, Holiday’s Again sold through the 2023 CTHS Alberta sale for $13,350.

The Fed Biz runner No More Lies, won the Filly Division of the Two Year Old Sales Stakes. The daughter of multiple stakes winner Tell Me Lies, also won her last start in the black type Sturgeon River Stakes giving her an impressive career record to date of 4-3-1-0 and $62,341 in earnings. No More Lies was sold through the 2023 CTHS Alberta sale by breeder and consignor, Bushido Stables and purchased for $29,666 by Everblack Cattle Co. Ltd. The filly is now owned by the partnership of owners Stetsco Inc, Ryan Stetson, Stetson Enterprises Ltd. and Everblack Cattle Co.

The 2024 Sales Stakes paid out a 25% bonus to owners of Alberta bred racehorses placing win, place or show in the October 5 ^th CTHS Sales Stakes. Owners of Alberta breds do indeed earn more!

The CTHS Alberta Sales Stakes are part of the Canadian Sales Stakes Series which allows all Canadian bred Yearling Graduates of CTHS Provincial Sales to be eligible to run in Sales Stakes offered across the country. Yearlings must have met the Sales Stakes eligibility requirements in the Province in which they ran through a CTHS sanctioned Yearling Sale. In Alberta, a yearling is eligible for the Sales Stakes Series that passed through the Alberta Division Sale where the full commission was paid to the CTHS and a Sales Sake in fee and out fee has been paid.

A good turnout was had from post-secondary students on Campus Derby Day and congratulations to Megan and Ty on winning a scholarship each of $1000, sponsored by Horse Racing Alberta. A huge thank you to our Sales Stake race sponsors High Plains Industrial Park, CBRE and Leeswood Construction for their support.

More information may be found on the Sales Stake page

2024 CTHS Alberta Thoroughbred Sale Highlights

lindsay@cthsalta.com (Lindsay Ward) — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 21:19:34 GMT

Media Release - October 3, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 3, 2024

Calgary, AB – 2024 CTHS Alberta Thoroughbred Sale Highlights

The Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (Alberta Division) held a successful sale at Westerner Park in Red Deer on Friday, September 20th, 2024, showcasing 79 quality yearlings. This year saw significant increases in gross sales, with $700,000 spent on 56 yearlings—a 15% rise from the $607,800 spent on 43 yearlings in 2023. While the average price per yearling slightly decreased to $12,482 from $14,135 last year, the median held steady at $9,850, highlighting the ongoing strength of the sale. The upper end of the market remained robust, with 14 horses selling for $20,000 or more.

The sale topper spot was shared by two yearlings who each sold for $33,000. Hip #58, a Sharp Azteca Alberta-bred colt out of E Looe, consigned by Esquirol Farms, was sold to Tallie Racing. Sharp Azteca, a G1 Cigar Mile winner, has progeny earnings of over $6.8 million, including 7 stakes winners. The dam, E Looe, has produced 6 winners from 10 foals, including Anyriderill Do ($90,504).

The co-sale topper was a Kentucky-bred Big Brown colt consigned by Cal Britton, Agent, sold to Everblack Cattle Company. Big Brown, a G1 Kentucky Derby winner, has sired 38 stakes winners with progeny earnings exceeding $42.5 million, including Dortmund ($1.99 million). The dam, Curlish Figure, is a Curlin daughter and proven race mare with earnings of $178,697.

Boe and Janet Stone led consignors by gross sales, with five yearlings selling for a combined $86,000. Their top seller was Hip #42, a Known Agenda gelding purchased by Hurley Racing Stable for $29,000. Scott Palmer Ranching topped the average consignor standings, selling two yearlings for an average of $32,000 each. Hip #44, a Street Boss filly out of Carmen’s Kiss for $32,000 to Curtis Landry and Hip #77, a Cupid filly out of Leena, to Roger Hansen, also for $32,000.

Curtis Landry emerged as the leading purchaser both by gross and average, spending $60,000 for two yearlings at an average price of $30,000. His purchases included Hip #44, a Street Boss filly from Scott Palmer Ranching, and Hip #78, a Fed Biz gelding from Starline Thoroughbreds.

The success of the 2024 sale is a reflection of increased investment from both CTHS (Alberta) and Horse Racing Alberta, aimed at bolstering foal crops and supporting local breeders. This support has renewed optimism among both purchasers and consignors, with many looking forward to the continued positive impact of these programs on sales and racing.

Online bidding and real-time viewing were again available this year, thanks to Direct Livestock Marketing Systems (DLMS), with support from Century Downs Racetrack and Casino, Century Mile Racetrack and Casino, the HBPA of Alberta, and Highfield Investment Group Inc.

The CTHS (Alberta Division) extends its gratitude to all consignors, purchasers, and viewers for their support of the 2024 sale and the Alberta Thoroughbred industry. Further details on programs and full sales results are available on the CTHS (Alberta Division) website: www.cthsalta.com .

Media Contact:
Lindsay Ward
Communications Coordinator
CTHS (Alberta Division)
wardlind@cthsalta.com
www.cthsalta.com

Celebrate Oktoberfest Weekend

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 21:14:32 GMT

Celebrate Oktoberfest Weekend at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 25, 2024

Celebrate Oktoberfest Weekend at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino!

An Unforgettable Weekend of German Tradition, Live Horse Racing, and Student Scholarships

CALGARY, AB – Century Downs Racetrack and Casino along with the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (Alberta Division) are excited to host a spectacular Oktoberfest weekend on Friday, October 4th and Saturday, October 5th, 2024! This two-day event will combine the best of German tradition with thrilling live horse racing and student-focused giveaways, creating a weekend packed with entertainment for all.

Friday Night: Paulaner Official Oktoberfest

Start the weekend with a taste of Germany at the Paulaner Official Oktoberfest. The evening will be filled with authentic Paulaner beer straight from Munich, traditional German oompah music by Du Hast Musik, and a lively atmosphere complete with festive décor.

Tickets are required for Friday night activities only and include a 14 oz souvenir beer stein plus your first pour of authentic Oktoberfest beer.

Participate in crowd-favorite contests such as:

Yodelling
Stein Holding
Best Dressed

It’s Calgary’s ultimate tribute to German culture and community—perfect for celebrating with friends and family. Prost!

Saturday: Sales Stake Festival & Campus Derby Day

On Saturday, no tickets are needed and the excitement shifts to the racetrack with live Thoroughbred racing starting at 12:45 p.m. The highlight of the day is the Sales Stake Festival Series, featuring four races with $50,000 purses each, specifically for Canadian-bred graduates of the CTHS Alberta Thoroughbred Sale.

These four thrilling races are split into divisions for both two-year-olds and three- to four-year-old horses, showcasing the finest Thoroughbred talent bred in Canada.

Campus Derby Day invites students to enjoy a free afternoon at the races. Plus, two lucky students will walk away with $1,000 scholarships—just get drawn for the final two races, and if your horse wins, so do you! Be sure to arrive early, as the first 200 students receive free betting vouchers.

Throughout the day, guests can enjoy more German oompah music from Du Hast Musik, German wine tastings, and Paulaner beer available for sale at the drink shack.

Don’t Miss Out!

Whether you're a racing fan, a lover of German culture, or a student looking for a fun weekend, Oktoberfest Weekend at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino promises an unforgettable experience.

Tickets for Friday night Paulaner Official Oktoberfest can be purchased through ShowPass . Saturday activities are free and no tickets are required.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Lindsay Ward
Communications Coordinator
CTHS Alberta
Phone: (403) 229-3609
Email: wardlind@cthsalta.com
www.c t hsalta.com

- 30

2024 CTHS Alberta Sale Yearling Consignment Review

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 20:50:28 GMT

The 2024 CTHS Alberta yearling sale will be held on Friday, September 20th at Westerner Park in Red Deer. A total of 83 quality Thoroughbred yearlings are consigned to the main catalogue by a variety of quality stallions.

Local sires represented include Absolutely Stylish, Bench the Judge, Big Lightning, Boisterous, Fed Biz, Firespike, Heavenly Chorus, Mr O’Prado, O’Prado Again, Ready Intaglio, Rojano Time, Schramsberg, Tap Master and Tour de Force.

Discover exceptional thoroughbred yearlings sired by the finest stallions in the industry including Accelerate, Army Mule, Atta Boy Roy, Basin, Big Brown, Cairo Prince, Catalina Cruiser, Cross Traffic, Cupid, Frosted, Higher Power, It’s a Danzig, Keen Ice, Known Agenda, Medallist, Mor Spirit, Second in Command, Sharp Azteca, Solomini, Street Boss, Sungold, Tapiture, Thousand Words and Unbridled Power.

Read the following full review for highlights on each consignment in this exclusive preview!

>> 2024 CTHS Alberta Sale Yearling Consignment Review article

Objection to current Camrose Casino Relocation application

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 17:48:01 GMT

Please submit a letter of objection to AGLC prior to the deadline of August 20th asking that the AGLC vote against and object to the Camrose Casino relocation application.

Century Mile Racetrack and Casino has informed us that Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) has received another application requesting relocation of the Camrose Casino RURAL Casino License. This is the Third approach by the applicant to AGLC on this same relocation request in a 21 month period. The Applicant’s agenda is to relocate their rural charity casino license into an oversaturated South Edmonton gaming market with a new 88,000 Sq Ft casino, causing significant disruption to the market.

Please submit a letter of objection to AGLC prior to the deadline of August 20 ^th asking that the AGLC vote against and object to the Camrose Casino relocation application.

In doing so, protect the well-being of the Alberta horse racing industry, its associated jobs and the critical slot revenue funding needed to support race purses, breed improvement initiatives and the significant economic benefits it delivers to the province’s agriculture sector.

A letter template has been provided above for you to modify with your personal information and email or mail by the deadline of August 20 ^th , 2024.

Mail:
AGLC Senior Manager, Inspections Gaming
50 Corriveau Avenue
St. Albert, Alberta T8N 3T5

Email:
gaming.inspections@aglc.ca

Dawson Guhle Appointed as Incoming General Manager of Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society, Alberta Division

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 17:43:01 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dawson Guhle Appointed as General Manager of Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society, Alberta Division

Calgary, July 22nd, 2024 - The Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society, Alberta Division CTHS (AB), is pleased to announce the appointment of Dawson Guhle as its new General Manager, effective September 3rd, 2024. With many years of extensive involvement in the Thoroughbred industry, Dawson brings a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted passion to his new role.

Dawson initially established himself as a Thoroughbred breeder with the purchase of two mares at a 2012 Fasig-Tipton sale and had considerable success consigning their foals to his first CTHS Alberta Sale in 2014. One yearling, Ripple, developed into a stakes placed runner while the other, Northernlocomotive, became a Fall Classic winner, and the only Alberta bred runner to become a final entry in the Canadian Derby that year. Other noteworthy horses Dawson has bred and consigned to the CTHS Alberta sales include the eight year old Zicatela, winner of the 2019 Fall Classic Beaufort Stakes and still racing successfully today in Alberta.

Dawson has immersed himself in every facet of the industry with hands-on involvement and unwavering enthusiasm as a fan. He has become a valued member of the CTHS Alberta, with his commitment to the Thoroughbred industry as a breeder, owner and consignor.

In his other capacities within the Thoroughbred sector, Dawson has established himself as a dedicated and knowledgeable professional, contributing significantly to the growth and development of Alberta's horse racing and breeding landscape. He is a co-founder of Agri/Gate, a revolutionary app and web-based platform designed to simplify communication between stakeholders while educating new fans and owners.

Dawson’s comprehensive understanding of both the operational and strategic facets of the industry positions him well to lead the CTHS Alberta in its mission to support and promote Alberta's Thoroughbred breeders and owners. Dawson will be working closely with the CTHS Alberta members, stakeholders, and the broader community to further advance the interests of Alberta's Thoroughbred breeding and racing industry.

The appointment of Dawson comes at an important time for the CTHS (Alberta) as it continues to develop opportunities and face challenges within the industry. His leadership is expected to play a crucial role in driving strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing breeding programs, expanding market opportunities, and advocating for the interests of Thoroughbred breeders across Alberta. The role is a pivotal part in ensuring the CTHS (Alberta Division) office operates in a positive, efficient, cost-effective manner on behalf of its Board and membership. The role is seen as the trusted communicator and information source by its membership.

About the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society, Alberta Division: The Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society, Alberta Division, is dedicated to promoting and enhancing the Thoroughbred breeding industry in Alberta. Through advocacy, education, and support services, the CTHS Alberta strives to ensure the long-term sustainability and success of Alberta's Thoroughbred industry.

For more information about the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society, Alberta Division, and its initiatives, please email cthsweb@cthsalta.com or call 403-229-3609.

- 30 -

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

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 16:43:56 GMT

The Alberta Champion Three Year Old Filly adds another win to her impressive resume!

Congratulations to the connections of BIG HUG, winner of Race 4 - the $50,000 R.K. Red Smith Handicap on Friday, July 12th. The four year old filly is owned by Empire Equestrian and Kerredge Farm and was bred by Chalet Stable.

This win brings her lifetime earnings to CDN $322,201 and 9 wins, 4 seconds and 1 third from 16 starts. Big Hug is the current Champion Alberta Three Year Old Filly and has 2 wins from 3 starts this season. The multiple stakes winner is by Mr. Big out of the Unusual Heat mare, Temeeku.

https://www.equibase.com/profiles/Results.cfm?type=Horse...

#ABBredsrock #wildrosewinner #bighug #champion

2024 Western Canadian Derby Series Revised

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 20:13:16 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 8, 2024 - The Western Canadian Derby Series, previously involving the $125,000 Manitoba Derby at Assiniboia Downs, the $200,000 Grade 3 Canadian Derby at Century Mile racetrack in Edmonton, and the $125,000 Grade 3 B.C. Derby at Hastings Racecourse in Vancouver has been revised to now remove the Manitoba Derby for the 2024 race season due to the continued federal quarantine of the backstretch barn area of Assiniboia Downs.

The Jockey Club of Canada Announces Doug Anderson as New Chief Steward

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 17:08:53 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Toronto, June 29, 2024

The Jockey Club of Canada Announces Doug Anderson as New Chief Steward

Upon completion of his second three-year term, R. Glenn Sikura will be stepping down as Chief Steward of The Jockey Club of Canada.

The Board of Stewards has appointed Doug Anderson to succeed Glenn as Chief Steward, effective on June 29th, 2024, at The Jockey Club of Canada’s Annual General Meeting.

Doug has been involved in the thoroughbred industry in Canada for many years and is a valued member of The Jockey Club of Canada. Doug has been involved as an owner of Sovereign Award winners A Bit o’ Gold and Millie Girl, breeds a small band of mares in Ontario each year and races as Braconcrest Inc., solely and in partnership. He is on the board of the CTHS (Ontario Division) and avidly supports thoroughbred retirement, visiting and riding his own retirees multiple times weekly.

Glenn Sikura, inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 2023, was named Chief Steward of The Jockey Club of Canada in 2018. The Jockey Club of Canada thanks Glenn for his time and dedication to the organization, especially during the difficult years of the COVID-19 pandemic and for leading our 50th anniversary celebrations. Glenn will remain on the Board of Stewards of The Jockey Club of Canada until his term as a Steward officially ends at the 2025 Annual General Meeting.

David Anderson and Sue Leslie have both completed their second three-year term on the Board of Stewards of The Jockey Club of Canada and have stepped down. The Board of Stewards has appointed Mark Krembil and Sherry McLean to succeed them, effective on June 29, 2024. Mark is heavily involved in breeding, ownership, and aftercare through Chiefswood Stables Limited, while Sherry operates the breeding, ownership, consignment, and stud farm, Northern Dawn Stables Inc.

After the appointment of the new Chief Steward, Stewards, and other meeting proceedings, members were treated to a question and answer session between NHL-star turned racing analyst, Eddie Olczyk, and Perry Lefko, co-author of his book, moderated by their own Jim Bannon.

For more information please contact The Jockey Club of Canada at (416) 675-7756 or jockeyclubcanada@gmail.com.

The Jockey Club of Canada was founded in 1973 by E. P. Taylor to serve as the international representative of the Canadian Thoroughbred industry. The mission of The Jockey Club of Canada is to promote and maintain a high standard for Thoroughbred racing and breeding in Canada at a level which is recognized internationally for the benefit of all those interested in the sport, including the general public. This is achieved through operations and services such as, but not limited to: evaluating all Graded, Listed and Black-type races in Canada annually; conducting the annual Sovereign Awards for outstanding achievement in Thoroughbred racing and breeding in Canada; maintaining a field office in Canada for the Jockey Club of the United States and the Jockey Club Registry Service; and by representing Canada as a Member of the IFHA.

-30-

Allocation of Additional Funds to 2024 Thoroughbred Breed Improvement Program Announced

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 21:15:22 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 2, 2024

Allocation of Additional Funds to 2024 Thoroughbred Breed Improvement Program Announced

Calgary, Alberta — The Alberta Thoroughbred Community Racing Association (ACTRA), the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (CTHS), and the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) are pleased to announce the allocation of additional funds to the 2024 Thoroughbred Breed Improvement Program.

This year, an additional $66,588.00 in funding has been made available from Horse Racing Alberta to bolster the 2024 Thoroughbred Breed Improvement Program.

The distribution of these funds will be as follows:

· $5,000 directed towards Owners of horses of all ages foaled in Alberta, placing win, place, and show in Community Stakes races, bringing the total funding for 2024 in this category to $25,000.

· $10,000 allocated to enhance Community Alberta Bred Stakes purses, resulting in a total of $100,000 for these stakes races.

· The remaining $51,588 will be split between Owners' Breeding Support and Breeders’ Breeding Support, with each group receiving an additional $25,794.

"This allocation of additional funds marks a significant commitment to the enhancement of the Alberta Thoroughbred industry," said Jean Kruse, CTHS Alberta General Manager. "We are confident that these investments will not only support the development of local breeding programs but also strengthen the competitiveness of Alberta-bred horses in the racing circuit."

The 2024 Thoroughbred Breed Improvement Program aims to foster growth, sustainability, and competitiveness within Alberta's Thoroughbred breeding and racing sectors. By supporting owners, breeders, and stakeholders, HRA continues its dedication to advancing Thoroughbred breeding and racing in Alberta.

For more information on the 2024 Thoroughbred Breed Improvement Program and its initiatives, please visit the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (Alberta Division) website at www.cthsalta.com

Contact:
Lindsay Ward, Communications Coordinator
Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (Alberta Division)
403-229-3609 / wardlind@cthsalta.com

-30-

Wild Rose Winners - Alberta Breds Earn More!

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 20:53:51 GMT

June 5th, 2024

Calgary, AB - Wild Rose Winners: Alberta Bred Owners Earn More!

The Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society – Alberta Division is pleased to announce exciting news for the 2024 Sales Stakes with a 25% bonus to be paid to Owners of Alberta bred racehorses placing win, place or show in the October 5 ^th CTHS Sales Stakes. Owners of Alberta breds do indeed earn more!

$200,000 in purse money will be offered through the CTHS Alberta Sales Stakes with four races taking place this season – all to be held on Saturday, October 5 ^th at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino in Rocky View County. The Two Year Olds and the Three & Four Year Olds will each have a Colts & Geldings and a Filly Division; the Two Year Olds will be running over a 6 furlong track while the Three & Four Year Olds will compete at a 7 furlong distance.

The CTHS Alberta Sales Stakes are part of the Canadian Sales Stakes Series which, commencing with the 2018 sale year, allows all Canadian bred Yearling Graduates of CTHS Provincial Sales to be eligible to run in Sales Stakes offered across the country. Yearlings must have met the Sales Stakes eligibility requirements in the Province in which they ran through a CTHS sanctioned Yearling Sale. In Alberta, a yearling is eligible for the Sales Stakes Series that passed through the Alberta Division Sale where the full commission was paid to the CTHS and a Sales Sake in fee and out fee has been paid.

Please contact the CTHS Alberta office at 403-229-3609 or email at cthsweb@cthsalta.com if you have questions or need further information.

Alberta Breds at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino

Tue, 28 May 2024 19:40:58 GMT

Alberta Breds at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino - May 17, 18 & 19th 2024

The Thoroughbreds had an extra day of racing this past long weekend with races taking place at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The Alberta breds started off the weekend with HARBOR DANCER and FLASHFORDANI both having wins on Friday night. The Harbor the Gold runner, Harbor Dancer, won his first career start for breeder and owners Cheryl & Doug Allen. The Tapiture gelding, Flashfordani, captured his Allowance Optional Claiming race for breeder Highfield Investment Group Inc. and owner Irving Devey.

THRILL OF THE NITE, BOOTIFUL ROSE, VANTASTICCANAVERAL and PERDITION wrapped up the race days on Sunday with wins in their respective races. The Saturdaynitelites runner, Thrill of the Nite, has now won both her starts out this season for breeder Perry Pellerin and owner, On The Rail Racing.

The Shaman Ghost CTHS Alberta sale grad and multiple stakes placed Bootiful Rose won her first race of the season for breeder Stone Ranches and owner Don Danard. The Cape Canaveral runner, Vantasticcanaveral, is a winner in his first race of the year for breeder and owner Ed Keryliuk. The Gayego gelding and CTHS Alberta sale grad Perdition also won his first season start for breeder Bar None Ranches Ltd. and owner Salt River Holdings, Inc. & Viking Stables.

Congratulations to all the winners and their connections!

https://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbRaceChartCalendar.cfm...

#ABBredsrock #albertahorseracing #albertabest #albertarunners

American Blaze: A Tale of Triumph, Trials, and Transitions; 2023 Night of Champions Winners

Wed, 15 May 2024 17:32:59 GMT

By Curtis Stock https://thehorses.com

and the 2023 Ken Cohoe Lifetime Achievement Award winner

There is an empty stall in veteran trainer Tom Rycroft’s shedrow at Nisku’s Century Mile racetrack with American Blaze’s name on it. But whether the horse, who was named Alberta’s Horse of the Year and champion three-year-old at Friday’s Night of Champions, will use it is undecided.

“American Blaze is currently training at Churchill Downs in Kentucky with Brian Lynch,” said Lethbridge’s Terry Hamilton, who owns the now four-year-old with Murray House.

“He might come back to Alberta but not at this point. I kind of want to see if he can cut it down there.”

American Blaze was first or second in seven of his nine starts last year winning the Count Lathum, the Turf Paradise Derby and two allowance races – one in Phoenix and one at Century.

Then he was second in Alberta’s top race - the $200,000 mile and a quarter Canadian Derby. The Derby was a race both Hamilton and Rycroft thought American Blaze could have won.

“We thought he had a really good shot in the Derby but he didn’t get a good trip,” said Hamilton. “With a cleaner trip I think he would have got that race.”

Also the runner-up in Alberta’s six furlong Western Canada Handicap when he had a wide trip in a race that was too short for him, Rycroft said “I thought he should have been laying up closer to the early pace in the Derby. Instead, he was seventh during the early going.”

But there was a reason American Blaze was farther off the pace then Rycroft and Hamilton wanted.

“He ducked in coming past the grandstand the first time and lost his action,” said Rycroft. “He probably lost about three lengths right there when the jockey tried to take a hold of him.”

If that wasn’t enough American Blaze also ducked in with just over a sixteenth of a mile left again shying away from a packed tarmac.

“Those two things cost us plenty,” said Rycroft, 84, who has been training horses since he was 23.

“Probably the race.”Rycroft said “American Blaze never ran a bad race for me.”

Well meant, American Blaze won his first race as a two-year-old by a ridiculous 17 lengths at Kentucky’s Ellis Park.

“We really thought we had something special. The phone was ringing off the hook. We got offered a lot of money,” said Hamilton, who bought American Blaze for $27,000 (US) at the Two-Year-Old in Training Sale in Kentucky in 2022.

Hamilton is also the owner of illustrious Heart to Heart, who won 15 of 41 starts for over $2 million in earnings while winning two Grade 1 stakes – The Gulfstream Park Turf Stakes and the Maker’s 46 Mile Stakes in 2018. Awarded a Sovereign Award in 2014 and inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 2021, Heart to Heart earned a Beyer figure of 105 in the Maker’s 46 Mile.

Heart to Heart, who also was trained by Lynch and who has won 811 races, now stands at stud.

“I hope American Blaze runs well in the U.S. but I’d sure like to have him back in my barn,” said Rycroft.

“I’ve got a stall waiting for him.”

Rycroft said one of his sons, Riley, trained American Blaze for Hamilton in Phoenix. After he won the Turf Paradise Derby Hamilton asked Riley if he would like to take American Blaze to Edmonton to run in the Canadian Derby.

Riley didn’t hesitate. “Riley told Terry 'I’m sure the old man would love to have him,'” said Tom.

“I’m glad I got him and I wish I still had him. He’s a really nice horse.”

In other awards Itsallgoodman cleaned up. Voted the top Two-Year-Old colt, the $17,000 Alberta Yearling Sale purchase, hit for the cycle. He was also named champion Sprinter and champion Alberta-bred. Itsallgoodman, who won three of his five starts and was never worse than third, won the Alberta Premiers’ stake by more than eight lengths and then closed out his magnificent season winning the CTHS Sales stake by an almost effortless four and a half lengths.

Itsallgoodman is owned by Curtis Landry and trained by Gonzalo Anderson.

Miss Miezie was all by herself winning champion Two-Year-Old Filly of the Year. Winning all three of her races, after breaking her maiden by three and a half lengths, Miss Miezie won the Princess Margaret by five and a half lengths and then went wire-to-wire again winning the Sturgeon River.

Miss Miezie is owned by Riverside Racing Stable and trained by another of Tom’s sons, Tim.

Taking the Larry Olesen Memorial Trophy for three-year-old fillies the champion was Big Hug, who won three of her eight races while also running second three times and third once.

Big Hug won her first start of the year taking the Chariot Chaser by open lengths, then won the CTHS Sales stakes and the Alberta Oaks – the latter by five widening lengths.

The Champion Two-Year-Old Filly of 2022, Big Hug is owned by trainer Rick Hedge and Empire Equestrian. In just two years Big Hug has already won $260,400.

Remarkably, Hedge had five horses make the short list for Alberta championship titles.

Champion Older Horse honours and winner of the Century Mile Racetrack and Casino trophy went to well-bred Smart As Me.

Bought for just $6,000 as a two-year-old in Keeneland, Kentucky’s November 2021 sale by 2023 leading trainer Craig Smith for himself, Jamie Graham, Highfield Investment Group and Keith Johns True North Stable, Smart As Me won two allowance races in Tampa Bay, Florida before coming to Alberta and decisively winning the Century Mile Handicap.

“To get Smart As Me for just $6,000 is unbelievable,” Graham said in this space last year. “The horse’s pedigree is amazing. It’s flabbergasting.

“Every once in a while you get lucky.”

Floral was the Champion Older Mare winning the Moore Equine Veterinary Centre trophy after a season that saw the now seven-year-old win the RedTail Landing stake and then draw away by five and a half lengths in the Red Smith. She is owned by trainer Tim Rycroft and Dallas Nelson.

In what had to be a close vote the Champion Claimer was Mi Reyna, who won five of 12 races last year. Claimed twice last year, Mi Reyna currently runs for Kirk Sutherland and trainer Gonzalo Anderson.

In other awards Pierre Esquirol was Alberta’s leading breeder; Dane Nelson was the leading jockey; Craig Smith was the top trainer and Crystal Cates and Anderson were the leading owners. The People’s Choice Award winner was For Cash.

STOCK REPORT – Personally, I can’t thank everyone involved enough for honouring me with the Ken Cohoe lifetime achievement award. The company is humbling with the likes of previous winners Rod Cone, Rico Walcott, Dale Saunders, Red McKenzie, Red Smith, Bob Giffin, Real Simard, Lynn Chouinard, Bobby Marsh, Fred Jones, Lloyd Wilson, Bory Margolus and Don Buchanan to name just a few. The award is for the ‘lifelong personal involvement and contribution for the love of the thoroughbred.’

I’ve been involved in horse racing in one way or another for some 50 years – mostly writing but also promoting, publicizing and advertising horse racing at Northlands. I have no idea how many millions of words I have written on horse racing in the Edmonton Journal, Daily Racing Form, my book The Turcottes: The Remarkable Story of a Horse Racing Dynasty and now – once a week – for Horse Racing Alberta. Actually getting paid to write about something I love has been a dream.

Thank you.

curtisstock@icloud.com
Follow me on X (Twitter) at CurtisJStock and on Facebook

Stallion News - Medaglia D'Oro Son to Stand in Cold Lake, Alberta

Tue, 14 May 2024 16:16:15 GMT

The five year old son of Medaglia D’Oro, WITHOUT A SONG, will stand in Cold Lake, Alberta

Without a Song raced for two seasons and had one win, one second and two thirds from eight starts with earnings of US $24,198.

Medaglia D’Oro is a multiple graded stakes winner of over $5.7 Million including the G1 Travers Stakes and the G1 Whitney Handicap. Medaglia D’Oro is a leading sire with 26 career G1 winners and 55 career $1 Million plus sales horses. He is the leading active North American sire by global stakes winners with progeny earnings of over $140 Million. 5 champions have been sired by Medaliga D’Oro including Songbird ($4.69 Million), Rachel Alexandra ($3.5 Million). This sire currently stands at Darley, Lexington for a fee of $75,000.

Without a Song is out of the stakes winning Storm Cat mare, Serena’s Cat ($131,029), who has produced 5 winners from 9 foals including the multiple graded stakes winners, HONOR CODE ($2.5 Million) and NOBLE TUNE ($492,222), stakes winner DECLARATION OF PEACE ($160,864) and stakes placed runner, Lady Serena ($116,150).

Without a Song will stand in Cold Lake, Alberta for a fee of CA $1500.

Please contact Joan Wells at 587-201-0716 or email at ems.joan@gmail.com for further information.

Western Canadian Derby Series Returns

Tue, 14 May 2024 15:36:41 GMT

Western Canadian Derby Series Returns with some additional incentives

Joining forces once again, Assiniboia Downs, Century Mile, and Hastings Racecourse are set to deliver another

powerhouse racing program with their combined Derby series during the 2024 racing season.

The second year of the newly named Western Canadian Derby Series comprises the prestigious $125,000 Manitoba

Derby, scheduled for August 5 at Assiniboia Downs in Winnipeg, Manitoba; the renowned $200,000 G3 Canadian

Derby at Century Mile in Edmonton, Alberta on August 24; and the highly anticipated $125,000 G3 BC Derby at

Hastings Racecourse in Vancouver, British Columbia on September 14.

The series will offer a $100,000 bonus for the horse that is able to win all three races. While this would be a

remarkable feat, it is quite possible with the timing of the scheduled events, making it a great opportunity for those

who have a talented 3 year old.

In addition, this year there will be a points system introduced to the program that will provide $25,000 in bonuses to

the owners and trainers that have competed in at least two of the three events. Points will be awarded based on

their race finish in each of the legs and will also have points awarded for owners and trainers that run in all three

races. Details will be published shortly.

Darren Dunn, CEO of Assiniboia Downs commented, “ASD is so pleased to continue to work with our western partner

racetracks on this exciting and rewarding Derby series. This year’s rendition has been bolstered by additional reward

money targeted at participation and excellence in results and should only lead to larger fields, increased wagering

and an elevated experience for all of our customers.”

"Whenever you can get multiple racing jurisdictions working together to promote horse racing, you can't lose”,

exclaimed Allen Goodsell, Racing Manager at Century Casinos. “We are excited for the new changes to the Western

Canadian Derby Series that put more money into racing participants' pockets."

“We are really excited about the prospect of hosting the winner of all three legs,” exclaimed Dawn Lupul, Manager of

Racing and Communications for BC. “The introduction of the additional $25,000 in bonuses for owners and trainers

will provide even more of an incentive to participate in the entire series, adding to the success of our inaugural

season last year. We’ll be getting the cheques ready!”

For further information, please contact:

Mike Vanin

Executive Director HBPA of Alberta

Email: vannelstables@gmail.com

For all other inquiries, please contact:

Darren Dunn

Chief Executive Officer – Assiniboia Downs

Email: ddunn@asdowns.com

Review of the Night of Champions

Thu, 09 May 2024 17:37:46 GMT

Leduc, Alberta – 2023 Alberta Thoroughbred Industry Award Winners Celebrated 50th Night of Champions

The Lancaster Ballroom at the Royal Hotel in Leduc was packed on the evening of May 3rd as over 150 Alberta Thoroughbred breeders, owners, trainers, fans and backstretch people gathered to celebrate the achievements of the industry last season.

Master of Ceremonies Ken Gee started off the awards program with greetings from Horse Racing Alberta CEO, Kent Verlik, who emphasized positive news for the industry. Purses will increase over 20% in the next three years; from $5.8 million in 2024 and $6 million in 2025 to $6.4 million in 2026. The Breed Improvement Program funds are increasing over the same time period; from 2.3 million in 2023 and 2.5 million in 2024, to 2.8 million in 2025. Verlik noted that the Breed Improvement Program is “tied to the increases in purses, in an effort to make sure both grow at the same rate.”

The Mayor of Leduc County, Tanni Doblanko, thanked everyone in the industry for their commitment and passion stating, ‘We’re so proud in Leduc County to have Century Mile Racetrack and Casino which is really the center of racing for our region. The industry provides significant direct and indirect employment for our region, for friends, family and the larger Edmonton region.”

Prior to the awards section of the program, and in line with the 50 ^th anniversary and the Shake, Rattle and Roll: Fabulous ‘50s party theme, the audience enjoyed music from Allesandro Votta, a multi award winning Elvis tribute artist.

The C.T.H.S. Trophy for Leading Breeder was awarded to Pierre Esquirol for the second consecutive year. Alberta bred runners bred by Esquirol had earnings of $375, 576 from 22 firsts, 22 seconds and 22 thirds from 158 starts last season.

Alberta bred runner ITSALLGOODMAN won all three of his nominations – the Rocky Mountain Turf Club Trophy for Champion Two Year Old Colt, the Century Downs Racetrack and Casino Trophy for Champion Sprinter and the Ted Connor Memorial Trophy for Champion Alberta Bred. As a two year old, the Speightster gelding had wins in the CTHS Sales Stakes and Alberta Premier’s Futurity, with earnings of $124,800 from 3 wins, 1 second and 1 third in 5 starts. Itsallgoodman was bred by Stone Ranches and is owned by Curtis Landry and trained by Gonzalo Anderson.

The Champion Three Year Old Colt Trophy sponsored by Bar None Ranches Ltd. and the Horse Racing Alberta Trophy for Horse of the Year was awarded to the connections of AMERICAN BLAZE. Trained by Riley Rycroft, the American Freedom runner earned $170,641 last season with 4 wins and 3 seconds from 9 starts. The gelding was bred by Gary and Mary West Stables Inc. and is owned by Terry Hamilton and Murray House.

The special People’s Choice award sponsored by Horse Racing Alberta was presented to Lyle and Phylis Farkash, owners and breeders of the overall winner, FOR CASH. The Stephen Got Even gelding was voted top Alberta bred of the past half century, for his lifetime earnings record of $605,279 with 5 wins, 7 seconds and 11 thirds from 47 starts between 2012 and 2019.

Last year’s recipient, Rod Cone, presented the Ken Cohoe Lifetime Achievement award to Curtis Stock to recognize and reward his lifelong personal involvement and contribution for the love of the Thoroughbred. Curtis thanked the industry for his award and noted that throughout his career with the Calgary Herald, the Edmonton Journal, the Daily Racing Form, he has “never enjoyed anything more than writing about horse racing.”

The complete list of the 2023 Alberta Thoroughbred awards winners are shown below:

Apprentice Jockey of the Year Award
Sponsored by the H.B.P.A
DA-SEAN GASKIN

Leading Jockey
The Lou Davies Memorial Trophy
DANE NELSON

Leading Trainer
The H.B.P.A. Trophy
CRAIG SMITH

Leading Owner
The Jockey Club of Canada Trophy
CRYSTAL CATES AND GONZALO ANDERSON

Leading Breeder
The C.T.H.S. Trophy
PIERRE ESQUIROL

Champion Claimer
The H.B.P.A. Trophy
MI REYNA

Champion Sprinter
The Century Downs Racetrack and Casino Trophy
ITSALLGOODMAN*

Champion Two Year Old Filly
The Dwight McLellan Memorial Trophy
MISS MIEZIE*

Champion Two Year Old Colt
The Rocky Mountain Turf Club Trophy
ITSALLGOODMAN*

Champion Three Year Old Filly
The Larry Olesen Memorial Trophy
Sponsored by Paddockhurst Stables Inc.
BIG HUG*

Champion Three Year Old Colt
Sponsored by Bar None Ranches Ltd.
AMERICAN BLAZE

Champion Older Mare
The Moore Equine Veterinary Centre Ltd. Trophy
FLORAL

Champion Older Horse
The Century Mile Racetrack and Casino Trophy
SMART AS ME

Champion Alberta Bred
The Ted Connor Memorial Trophy
ITSALLGOODMAN*

Horse of the Year
The Horse Racing Alberta Trophy
AMERICAN BLAZE

People’s Choice Award
Sponsored by Horse Racing Alberta
FOR CASH*

The Ken Cohoe Lifetime Achievement Award
CURTIS STOCK

*denotes Alberta bred

Winners from Night of Champions

Tue, 07 May 2024 20:53:30 GMT

Night of Champions Award Winners

Apprentice Jockey of the Year Award
Sponsored by the H.B.P.A.
DA-SEAN GASKIN

Leading Jockey

The Lou Davies Memorial Trophy

DANE NELSON

Leading Trainer

The H.B.P.A. Trophy

CRAIG SMITH

Leading Owner

The Jockey Club of Canada Trophy

CRYSTAL CATES AND GONZALO ANDERSON

Leading Breeder

The C.T.H.S. Trophy

PIERRE ESQUIROL

Champion Claimer

The H.B.P.A. Trophy

MI REYNA

Champion Sprinter

The Century Downs Racetrack and Casino Trophy

ITSALLGOODMAN*

Champion Two Year Old Filly

The Dwight McLellan Memorial Trophy

MISS MIEZIE*

Champion Two Year Old Colt

The Rocky Mountain Turf Club Trophy

ITSALLGOODMAN*

Champion Three Year Old Filly

The Larry Olesen Memorial Trophy

Don't miss the Opening Weekend and Kentucky Derby party!!

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 22:31:30 GMT

Come out and celebrate the opening weekend of racing at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino and the 150th anniversary of the Kentucky Derby! Limited tickets available.

Limited tickets available! Join us in celebration of the opening of live Thoroughbred racing at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino and the 150th Anniversary of the Kentucky Derby.

Don't miss the excitement taking place on Saturday, May 4th in the suites at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino. V.I.P. access tickets are $55.00 plus GST each and include access to the suites, program, appetizers. Premium access tickets are $70.00 plus GST and include tables against the glass, betting voucher and one drink ticket per person.

Please call the CTHS Alberta office at 403-229-3609 or email cthsweb@cthsalta.com to book your tickets.

Mr. Curtis Stock to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 22:18:52 GMT

Curtis to be awarded this prestigious award at the upcoming Night of Champions!

The CTHS Alberta is pleased to announce that Mr. Curtis Stock will be the recipient of the 2023 Ken Cohoe Lifetime Achievement Award at the Night of Champions. The Ken Cohoe Lifetime Achievement Award is to reward lifelong personal involvement and contribution for the love of the Thoroughbred.

Curtis has been a dedicated supporter of the racing industry in Alberta for over four decades and has provided extensive coverage of local and international Thoroughbred racing for the enjoyment of owners, breeders, trainers and fans. His outstanding writing talents have earned him numerous Sovereign Awards for feature writing and newspaper stories. Curtis was inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 2017 in the Communicator’s category.

This award winning journalist grew up in Calgary and developed a love of Thoroughbred racing during his high school days, when his school was a short walk to Stampede Park to watch workouts. In the mid-1970s, Curtis accepted a position in the publicity Ontario Jockey Club Publicity department alongside Canadian Hall of Fame member Bruce Walker. He later returned to Alberta for a role with Northlands managing publicity and marketing, with a subsequent appointment leading to over three decades of race reporting coverage with the Edmonton Journal and two with the Daily Racing Form.

Most recently, horse racing fans have been able to enjoy a biography authored by Curtis titled ‘The Turcottes,’ telling the story of the Turcotte brothers who were all North American jockeys.

The Ken Cohoe Lifetime Achievement Award is given in memory of Mr. Ken Cohoe of Cremona, Alberta; a keen owner, trainer and breeder of Thoroughbreds. The award was established by Mrs. Gina Cohoe. Mrs. Cohoe was also the artist of the bronze trophy named “A Dream Come True” which is presented at Night of Champions. The bronze was in honor of her husband’s achievements as a breeder.

One of his greatest successes came in 1984-85 with the exploits of the exceptionally talented filly “A Star Angel”, who had been foaled and raised at the Cohoe’s farm. The first recipient of the award was Mrs. Penny Ridge. The presenter was Patricia Cohoe, daughter of Gina and Ken Cohoe.

Save the Date for the Night of Champions!

Sat, 13 Apr 2024 00:47:35 GMT

Save the date!! RSVP deadline is now Friday, April 26th.

Come out and celebrate all the accomplishments of the Alberta racing industry in the past season. It's the 50th Annual Night of Champions on Friday, May 3rd and we're celebrating with a "Shake, Rattle and Roll; Fabulous 50s Party!"

https://www.cthsalta.com/NIghtofChampions/Awards

Tickets are $90.00 per person plus GST. Evening begins at 6 p.m. in the Lancaster Ballroom at The Royal Hotel, Edmonton Airport.

Please RSVP by Friday, April 26th to 403-229-3609 or email cthsweb@cthsalta.com.

The Royal Hotel - Edmonton Airport has a special room rate of $119.00 per night for Night of Champions attendees!

#ABBredsrock #NightOfChampions #PeoplesChoice

People's Choice Award: Decade Five 2014 - 2023

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 21:16:56 GMT

People’s Choice Award: Decade Five 2014 – 2023 Thundering Trails: Alberta’s Decade of Speedy Thoroughbreds The third decade opened with Taylor’s Swift’s release of ‘1989’, which went on to be one of the best-selling albums of the decade, Malaysian airline flight 370 mysteriously disappeared and racing fans voted California Chrome’s win in the 140th Kentucky Derby the top racing moment of 2014. SMART FIX ran the first race of her career at Northlands, Jimmy Fallon took over the Tonight show and a 37 year drought was ended when American Pharaoh won the Triple Crown in 2015. The CTHS Alberta sale graduate SMART FIX went on to race for seven seasons and earned the title of 2019 Champion Alberta bred and Horse of the Year.

People's Choice Award: Decade Four 2004-2013

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 20:40:44 GMT

Speeding Through the Decade: Alberta’s Thunderous Thoroughbred Triumphs (2004 – 2013) The next decade unfolded with the launch of Facebook, the imprisonment of Martha Stewart and Smarty Jones earning a $5 Million bonus for his victory in the 130th running of the Kentucky Derby.Hurricane Katrina had just devastated the US Gulf Coast and Zenyatta was a $60,000 yearling purchase at the 2005 September Keeneland Yearling Sale when CTHS Alberta yearling sale graduate, TEAGUES FIGHT began his racing career at Stampede Park.

People's Choice Award: Decade Three 1994 - 2003

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 17:41:02 GMT

LEGENDARY HOOVES: ALBERTA GOLDEN DECADE OF THOROUGHBRED RACING

(1994 - 2003)

People's Choice Award: Decade Two 1984 - 1993

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 17:22:49 GMT

The first year of this decade was of special note for Thoroughbreds in North America. Hollywood Park was the site of the very first Breeders’ Cup, John Henry was the first Thoroughbred to win $6 million and the 110th Kentucky Derby was won by Swale. The movie Back to the Future was released in 1985, Coca-Cola changed its secret formula and then quickly brought the 99 year old recipe back a few months later and ROAD TO PONDER was on the track at Woodbine for the beginning of a four year racing career. Mainly racing out of Alberta, this chestnut horse had lifetime earnings of $268,881.

Alberta Bred PIPER ROSE Wins at Turf Paradise

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 16:41:28 GMT

Alberta Breds Running Elsewhere Update

Congratulations to all the connections of Alberta bred PIPER ROSE, winner of the $17,000 Race 10 at Turf Paradise on February 26th. The ten year old mare ran the one mile race in a field of eight to win for owners Bennie Woolley Jr. and Mitchell Cathey. Piper Rose was bred by Lamont Heppner and ran for six years in Alberta, winning both the 2017 Alberta Oaks and the 2020 Alberta Fall Classic Distaff Handicap.

https://www.equibase.com/profiles/Results.cfm?type=Horse...

Photo of Piper Rose in the 2020 Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic.

Photo credit to Ryan Haynes of Coady Photo.

#ABBredsrock #albertathoroughbreds

People's Choice Award: First Decade 1974 - 1983

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 16:43:22 GMT

*Racing Legends: Alberta Bred Thoroughbreds Leave Their Mark (1974 - 1983)

The inaugural year for Night of Champions was 1974 and what a year it was. President Nixon was the first U.S. President in history to resign, CANNONADE won the Kentucky Derby and the cost of a 30 second Super Bowl ad was $107,000 US. There was a “Rumble in the Jungle” and Alberta Bred, WESTERN DANGLER won five of six races including the BIrdcatcher and the Stampede Futurity Stakes. Bred by Elmbrook Stables, owned by Diron Farms, trained by R.K.Smith and ridden by Rick Hedge, WESTERN DANGLER raced from 1974 to 1981 with 68 starts, and career earnings of $117,518.00.

Microsoft was founded as a partnership between Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975 and it was the first year on the track for the Dangblastit horse, CARELESS WORD. Bred by Mrs. Katherine Durrand, owned by H. Buechler and trained by L.D. White the multiple stakes winner, CARELESS WORD had 100 starts winning the Western Handicap and the Teeworth Plate Handicap twice along with the BIrdcatcher, the Klondike Handicap, the Strathcona Handicap to mention a few.

The year the Sony Walkman was released a chestnut horse by the name of KY ALTA started on the Northlands Park track. Racing from 1979 to 1983, the Graded Stakes placed KY ALTA had 52 starts and earnings of $313,885. Over the course of KY ALTA’s career he won the B.C. Premier’s Championship Stakes twice, the Speed to Spare, the Spangled Jimmy and the Harvest Gold Plate and placed second in the 1980 Canadian Derby. In 1986, this horse was honoured with the KY ALTA Stakes which ran for a number of years.

There was a 74 day disagreement between Argentina and Great Britain in 1982 over a place called the Falkland Islands, which is the same year multiple stakes winner, CHILCOTON BLAZE began racing. At the end of his ten year career, he had earnings of $490,862 putting him as the top earner during these years not only setting a couple of track records but winning the Klondike Handicap and Westerner Handicap twice.

The final episode of M*A*S*H aired in 1983 and you could purchase one of the first mobile phones. A thirty second Super Bowl ad was costing $368,200 and it was SPECIAL INTENT’s first year on the track, ending in 1993. Bred and owned by R. and D. Petryk and trained by Floyd Arthur, SPECIAL INTENT had an amazing 107 starts, 30 wins, 25 seconds and 20 thirds winning the Sun Handicap and Stampede Park Sprint Championship twice, not to mention the Spangled Jimmy, Beaufort and Sturgeon River.

Also racing during this decade; 1980-RAPIDO DOM (Lifetime earnings of $466,974), 1982-BANNER ROSE (Lifetime earnings of $220,317), 1979-CHIVAY (Lifetime earnings of $187,087), 1981-GROWING REGARD (Lifetime earnings of $167,949) and 1982-MAXI SPIRIT (Lifetime earnings of $152,048).

*Disclaimer- Horses for each decade were chosen for that decade based on the first year they raced and ranked according to lifetime earnings. It is possible that depending on how they are viewed they may fit into more than one decade. We leave it to the “People” to decide which decade they feel these Alberta bred horses best fit.

Thank you to Ashley Gilkyson for sharing the photo below of Chilcoton Blaze at Northlands Park in 1983.

CTHS Alberta Condolences to Family and Friends of Bob Clements

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 18:19:09 GMT

It is with a heavy heart that the family of Robert (Bob) Clements, 47, announce his sudden passing on the morning of February 4th, 2024.

Bob was born in Calgary, Alberta to parents Doug and Debbie and spent the majority of his life growing up on the thoroughbred race track while living in the Airdrie/Calgary areas with his parents and sister, Carrie. Bob had a passion for horses from a very young age, being a third-generation horseman. After graduating from Dr. E.P. Scarlett High School in 1995, he quickly made his way to the track full-time where he dabbled in all areas of the business including selling racing forms, being a guest handicapper on the Simulcast Network show, grooming, jockey’s agent, trainer, breeder, and an owner.

He left the racetrack for a period of time, where he then spent a number of years as an electrician. It wasn’t long though before he found his way back at the track as a trainer before finally settling down and running a farm east of Okotoks. It was during that time that he also found a love for construction, as the owner of the farm was also the owner of a development company, Intergulf-Cidex. This allowed Bob the opportunity to dabble in construction during his downtime at the farm, and in a meeting of what could only be described as fate due to the circumstances, he met the love of his life, Renee, in 2009.

Bob and Renee dated for a few years before buying a house together and moving to Okotoks. Bob was now in construction full-time and he and Renee started to build their amazing life together. They enjoyed camping, fishing, playing slo-pitch, garage beers with their many friends, and of course, spending time with their family. Bob and Renee married in August of 2017, and eventually moved to their dream farm. It was there that Bob’s passion for the horses would return, which also allowed Renee to not only see that side of him – but to be his partner in the endeavor of owning and breeding mares. While the intention was to sell the first baby, a filly, Bob’s love for the sport and the animals just wouldn’t allow him to do so and he was very excited to see her head to the race track this coming spring.

Bob spent many years growing his success within the construction industry, which enabled him to have the best of both worlds – a successful career in construction while living out his dream of owning, breeding, and racing thoroughbred horses. In 2020, Bob found what he believed to be his forever home at Fillmore Construction until his sudden passing.

While Bob and Renee did not have children of their own in the “traditional” sense, they had many animals in which they loved just as much, if not more, than a parent loves their child. In what many family members called their “funny farm” or “nut-house,” their children over the years consisted of horses Cookie, Stormy, Lady, Renie, and Beefcakes, two dogs, Duke and Molly, and seven cats, Neiko, Bolt, Bella, Tucker, Leo, Willy, and Billy the Kid. Hence – the “Funny Farm.”

Few knew outside of Bob’s inner circle his deep love for all things Christmas. Whether it be listening to Christmas music starting on November 15th, hunting out and collecting vintage ornaments and decorations, watching National Lampoons Christmas Vacation for what seems like the millionth time (and quoting it,) or decorating his house with the most Christmas lights he could purchase – his love for Christmas was unmatched and will be dearly missed every holiday season.

To know Bob was to know a helping hand like no other. It was rare that you came across someone who Bob had not helped out in some capacity, whether big or small. His empathetic nature and comforting presence made him a cherished confidant, especially within his family, where he proved to be there for everyone in every scenario possible. He will be sorely missed by every individual he came into contact with, especially his family.

Bob is survived by his wife Renee, his parents, Douglas and Debra, his sister Carrie, his brother-in-law Jay, his niece Madison and nephew Ty, his mother-in-law Janet, brothers-in-law Travis, and Russ, niece and nephew, Jade and Owen, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He is predeceased by his grandparents, Fred and Katie Clements, Don and Norma Drader, and his Uncle Kelly Drader.

A funeral service will be held at Snodgrass Funeral Homes, High River, Alberta on Friday, February 16th, 2024 at 1:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting all condolences be made out to the GoFundMe page in an effort to support and aid his wife, Renee, through navigating this difficult time.

The GoFundMe Page is listed under Memorial Contributions directly below the obituary.

Obituary of Robert (Bob) Clements at Snodgrass Funeral Home.

NEW - 2024 -2025 Foal Incentive Maiden and Open Mare Program

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 21:46:14 GMT

CTHS (Alberta Division) Announces Details of the 2025 Foal Incentive Maiden and Open Mare Program for Maiden and Open Mares bred in 2024 for foals of 2025.

CTHS (Alberta Division) 2025 Foal Incentive Maiden and Open Mare Program

This program is for Maiden and Open Mares bred in 2024 for foals of 2025.

Current CTHS (AB) Full Members with registered Thoroughbred mares that have not foaled in either 2023 and/or 2024 will be eligible for funding of $2,500 if sired by a Thoroughbred stallion standing in Alberta and $1,500 if sired by an out of province Thoroughbred stallion. The breeder of the resulting Alberta bred foal will be paid upon proof of registration of the Alberta bred foal with The Jockey Club and CTHS National office. Deadline for submitting copies of the completed foal registration certificates (Jockey Club and Canadian) is December 1, 2025.

All yearlings from this program are eligible for the 2026 Alberta Thoroughbred Sale with the cost of the sale entry fee covered by the CTHS (Alberta Division). Breeders will be responsible for the Sale Stake In Fee of $100 (and the $200 Out fee if unsold).

Mares must be registered, and an application approved by the CTHS (Alberta Division) office prior to foaling. The deadline for approval to this program for 2025 is August 1, 2024. Each mare is only eligible once for this program. A maximum of 30 mares will be accepted into the program. Members may submit multiple applications to the program, but a maximum of two applications will be paid out to each applying CTHS Member. Each individual CTHS member will have priority over any member's second mare application. Application priority will be based on the date received by the CTHS (Alberta Division) office. If the program is undersubscribed unused funds from the Foal Incentive funding will be added to the Breeders’ Bonus and distributed to all breeders.

All applicants must be CTHS full members in good standing for both 2024 and 2025 and prior to each of the program deadline dates in order to be approved into the program. This program cannot be combined with any current CTHS or HBPA program. The CTHS reserves the right to deny any application it deems not in the best interest of CTHS (Alberta Division).

Raymond Nikiforuk, Sr. Passes Away

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 22:41:03 GMT

Raymond Paul Nikirforuk Sr.

April 21, 1950 - January 26, 2024 (age 73)

The CTHS Alberta is saddened to share the news of the passing of long time Alberta horseman, Raymond Nikiforuk Sr., on January 26, 2024 at the age of 73. Our sincere condolences go out to his family and friends. Ray had been a CTHS member since 1990 and was an accomplished breeder, owner and trainer in the Alberta Thoroughbred industry. He was a multiple stakes winning owner with a record that included 415 starts with 24 wins and $300,000 in earnings.

As an owner, Ray raced numerous Alberta breds including Smile Lee, LTl Radioactive, Chickadee Creek, Carr Fourty Four, With No Knickers, Ferns Jaakita, Rainbow Creek, Dunvegan Ablaze, L’Tl Brassy and Affair Lady.

His top two horses were homebred mares that Ray also trained; Smile Lee and L’Tl Radioactive. His best earner was the Alberta bred Zuppardo’s Future runner, Smile Lee who raced at Northlands, Evergreen Park and RMTC for nine seasons and finished as a ten year old in 2017 with $78,832 in earnings and a record of 53 starts and 12 wins. Her wins included repeat victories in the B Cup Filly and Mare Stakes, the Dating Game Stakes and the Alberta Bred Fillies & Mare Stakes at RMTC in 2014 and 2015.

Ray also bred and trained his second best horse, L’Tl Radioactive. The Ian’s Affair mare raced for four seasons at Stampede Park and Northlands Park between 1999 and 2002, retiring with $56,950 in earnings and a record of 39 starts and 7 wins. Ray bred and owned many other Alberta bred runners over the past few decades; his most recent runner was a homebred Alberta bred named Solana who ran in 2023 at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino and Grande Prairie.

Ray was also directly involved in the breeding of Thoroughbreds with his Dunvegan Stud located in Fairview in the Peace River valley of northern Alberta. Dunvegan Stud has stood the Street Cry (IRE) stallion, True Sense, since 2020, after their stallion, Brunswick was retired.

Please follow this link to the Peace Valley Funeral Home to read the full obituary for Raymond. A Celebration of Raymond’s Life will take place at a later date.

Peace Valley Funeral Home OBITUARY FOR RAYMOND PAUL NIKIFORUK, SR.

New Scoring System Will Reduce Non-Listed Stakes

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 18:10:24 GMT

Minimum quality scores will be increased starting Jan. 1, 2025.

Re-printed from the BloodHorse Daily - Eric Mitchell

January 14th, 2024

The North American International Cataloguing Standards Committee announced Jan. 10 it will adjust how non-listed black-type stakes in the United States are rated beginning in 2025 with the goal of reducing the number of stakes that fall into this category of races that is unique to the United States and Canada.

"Effective Jan. 1, 2025, the minimum Race Quality Scores (RQS) for non-listed black-type races in SITA catalogs (those compliant with guidelines required by the Society of International Thoroughbred Auctioneers) will be increased due to the gradual growth in the ratio of non-listed black-type races to total races run," the committee said in a statement.

North American graded stakes and listed stakes are evaluated annually to ensure the quality of the fields attracted continue to match the status awarded to each race. Non-listed stakes are not evaluated, so the NAICSC in 2014 implemented an automated rating system to monitor the quality of these races.

Each non-listed stakes receives a quality score that is derived from the speed figures for the first four finishers. The four speed figures are used to compile the RQS and are provided by Bloodstock Research Information Services, Daily Racing Form's Beyer Speed Figures, Equibase Speed Figures, and Thoro-Graph. Each race has two quality scores—the RQS for its most recent running and a three-year average. In order to keep or earn black-type status, both of these scores need to exceed a minimum RQS set by the NAICSC. Six minimum RQS scores exist for specific conditions by age and sex.

If both of these scores fall below the minimum RQS score, then a race will lose its black-type status. A race will need to be run two consecutive years subsequent to losing its black-type status before it can be reconsidered to earn back black-type.

It Pays to Breed Alberta Breds!

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 17:57:33 GMT

Breeders’ of Alberta bred Thoroughbreds had exciting opportunities to share in the winnings of their racehorses through the Breeders’ Bonus which was over half a million dollars in 2023!

Horse Racing Alberta’s Breeding Support totals $538,110 in 2023 and has now been distributed through the Thoroughbred Breed Improvement Program to qualifying breeders. The bonus is based on horses of all ages foaled in Alberta placing win, place and show in all sanctioned races in Alberta having a minimum $9,000 purse and where entered at or above a minimum $6,250 claiming price. This year’s bonus is 21.36% of the earnings of all races held at Alberta racetracks in 2023.

Congratulations to all the recipients of the Breeders’ Bonus for the 2023 race season. The following are the top five leading Alberta breeders by Breeders’ Bonus earnings.

Pierre Esquirol is the top breeder this season with a total Breeders’ Bonus earned of $48,941. The leading runner bred by Esquirol was the It’s No Joke filly, NO MORE JO KING. The three year old won a Maiden Special Weight and an Allowance Optional Claiming races to finish the season with a record of 8-2-2-0. Other Esquirol bred runners include the Red Diamond Express Handicap winner, JEFF FA FA, PACHECO, LANNY MAC, PUMP THE BRAKES, E PAY ALL THE WAY, GOLDIE SOCKS, KULSUM, KEEPMEINPOWER, SASSY MISS ELLIOTT, GOLDEN FORTYNINE, PULL THE PIN, YNOTGIVEITAGO, FLASHING JOKER and DISTORTED ROSE.

Bar None Ranches Ltd. earned second spot with a total Breeders’ Bonus of $47,679 led by their homebred runner, BRYNN’S DREAM. The Gayego three year old filly placed in the $50,000 Alberta Oaks and completed the season with a record of 8-0-5-1. Bar None Ranches Ltd. bred runners STOLEN JEWEL, GO MAMA, PERDITION, I SAID QUIET, SILVERFOOT, WISH ON A STAR, DOC COPE, MONOPOLIZE, BOSS MAN CAN, OUT FRONT, CHATTY GAL, DUKE OF DEWINTON, DRAMATIC FLAIR, COUNT ON IT, PERPETUAL BLISS and PAPICHULO all contributed earnings toward the Bar None Ranches breeders bonus.

Third on the Breeders’ Bonus list is Stone Ranches with a bonus earned of $43,214. The leading runner bred by Stone Ranches is the two year old ITSALLGOODMAN. The Speightster gelding won both the $100,000 CTHS Sales Stakes and the Alberta Premier’s Futurity. He also placed second in the black type Canadian Juvenile Stakes and third in the Martin Deerline Juvenile Stakes to finish the season with an impressive record of 5-3-1-1. The Alberta breds BOOTIFUL ROSE, SOCIAL CUES and MOHAMAD all helped Stone Ranches earn their breeders’ bonus.

Chalet Stable is fourth with a total Breeders’ Bonus earned of $21,954. The 2022 Champion Alberta Two Year Old BIG HUG earned Chalet Stable their bonus with wins in the $50,000 Chariot Chaser Handicap, the $50,000 CTHS Sales Stake and the $50,000 Alberta Oaks. The Mr. Big filly finished the 2023 season with a record of 8-3-3-1.

H K RAPPER was the leading earner for breeder Kerry Wilson who earned a 2023 Breeders’ Bonus of $20,171. The Singing Saint runner won a Maiden Special Weight race and went on to win the $50,000 Beaufort Stakes to finish the season with a record of 8-2-3-1. SINGING BELL and H K MELODY also contributed earnings toward qualifying Kerry Wilson for fifth spot on the leading Breeders’ Bonus earners list.

Alberta breeders have the potential to earn big rewards through the success of Thoroughbreds they have bred.

Remember, your Best Bet is an Alberta Bred!

Full details of the Horse Racing Alberta Breed Improvement Program may be found at

https://www.cthsalta.com/breed-improvement-program.

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Highlights of Alberta Bred Runners in the 2023 Season

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 22:29:45 GMT

The Thoroughbreds ran at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino from May through early September before moving to Century Downs Racetrack and Casino for the fall meet for September and October. Alberta bred runners captured five of the open stakes races in the season including the Chariot Chaser Handicap, the Spangled Jimmy Handicap, the Martin Deerline Juvenile Stakes, the Princess Margaret Stakes and the Lynn Chouinard Founders Distaff.

2022 Champion Alberta Two Year Old filly BIG HUG (pictured above) was the first Alberta bred of the season to capture an open stakes race with her win on June 2 in the $50,000 Chariot Chaser Handicap. Bred by Chalet Stable, the now three year old sold for $2,759 through the 2021 CTHS Alberta sale to current owners Empire Equestrian and Kerredge Farm. Big Hug also captured the 2023 Alberta Oaks and CTHS Sales Stakes to bring her career record to 13-7-3-1 with US $195,088 in earnings.

GREEK GEEK won the $50,000 black type Spangled Jimmy Handicap stake for three year olds and up on June 24 ^th . The 2021 Alberta Horse of the Year and Champion Alberta bred was bred by Moonshine Meadow Ranch and is owned by Riversedge Racing Stables Ltd.

THUNDER ROARS claimed the Martin Deerline Juvenile Stakes for two year olds on August 5 ^th over five and one half furlongs. The Marine Landing gelding was bred by Merv Lansing and is owned by C and H Duggan Farms Ltd. The 2022 CTHS Alberta sale grad now has a career record of 3-1-1-1 and US $31,412 in earnings.

The title to the $50,000 Princess Margaret Stakes for two year old fillies was claimed by MISS MIEZIE on August 25 ^th . The St Patrick’s Day filly is a homebred for Riversedge Racing Stables Ltd. and finishes her debut season with a perfect record of 3-3-0-0 and earnings of US $52,488.

The highlight of the open stakes races in the fall meet at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino was the victory of PLUM BLUE on October 21 ^st in the $50,000 Lynn Chouinard Founders Distaff Handicap for three year old and up fillies and mares. The Imperialism mare was bred by Winfield Stock Farm Inc. and is owned by Sheldon Walker and Lloyd Dietz. The 2019 CTHS Alberta sale grad sold for $3, 028 and now has career earnings of US $153,490 and a record of 32-5-12-5.

The Jockey Club of Canada Announces New Industry Award

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 22:35:40 GMT

The Jockey Club of Canada is proud to announce a new industry award which will be presented for the first time at the upcoming 49th annual Sovereign Awards ceremony.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Toronto, November 21, 2023 The Jockey Club of Canada Announces New Industry Award

The Jockey Club of Canada is proud to announce a new industry award which will be presented for the first time at the upcoming 49th annual Sovereign Awards ceremony. The Outstanding Off-track Worker Award is a national award open to those who hold a paid position at an off-track Thoroughbred racing, training, boarding, breeding, sales, or aftercare farm/facility in Canada.

R. Glenn Sikura, Chief Steward of The Jockey Club of Canada, notes “Success at the highest level in thoroughbred breeding and racing is the result of a team effort centered on the best interests of the horse. This team effort includes the work of off-track workers and starts even before foaling. These dedicated professionals offer diligent and tireless care for our equine athletes and are rarely, if ever, in the spotlight. We’re proud at the Jockey Club of Canada to provide a significant opportunity to recognize these individuals for the work they do by inaugurating this national award for the Outstanding Off-track Worker. We look forward to submissions from across Canada for consideration by the selection committee.”

Nominations for the Outstanding Off-track Worker Award can be submitted online at the Jockey Club of Canada website, https://jockeyclubcanada.com/sovereignawards/nominations-and-submissions/ until Sunday, December 17, 2023. Alternatively, you may email jockeyclubcanada@gmail.com or phone (416) 675-7756 to have a nomination form sent to you.

Nominations are now also open for the Outstanding Groom Award which is available to on-track grooms based in Ontario. You can nominate a deserving groom at the Jockey Club of Canada website, https://jockeyclubcanada.com/sovereign-awards/nominationsand-submissions/ until Sunday, December 17, 2023. Forms will also be available for pick-up at the AGCO office and Woodbine Race Office. Alternatively, you may email jockeyclubcanada@gmail.com or phone (416) 675-7756 to have a nomination form sent to you.

The Jockey Club of Canada will host the 49th annual Sovereign Awards ceremony to honour Canada’s champions of 2023 at an exciting new venue, Paramount Eventspace, located at 222 Rowntree Dairy Road, Woodbridge, Ontario.

The celebration will take place Thursday, April 18, 2024. Tickets to the 49th annual Sovereign Awards ceremony are $250 each, with tables of ten discounted to $2,000. Early-bird tickets are also available for a discounted price of $225 until March 18, 2024.

Tickets will be available for purchase online at https://jockeyclubcanada.com/onlinepayments/. Program advertisement space, sponsorships, and tickets can also be purchased by contacting The Jockey Club of Canada at (416) 675-7756 or by emailing jockeyclubcanada@gmail.com.

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Alberta Stallion News Update

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 18:55:56 GMT

NEW TO ALBERTA! Field Commission son HALL RICH LEGACY and SPEEDMEISTER Changes Ownership

HALL RICH LEGACY- 2018 Bay Stallion - 16.3hh

Hall Rich Legacy is a black type son of Canadian Sprint Champion Field Commission out of the black type mare Rose Frances.

He will be standing to a very limited book of mares in 2024 as he is embarking on a post-racing career that we hope will see him in the hunter ring in the future.

2024 fee: $1500 (including $200 non-refundable booking fee) - Mare care not included.

Standing at Empire Equestrian, Ardrossan, Alberta.

Owned by Lana Robinson - call 780-974-3526 or email Wings05@telus.net for more information.

SPEEDMEISTER - 2014 Dark Bay Stallion - 16.2hh

Speedmeister, by Bodemeister out of the stakes producing mare, Blossomed had a successful racing career with wins at 2, 3 and 4 in Kentucky, Louisiana and Canada.

Speedmeister's first foals are 2 year old in 2023.

2024 fee: $1800 (including $200 non-refundable booking fee) - Mare care not included.

Standing at Empire Equestrian, Ardrossan, Alberta.

Owned by Lana Robinson - call 780-974-3526 or email Wings05@telus.net for more information.

CTHS Alberta Mare Incentive Programs a Success

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 22:44:11 GMT

Two new incentive programs were introduced for 2023 – 2024; the Maiden Mare & Open Mare Breeding Incentive Program and the New Mare Recruitment Program

The Maiden Mare and Open Mare Breeding Incentive Program was established with the purpose of bringing new or out of production Thoroughbred mares into production in Alberta. This program was highly successful with 75 approved applications.

The objective of the New Mare Recruitment Program was to provide incentives to breeders with in-foal mares that had not foaled in Alberta within the last 2 years. 35 successful applications were approved for this popular program. Part 2 of the New Mare Recruitment Program will be available in 2024.

The total of $180,000 in funding for both programs was made available by Horse Racing Alberta, HBPA of Alberta and the CTHS Alberta.

Visit the CTHS Alberta website at www.cthsalta.com/marerecruitmentprogram or

www.cthsalta.com/maiden-mare-and-open-mare-breeding-incentive-program-2023---2024 for further details.

Remembering Al Side

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 16:32:26 GMT

The CTHS Alberta offers our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of longtime Alberta horseman, Al Side, who sadly passed away on October 25th, 2023 at the age of 90. The Alberta Thoroughbred industry has lost a great friend and true supporter.

“Al Side reluctantly bid farewell to this world on Oct. 25, 2023, in Rancho Mirage, California at the age of 90. His last hours were spent with his loving wife of almost 70 years, Barbara, his daughters Linda and Rhonda, and his sons, Doug and Richard.

Al Side (Hassen Alex Side) was born in Dilke, Saskatchewan, June 27, 1933 the third youngest of ten children born to Alex Side (Gebara) and Latifa Side (Farhat) , hard-working immigrants from the Beqaa Valley in Lebanon.

His formative years were spent in rural Saskatchewan where his folks homesteaded and according to Al, unsuccessfully farmed rocks. They worked very hard to provide for their large family later turning to running a nearby general store and meat market during the depression. Alex and Latifa ran those markets with all 12 family members living in the back of the store.

Al’s bed was in the cupboard above the cold storage. His parents were admired in the region especially during the depression years when people depended on the goods and credit offered at the store.

It seems peddling goods was in the DNA. Al said that he was “raised on the counter” of that shop/home, where he acquired his life-long passion for commerce, family and community. It was also there that Al’s negotiating skills were honed while navigating other business at the local pool hall.

His older brothers went off to serve with most of the young men in Dilke and when the rest of the family moved to settle in Edmonton in the 1940’s and join a growing Lebanese community, Al was but a wide-eyed teen.

Al’s real journey began when he followed his sisters up the Alaska Highway in the early 1950’s, seeking adventure and fortune. Performing wheel alignments and selling custom suits in Fort Nelson may seem like an odd combination today but it underscores Al’s resourcefulness and his ability to identify demand and rare opportunities. It also explains his finding Barbara Harrison, his “rare gem.” Captivated by this petite beauty, Al was elated to discover that Barb found him “just the right height for dancing.” They tied the knot in Edmonton in 1954 and the great dance began; an extraordinary partnership that would reap life’s richest rewards. Barb often would say that her heart skipped a beat when Al pulled into the driveway, and Al always gave Barb the credit for how far their journey had taken them. In September they celebrated 69 years of happy marriage. That tells you a little something about their passion and commitment.

Al returned to Edmonton in 1958, with a young family, and a burgeoning career with McCoy Brothers Brake and Steering. It was not long before Bert McCoy recognized Al’s ability to put a deal together, promoting him from mechanic to business development man. In 1962, the McCoys transferred Al and his growing family to Dawson Creek, BC to manage their shop there and in Fort St. John. In 1969 Al moved the family to Grande Prairie, Alberta, on the eve of one of the most remarkable economic booms in Canadian history. Al opened Northern Metalic and began to build and develop businesses and partnerships across AB, BC, the Yukon, and NWT. He claimed that it was the ideas that attracted the best talent available. His expectations were high. As it turned out, there was never a shortage of ideas and Al was always surrounded by exceptional people.

The power of Al’s ideas, and business acumen was unstoppable. Today, the Side Group of Companies includes Northern Metalic Sales, Baron Oilfield Supply, Paragon Oilfield Supply, Baron Industrial Projects, Visa Rentals & Leasing, Devco Developments, AAA Safety, Northern Metalic Lubricants, Side Group Rail, GP Reload – as well as the many affiliate companies that were developed, kept or sold the over the last 55 years – among them Prairie Truck & Trailer, Tri Northern Steel, Northern Husqvarna, Alberta Chain, Visa Welding, Nighthawk Vacuum Service spans the western provinces and territories. The evolution has taken them from industrial and oilfield supply and services houses to supply chain management and logistics, property and land development, vehicle rentals and leasing, lubricants distribution, field safety services, rail transload and facilities, transportation and finance with over 600 valued people and numerous skilled business partners that will carry on his legacy.

A trait among successful entrepreneurs is the ability to reinvent themselves and adapt seamlessly to changing circumstances, whether favorable or challenging, uplifting or disheartening. Al demonstrated an extraordinary agility to adapt and to seize opportunities where others might run for cover. His tolerance for risk was tempered by an unwillingness to put it all at stake. That said, he took risks over the course of his life that would make others pale. And, if it were all to disappear tomorrow, he would tell you that he still had what really mattered – his family.

Al had interests beyond work, but made it clear that when you enjoy what you do, you can’t really classify any of it as work. His curiosity about the world and human potential led him to hobbies that mirrored his passion for business. He loved to travel. He was delighted when he and some of his buddies purchased a fishing lodge at Margaret Lake. They all flew planes – some better than others – and loved to fish. The stories garnered from that chapter of his life are still being told. The idea of being a trapper also intrigued him so when the opportunity arose, he partnered in a registered trap line. Over their many years together, Barb and Al travelled the world and always had plenty of stories to share of their escapades and the characters they met along the way. Since the early 1990’s, Palm Springs became a winter home base for golf and for visiting car shows, horse breeders, and the track at Santa Anita.

Barb and Al’s love of horses first emerged in the 1970’s when they became a major sponsor on the professional Chuckwagon circuit. Later the couple’s enthusiasm for thoroughbred racing yielded much joy and numerous accolades, including winning the 2010 Canadian Derby with Barb’s horse, “No Hesitation.” In his final days, Al was looking forward to training his most recent colts and strategizing with Barb for even more triumphs in upcoming racing seasons. Being from Saskatchewan, Al was always captivated by farming and in 1995 he acquired one just outside of Grande Prairie. With its horses, bison, birds, wildlife, and bountiful oat crop of 2023, Hilltop was his true paradise and playground. Home.

Al Side is predeceased by his infant daughter Deborah Elaine, daughters Wendy Elaine and Barbara Anne, his brothers Sam and Butch, sisters Anne, Mickey, Nettie, and Nedima.

Left to mourn this loss is Al’s large and loving family including his adoring wife and lifelong partner, Barbara, sister Tina Reimer, his brothers Dan Side (Trudy) and Jim Side, brother in law Dick Harrison sons Doug Side (Debbie), Richard Side (Martina), daughters Linda Side (Jim Munro), Rhonda Side (Jeremy Walker), grandchildren David Side (Jessica), Alexander Side (Vicky), Michael Side (Kelleigh), Brendan Side, Scarlett Side, Jessica Winnemuller (Michael), Megan Rycroft (Kenton), Allan Gudlaugson (Stephanie), Sarah Moug (Jeff), Asia Munro, Rebecca Moug, Tianna Munro, Delaina Moug, Robert Laffoon, Brian Spencer, Devon Side-Walker, Christopher Side-Walker, great-grandchildren Vesa, Kayden, Willow, Alexus (Jarred), Matthew, Charis, Daniel, Oliver, Benji, Nova and great-great grandson Noah.

Al’s lifestyle did not change with success, or with age. He continued to greet each day with enthusiasm and worked harder than most 40-year-olds.

And he never lost the wide-eyed fascination that characterized his youth. That meant he was also interested – genuinely interested in what other people were thinking, feeling, doing and saying. That curiosity informed his own unique perspective and creativity that so many benefit from today. Al, at 90, was one of the most curious and relevant people on the planet. It was his signature “Wow!” that made everyone he spent time with feel they had a special connection with him. And indeed, they did.

None of what Al accomplished was motivated by recognition or notoriety, though some of his antics may have garnered him that. After Al passed his family received a deluge of stories and messages. For that the family is genuinely humbled and moved. We encourage you to continue to share those memories on this website created as a place to share stories, pictures and videos of Al. These stories will honor and help paint the colorful picture of his large and long life.

A celebration of Al will take place in the spring at the farm – the birds will be singing, the grass will be green – he would love that.

Memorial donations can be made to an endowment fund established at the Northwestern Alberta Foundation in the name of Barb and Al Side or to The Grade Three Reading Academy.”

Read Al's full obituary at 'Remembering Al Side 'https://www.alside.ca/

Horse Racing Alberta announces Race Dates and Purses for 2024 to 2026

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 16:50:24 GMT

2024-2026 “A” Track Race Day Calendar

Horse Racing Alberta (HRA) is pleased to announce a three-year agreement for live race days has been approved by the HRA Board. Please note the number of race days for each racetrack and race meet are estimated and subject to change. The 2024 Race Day Calendar dates will be released shortly and are subject to change periodically, please consult the HRA website for the updated schedule. All scheduled race dates are weather permitting.

Century Mile, Leduc

In 2024, Standardbred racing at Century Mile will take place from January 5th until February 3rd, for a total of 8 race days for the Winter meet. Exciting live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing returns to Century Mile on April 27th and will end on September 14thfor a total of 42 race days for the Spring /Summer meet. The gates will swing open for the Standardbred Fall/Winter meet starting September 21st until December 31st for a total of 28 race days.

In 2025, Standardbred racing will occur from January 3rd until February 1st for a total of 8 estimated race days for the Winter meet. Thoroughbred racing will take place from April 29th until September 13th, for a total of 43 race days for the Spring/Summer meet. The Fall/ Winter Standardbred meet will occur from September 20th until December 31s for a total of 29 race days.

For 2026, Standardbred racing will go to the gate from January 3rd until February 7th for a total of 8 Winter meet race days. Exciting Thoroughbred racing takes place from April 25th until September 12th for a total of 43 race days for the Spring Summer Meet. The Fall/ Winter Standardbred meet will occur from September 19th until December 31st for a total of 29 race days.

Century Downs, Balzac

In 2024, Standardbred racing begins March 16th and continues until August 31st for a total of 46 race days for the Spring/Summer meet. Thoroughbred racing will occur from September 21st until November 3rd for a total of 13 Fall Meet race days.

In 2025, Standardbred racing will occur from March 15th up to and including August 30th for a Spring /Summer meet of 46 race days. The Thoroughbreds return from September 20th until November 2nd for an estimated total of 13 Fall Meet Race days.

For 2026 Standardbred racing will occur from March 14th until August 29th for a total of 48 race days for the Spring/Summer meet. It will be riders up for the Thoroughbreds from September 19th up to and including November 1st for a total of 14 race days for the Fall meet.

2024-2026 “A” Track Purse Allocations

Standardbred purse allocations for 2024 will be $5,640,000 for an estimated total of 82 Race days at $68,787 per day. Thoroughbred purse allocations for 2024, will be $5,785,000 for an estimated total of 55 race days at $105,191 per race day. Quarter Horse purse allocation in 2024 is set at $348,000 based on 50 races estimated at $6,960 per race.

In 2025, Standardbred purse allocations are slated to be $5,850,000 for an estimated total of 83 days at $70,482 per race day. The Thoroughbred purse allocations will be $5,985,000 for an estimated total of 56 race days at $106,875 per race day. Quarter Horses will receive $366,000 based on 50 estimated race days at $7,808 per day.

Standardbred purse allocations for 2026 is $6,240,000 for an estimated total of 85 race days at $73,412, per race day. The Thoroughbred allocation is $6,384,000, for an estimated total of 57 race days at $112,000 per race day. The Quarter Horse allocation for 2026, is $390,000 based on 50 race days estimated at $7,808 per day.

2024 “B” Track Race Day Calendar

Rocky Mountain Turf Club, Lethbridge

Rocky Mountain Turf Club will host 17 days of racing in their Spring/Summer meet from May 4th to June 29th, 2024. The horses load into the gate for the Fall meet starting on September 1st and ending on October 14th, 2024.

Evergreen Park, Grande Prairie

Evergreen Park in Grande Prairie will host 16 days of Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing starting on July 6th, 2024, running every weekend concluding on August 25th, 2024.

Track On 2, Lacombe

The Track on 2 in Lacombe will conduct 17 days of exciting Standardbred Racing from July 7th until September 15th, 2024.

Millarville

The historical tradition of racing on Canada Day continues July 1st , 2024 with exciting flat racing.

2024 “B” Track Purse Allocations

The 2024, B Track purse allocations for Rocky Mountain Turf Club, Evergreen Park and Millarville is $2,134,000 based on a total of 49 race days at $43,559 per race day.

Standardbred Racing at Track on 2 will see a purse allocation of $591,000 estimated at $34,800 per race day.

Last modified on Thursday, 02 November 2023 15:03

Stallion News Update

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 16:14:27 GMT

INTO MISCHIEF Son in Alberta:

Adding to the Stallion band at WorkWize Stables is FIGHT ON!

Graded Stakes Placed winner of over $490,000. Stakes Winner at 2 at Churchill Downs. Victories from 5 f to 1 1/16 ^th mile. Sold for $340,000 as a yearling. 45 races and retired sound.

His sire requires no introduction, INTO MISCHIEF a Stakes Winner himself but more importantly Leading Sire 4 times and well on his way to a 5 ^th . Sire of 150 Stakes Winners. Also, proving to be a Sire of Sires. ONE SERIOUS SIRE LINE!! He stands for $250,000 at Spendthrift Farm in Kentucky.

The female line of any stallion is also important, his dam, Havenlass by Elusive Quality a proven Broodmare sire, has produced multiple Graded Stakes placed winners. She herself out of Cruising Haven a multiple Graded Stakes Winner producer.

FIGHT ON joins two other stallions owned by WorkWize Stables TOUR DE FORCE and MALIBU MAX

All inquiries should be directed to Maggie Northcott 587-998-0466 or email workwize.ent@gmail.com

Visit www.workwizestables.com for more info.

Alberta bred CTHS Sale grad, PLUM BLUE Wins the Lynn Chouinard Founders Distaff!

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 21:32:22 GMT

Update - Alberta Bred PLUM BLUE Gets Her First Stakes Win in the Lynn Chouinard Founders Distaff Handicap on October 21st, 2023!

Congratulations to the connections of CTHS Alberta sale graduate and Alberta bred PLUM BLUE on her first stakes win in the Lynn Chouinard Founders Distaff. This win was well deserved after second place finishes this season in the Alberta Fall Classic Distaff and the black type Shirley Vargo Handicap. The Imperialism mare was bred by Winfield Stock Farm Inc. and is owned by Sheldon Walker and Lloyd Dietz. The multiple stakes placed five year old now has a career record of 32-5-12-5 and earnings of US $153,494.

https://www.facebook.com/hbpa.alberta/videos/1081512786346725

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The black type Lynn Chouinard Founders Distaff for 3 YO and Up Fillies and Mares over 1 1/8 miles has a post time of 4:21 p.m. The field has 8 horses including the Alberta breds PLUM BLUE and DANCE SHOES; the Kentucky breds, MINE ME, TONE IT UP, BURROW DOWN, MISSCZECH, AFTER A FEW and the Florida bred ORANGE THEORY.

Four stakes races are running over the weekend – the $ 50,000 Lynn Chouinard Founders Distaff Handicap and the $50,000 Don Getty Handicap on Saturday and the Birdcatcher and the Freedom of the City Stakes on Sunday.

Saturday, October 21, 2022

Post time for the black type Don Getty Handicap for is at 3:37 p.m. This race for 3YO and up over 1 1/8 miles has 7 horses entered including the 3 Kentucky breds, DECOY, RACE HOME and DRINKING AGAIN; the California bred, ROCKTILLYOUDROP; the Ontario bred, WHERESTHE GOLD and the 2 Florida breds, GLAVA and IMPACTO.

Plum Blue is ready for a win this season after second place finishes in the Alberta Fall Classic Distaff and the black type Shirley Vargo Handicap. The Imperialism CTHS Sale graduate was bred by Winfield Stock Farm Inc. and is owned by Sheldon Walker and Lloyd Dietz. The multiple stakes placed five year old mare has a career record of 31-4-12-5 and earnings of US $131,621.

Alberta Horse of the Year and Champion Alberta bred, Dance Shoes, has wins in the Alberta Fall Classic Distaff and the Alberta Bred Fillies and Mares Stakes this season for career earnings of US $254,592 and a record of 33-15-3-7. The multiple stakes winning Mank mare is owned by Mohamad Khan and bred by James McFadyen.

Best of luck to all the connections of all the entries!

Sunday, October 22, 2023

The 2 YO and up stakes races are running this Sunday, October 22nd at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino.

The black type Birdcatcher Stakes over 8.5 furlongs goes at 2:06 p.m. 4 horses are entered including the PA bred GRATED COCONUT and the 3 Alberta Breds, SUDDENLY FAMOUS, ITSALLGOODMAN, and SAWCHUK.

Suddenly Famous, won his last start out in a Maiden Special Weight bringing his record to 4-1-1-1 and earnings of US $23,253. The Car Talk (IRE) colt is owned by Empire Equestrian & Kerredge Farm and was bred by Empire Equestrian.

The Speightster colt, Itsallgoodman, has won his last 2 starts including the Alberta Premier’s Futurity and the 2 YO CTHS Alberta Sales Stakes. Itsallgoodman now has a career record of 5-3-1-1 and earnings of US $92,244 for owner Curtis Landry and breeder, Stone Ranches.

Sawchuk placed 3rd in the Alberta Premier’s Futurity on Alberta Breeders’ Fall Classic day and finished 2 ^nd in his last start out in a Maiden Special Weight. The Edison colt has a record to 3-0-1-2 and earnings of US $11,294 for owner and breeder, Sheridan Lehouillier.

The black type Freedom of the City Stakes takes place at 2:33 p.m. on Sunday over 7.5 furlongs for 2 YO Fillies. A field of 4 is entered including the Ontario bred SILKSTONE and the 3 Alberta Breds, KULSUM, MORNING RAIN and BROKEN PROMISES.

The CTHS Alberta sale grad, Kulsum, has a 2 ^nd place finish in a Maiden Special Weight race in her career for a record of 6-0-1-0 and US $8,776. The It’s No Joke filly is owned by Mohamad Khan and was bred by Pierre Esquirol.

In her 2 career starts, Morning Rain has won a Maiden Claiming race and placed 3 ^rd in the Sturgeon River Stakes for a record of 2-1-0-1 and US $8,656 in earnings. The Gayego filly is a homebred for Randy and Donna Feddema.

The Matt’s Broken Vow filly, Broken Promises, has won and placed 2 ^nd in 3 starts for career earnings of US $19,916 for owner and breeder, Perry Pellerin.

Best of luck to the connections of all the entries!

Stolz Thoroughbreds Heads East to Ontario

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 20:29:39 GMT

Cassandra and Dennis Stolz’s Stolz Thoroughbreds are moving their stallion station and breeding operation from Alberta to Ontario.

MEDALLIST will be making the move from Alberta to Ontario to stand with City Wolf and Readyforprimetime at Stolz Thoroughbreds

Reprinted from Canadian Thoroughbred

By: CT Staff | October 13, 2023

The couple, who stand the stallions Medallist, City Wolf and Readyforprimetime, will provide boarding for mares, foaling and breeding. The new location is located near Coulson, Ontario, in Oro-Medonte Township.

The multiple graded stakes runner MEDALLIST had a successful race career with career highlights that included setting the stakes record for the Dwyer G2 stakes, setting the stakes record in the Kenny Noe Jr. Handicap, and equalling the track record with his win in the G3 Deputy Minister Handicap. Medallist also placed in the G1 $350,000 Carter Handicap. The son of classic winner Touch Gold, Medallist retired from racing with earnings of $421,375. Medallist is a half-brother to G2 winner Air Commander and G2 placed Formidable, out of the G1 placed Santaria, a daughter of champion sprinter Star de Naskra.

Medallist has proven himself as a successful sire with progeny that include the multiple graded stakes-placed runner, Ibboyee ($701,822) and the multiple stakes winner Winning the Medal ($461,516). The two-year-old Medallist runner, Itsy Bitsy Izzie, shows great potential having placed in all of her four starts to date this season. Medallist has total progeny earnings to date of over $12 Million including 23 stakes winners and average earnings per starter of over $75,000. Medallist foals continue to be consistent money earners with long careers.

CITY WOLF , a son of Giant’s Causeway from Broodmare of the Year Baby Zip, by Relaunch, was placed as a two- and three-year-old and then rose to the top of the older horse ranks in Ontario in 2011. He won the Grade 3 Durham Cup Stakes defeating James Street, Grade 1 winner Stately Victor and Queen’s Plate winner Eye of the Leopard. That year he also won his maiden at 7 furlongs.

As a five-year-old, City Wolf was second in both the Durham Cup and Grade 3 Seagram Cup. Racing for Stronach Stables which bred the horse, City Wolf earned over $300,000 from his 18 races. City Wolf’s half-brother Ghostzapper is the sire of 2022 stars Moira, Eclipse Award winner Goodnight Olive, and Fearless, among others.

READYFORPRIMETIME is the only son of the Southern Halo son More than Ready to stand in Canada. More Than Ready was one of the most influential sires of his time and sired a world-record 2,118 individual winners including 216 worldwide stakes winners and six champions, the fourth highest of all time. Readyforprimetime was a freshman sire this past spring.

The fees for the stallions are: Medallist at $3,500 and City Wolf and Readyforprimetime, both at $2,500.

For more information contact Cassandra Stoltz at 403-470-7413, Cassandra@stolzthoroughbreds.ca or Dennis at 403-615-6456, dennis@stolzthoroughbreds.ca .

Tags: City Wolf , Medallist , Readyforprimetime , Stolz Thoroughbreds ,

CTHS Elections are Fast Approaching

info@cthsnational.com (CTHS National) — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 21:52:26 GMT

Call For Nominations - Deadline is October 16, 2023

Alberta bred ITSALLGOODMAN wins the $100,000 Sales Stakes!

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 16:13:37 GMT

Congratulations to the connections of Alberta bred ITSALLGOODMAN, winner of the $100,000 CTHS Sales Stake!

Itsallgoodman adds this October 7th win to his earlier victory in the Alberta Premier’s Futurity on Alberta Breeders’ Fall Classic day, while his other finishes this season include a second place in the black type Canadian Juvenile and a third in the Martin Deerline Juvenile Stakes. The Speightster gelding now has career earnings of US $92,244 to date and a record of 5-3-1-1.

The Speightster gelding was bred by Stone Ranches and is owned by Curtis Landry. He is a graduate of the 2022 CTHS Alberta Sale.

https://www.equibase.com/premium/chartEmb.cfm?track=CTD&raceDate=10/07/2023&cy=CAN&rn=7

#ABBredsrock #cthssalesstakes

West Nile Virus Risks

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 15:55:21 GMT

Important Notice from the Office of the Chief Provincial Veterinarian regarding West Nile Virus Risks

Click on link below to download a PDF of this notice:

October 4, 2023

> > West Nile Virus Risks

Calgary, AB – Positive Numbers from the 2023 CTHS Alberta Thoroughbred Sale

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 21:18:07 GMT

Media Release - September 28th, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 28 ^th , 2023

Contact:

Lindsay Ward
Communications Coordinator
CTHS (Alberta Division)
wardlind@cthsalta.com
w w w.cthsalta.com

Calgary, AB – Positive Numbers from the 2023 CTHS Alberta Thoroughbred Sale

The CTHS Alberta Sale, held at Westerner Park in Red Deer on Friday, September 22 ^nd , 2023 was a resounding success with significant positive increases on all benchmarks for the 69 quality yearlings on offer. Over $600,000 in gross sales was spent to purchase 43 yearlings this year, a substantial rise from the $443,600 spent on 40 yearlings in 2022. The average price was up 27% to $14,135 this sale from $11,090 last year. The median increased over twofold to $10,000, from $4,750 in 2022, giving an indication of the positive strength of the sale.

The sale topper was Hip #59, a Counterforce gelding out of the Katowice mare, Chilli Chines, consigned by Highfield Investment Group, Agent and selling for $46,000 to purchaser, Curtis Landry. Counterforce is the current Leading Second Crop sire in Canada by progeny earnings while the dam, Chilli Chines has produced the Grade 3 stakes winner, Herbie D.

The second highest selling yearling and top selling filly was Hip # 38, a Fed Biz filly out of the Captain Bodgit mare, Tell Me Lies, consigned by Bushido Stables and sold for $40,000 to Everblack Cattle Company. Fed Biz is a multiple graded stakes winner, multiple new track record setter and multiple grade 1 performer, in addition to being the current leading western Canadian sire by progeny earnings. Tell Me Lies is a multiple stakes winner and a half-sister to nine stakes runners.

Bushido Stables was the leading consignor by average, with a consignment that included the sale topper and a Fed Biz colt out of Count the Change who sold for $26,000 to Hurley Racing Stable. The average sale price for Bushido Stables was $33,000. Highfield Investment Group was the leading consignor by gross sales, with four Fed Biz yearlings selling for a total of $86,500.

The leading purchaser in the sale, both by gross and average, was Curtis Landry who spent a total of $76,000 and an average of $38,000 with the acquisition of the highest priced yearling and a Fed Biz gelding out of Swaying for $30,000.

The variety of incentive programs for Alberta owners and breeders, and the increase in funding for the Breed Improvement Program have contributed to a strong Alberta advantage. As CTHS Alberta Manager Jean Kruse notes, “With the CTHS Alberta investing in programs for breeders, it’s obviously had a positive impact on our sale. Purchasers and consignors have a far more optimistic outlook this year. The industry is looking forward to the future, as the results of the CTHS programs make it to the sale and the racetrack.”

Online bidding and real time viewing was offered again this year, with Direct Livestock Marketing Systems (DLMS) hosting this service. Our appreciation and thanks goes to the 2023 DLMS sponsors; Century Downs Racetrack and Casino, Century Mile Racetrack and Casino, the HBPA of Alberta and Highfield Investment Group Inc.

Thank you to all the consignors, purchasers and viewers for their support of the 2023 CTHS Alberta Sale and the Alberta Thoroughbred industry.

Further details on programs and full sales results are available on the CTHS (Alberta Division) website at www.cthsalta.com

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Counterforce Gelding is the 2023 Sale Topper

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 17:44:41 GMT

Congratulations to the connections of the 2023 CTHS Alberta Thoroughbred Sale Sale Topper!

The Sale Topper at the 2023 CTHS Alberta was the 2022 Counterforce gelding out of the Katowice.mare, Chilli Chines. The high selling yearling was consigned by Highfield Investment Group , Inc., Agent and sold to Curtis Landry for $46,000.

Bid Online and View Sale With DLMS

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 17:58:16 GMT

The CTHS Alberta is providing real time viewing of the auction and online bidding again in 2023, with DLMS - Direct Livestock Marketing Systems hosting this service.

Make sure to register for a DLMS account by visiting www.dlms.ca to create an account.

To watch the sale live on sale day, log in to your DLMS account and click on the sale, then click 'View Sale to begin watching!
www.dlms.ca

2023 CTHS Alberta Sale Preview

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 22:46:38 GMT

Highlights from the catalogue of 71 yearlings consigned to the 2023 Alberta Thoroughbred Sale

The 2023 CTHS Alberta yearling sale will be held on Friday, September 22nd at Westerner Park in Red Deer. A total of 71 quality Thoroughbred yearlings are consigned to the main catalogue by a variety of quality stallions.

Local sires represented include Counterforce, Fed Biz, It’s No Joke, Max Forever, Medallist, Misremembered, Mr O’Prado, O’Prado Again, Schramsberg, Singing Saint, and Tour de Force.

Opportunities are also available to purchase yearlings sired by Bakken, Bee Jersey, Bodexpress, Brody’s Cause, Cloud Computing, Coal Front, Counterforce, Cross Traffic, Estevan, Gormley, Instilled Regard, It’s a Danzig, Lemon Drop Mousse, Lent, Local Legend, Midnight Storm, Mor Spirit, Sungold, Tale of Ekati, Tapwrit and Thousand Words. The following preview discusses some of the highlights from each consignment.

Gordon and Rosalind Alger

There are 3 yearlings in the Alger consignment by the sires Lemon Drop Mousse and It’s a Danzig. Lemon Drop Mousse is a son of champion older horse Lemon Drop Kid, sire of 116 stakes winners and 1 champion. It’s a Danzig is a son of winner Danzig who was leading sire 4 times in U.A.E. and the U.S. and sired 202 stakes winners and 4 champions including Chief’s Crown ($2.19 Million). A gelding is on offer by It’s a Danzig out of the multiple stakes placed mare Misty Do It. This is the first foal for Misty Do it, who finished her race career with $93,119 in earnings and six wins. A Lemon Drop Mousse gelding is available out of the Flatter mare, Purple Barbie. This is the first foal for this mare who is a half-sister to the stakes placed runner Future Vision.

Beckham Ranch

2 Fed Biz colts and a Midnight Storm filly are available through the Beckham Ranch consignment. Midnight Storm is a stakes winner of $1.78 Million and a proven sire of 55 winners of 110 races and over $3.86 in progeny earnings from 3 crops of racing age including the Canadian Derby winner Great Escape ($388,661). The dam of this filly is the proven broodmare Heywards Park who has produced 4 winners including Empire Pass ($195,887). Heywards Park is a half-sister to the multiple stakes placed winner Tapped ($175,696).

Julie Brewster

The Brewster consignment has a Fed Biz filly on offer out of the stakes winning mare Via Bendita. This mare was a winner of the R.K. (Red) Smith Handicap and third in the black type Northlands Oaks, to finish her race career with $55,624 in earnings. Via Bendita is a half-sister to the stakes placed mare All About Laughs ($37,697) and has already produced a winner from her only foal to race, Keep Your Cool ($10,818).

Bushido Stables

Bushido Stables has two Fed Biz yearlings available; a filly out of the multiple stakes winning Tell Me Lies and a colt out of the proven broodmare, Count the Change. Tell Me Lies had 9 wins in 15 starts on the track and has produced 2 foals to race including Breslin ($15,924). Tell Me Lies is a half-sister to stakes winners Mexicali Blues, Centrefire, Golden Cup and stakes placed runners No Walkin’ Joe, Charterhill, Golden Oldie, Cappuchino to Go, Howmuchistoomuch and Street Made. The dam of the colt, Count the Change, has produced 2 winners from 2 foals to race including stakes placed Count On It ($69,465).

Leland Cockrum

The Cockrum offers choice from among 4 Local Legend and 2 Estevan fillies. Local Legend is a Storm Cat son and his first foals are 3 year olds of 2023. Storm Cat is a leading sire twice and sire of 181 stakes winners and 8 champions including Giant’s Causeway. A highlight may be the Local Legend filly out of the stakes placed mare Desperate Appeal ($45,916) by Tempered Appeal. This is a chance to buy her first foal out of this mare who had 3 wins at 3 and 4 and was second in the Princess Margaret Stakes and third in the 2 year old sales stakes.

Estevan is a stakes winner of 6 races ($412,653) and has sired 4 winners of 12 races with progeny earnings of over $125,000 to date. An Estevan filly is available out of the Nation Wide News mare, Dianation, who won her only start in the Gold Strike Stakes.

Dabb Holdings

3 fillies by the leading Canadian sire, Fed Biz, are on offer from Dabb Holdings. The first yearling in the catalogue in this consignment and is out of the stakes winning Cape Canaveral mare, Ginger Smash ($110,495) who was the winner of the Sturgeon River Stakes and multiple stakes placed. Ginger Smash is a full sister to winner, Lost My Aura ($34,505) and multiple stakes placed Kennedy’s Halo ($42,662). Ginger Smash has produced 2 foals to race including Im a Whiskey Gal, winner at 3 ($7,000).

Troy Dorchester

An opportunity to purchase a Tour de Force filly or a Fed Biz filly is available in the Dorchester consignment. Tour de Force ($213,360) was a graded stakes placed runner and is now a locally standing stallion whose first foals are yearlings of 2023. Tour de Force is a son of champion and 2 time Breeders’ Cup winner, Tiznow. Tour de Force is out of multiple G1 winner, Dream Supreme, a G1 producer and out of a G1 winner herself. This yearling is out of a Cape Canaveral mare, Solar Sally while the Fed Biz yearling is out of a Perfect Soul mare, Eldorado’s Soul.

Esquirol Farms

The Esquirol consignment offers a variety of yearlings by the sires Bee Jersey, Gormley, Cross Traffic, Coal Front, It’s No Joke, Tale of Ekati and Cloud Computing.

The first foals for the Jersey Town son, Bee Jersey, are just 3 year olds of 2023 yet the sire already has progeny with 13 winners of 22 races and earnings of over $800,000. His winners include Infinite Diamond ($115,389) and My Happiness ($114,384). The dam of the Bee Jersey yearling on offer is the Macho Uno mare, Holy Force ($94,783) who has produced the stakes placed Speightsforce.

The Gormley filly is sired by a stakes winner of over $1 Million whose progeny have earned over $5.7 Million. This yearling is out of the stakes placed Kissin Kris mare, Kiss Me Goodbye ($83,577) who has produced 2 foals to race including stakes placed Kiss Me Hello ($15,740).

A colt by the graded stakes winner, Cross Traffic, is available. This sire has progeny with winners of 472 races and earnings of $16.5 million including 4 champions. This colt is out of the stakes winning Orientate mare, Oneforthecrew ($62,722).

The Coal Front colt on offers an opportunity to purchase from a relatively new sire who was a stakes winner of over $1.8 Million and has first foals that are just 2 year olds of 2023. This colt is the first foal for the dam of this colt; a Stormy Atlantic mare, Solon’s Warning who had 7 wins and earnings of $106,449.

The sire It’s No Joke fillies has 3 fillies available in this consignment out of 3 well-bred, proven race mares. Among these mares is the Grindstone mare, Char’s Still Here ($73,060) is a dam of 8 foals to race and 7 winners including the well-known Alberta stakes winner, Smart Fix ($234,462) and the multiple stakes placed Silent Sam ($71,979). The Awesome Again mare, Alamandra Drive ($240,799) and proven dam is the dam of the second filly. Alamandra Drive has produced 4 foals to race, all winners, including Jeff Fa Fa ($24,696). The third filly is out of the Formal Gold mare, Wild Deuces ($77,186), who comes from the very successful Wild Creek ($189,674) line of mares on the dam’s side.

A yearling colt is on offer by the classic winner, Cloud Computing ($1.125 Million) whose first foals are 3 year olds of 2023 and progeny already include 37 winners and earnings of over $2 Million. The dam of this colt is the stakes winner Skimming mare, Zanita Rosase, who has produced Famous Last Words, winner at 2 ($8,236).

The stakes winner, Tale of Ekati ($1.18 Million) is represented by a filly in this consignment. Tale of Ekati has sired progeny with earnings of over $21 Million including 255 winners. The dam of this filly is a Bold n’Flashy stakes placed mare, Amnesian ($180,552).

Del Gehring - Lone Tree Farm

A Fed Biz colt out of the stakes winning mare, Ballynoe is on offer in this consignment. The Distorted Humor mare earned $160,361 on the track and is a proven broodmare with 3 winners from 4 foals to race. Her winning progeny include Too Legit ($88,104) and Aqualityindividual ($66,339).

Highfield Investment Group, Inc.

The Highfield consignment offers the opportunity to purchase from among 4 yearlings by the leading Canadian sire, Fed Biz.

The Giant’s Causeway son sold for $950,000 yearling and comes from the direct family of Pulpit, Tale of the Cat and Johannesburg. Fed Biz was a 2-time track record-setter and the fastest son at stud of leading sire Giant’s Causeway; he broke Zenyatta’s 8 ½-furlong track record at Del Mar – 1:41 flat; broke 7-furlong track record at Del Mar while defeating champion Goldencents – 1:21.12.

Fed Biz has sired 6 crops of racing age and his progeny include 15 stakes winners and 248 winners with earnings of over $19.7 Million. Fed Biz runners include the G1 winner Zenden ($1.13 Million) and G2 winners Inthemidstofbiz ($344,071) and Change of Control ($983,925).

The first yearling for the Cape Canaveral mare, Heartless Sofiya is on offer. This dam is a half-sister to stakes winners Free Fee Lady ($337,691) and Drake’s Victory ($298,536). A filly out of the Street Cry (IRE) mare, Samara Street is also available. Samara Street ($155,220) is a half-sister to Miss Lucky ($226,006) and has produced 5 foals to race including the 2 winners Choteau ($122,394) and Rumohr Reigns ($81,669). A gelding out of the Stormy Atlantic mare, Swaying is in this consignment. Swaying is a half-sister to stakes winner Devereux ($329,134) and her second foal is a three year old of 2023.

Highfield Investment Group, Inc., Agent

5 Fed Biz yearlings and a Counterforce yearling are on offer through Highfield as Agent.

Highlights include a Fed Biz filly out of the Bold Executive mare, Trail of Letters ($74,414), a half-sister to stakes winner, Mr. Online ($551,005). This dam is a proven producer with 3 winners including Lost in Rome ($333,165);

A second highlight may be found in the Counterforce gelding on offer out of the Katowice mare, Chilli Chines. Counterforce was a stakes winner of $323,708 with first foals that are 3 year olds of 2023. His record as a sire already includes multiple stakes winners such as Loveaboveandbeyond ($61,257) and progeny earnings of over $230,000. Chilli Chines is a proven broodmare with a record of 7 winners from 8 foals to race including the stakes winner, Herbie D. ($377,214).

Blair Huston

A yearling filly by the Distorted Humor son, It’s No Joke, is available in the Huston consignment. This sire has progeny with 72 winners and over $6.2 Million in earnings including the G2 winner, Bear No Joke ($607,501), Mallard’s Bro ($344,232) and Mr. Prankster ($306,468). The dam is the Posse daughter, Barefootin, a half-sister to Proper Gamble ($374,922) and the dam of 2 winners including the stakes placed Virtual Silver and Sheltowee’s Posse ($90,278).

Sandy Irwin

The Irwin consignment has a filly by It’s a Danzig out of the Street Hero mare, White Chai. It’s a Danzig is a son of leading sire Danzig, sire of 202 stakes winners and 10 champions including Chief’s Crown ($2.19 Million) and Dayjur ($750,770).

KRT Stables Inc.

Three Fed Biz yearlings are available in the KRT Stables Inc. consignment out of three proven race mares. An exciting opportunity is offered here to purchase Miss Bizzy, the first foal out of the Rosberg mare, Anstrum ($205,482). Anstrum had 4 wins at 3 and 4 and was the Alberta champion three year old filly with wins in the John Patrick, the Sonoma and the R.K. Red Smith Handicaps. A second filly, My Mum’s Mud, is offered out of the Mud Route mare, My Name’s Mud ($103,736). This mare has produced 2 winners from 2 foals, including Mudinator ($66,681), winner of the 2022 Alberta Premier’s Futurity and stakes placed in the black type Birdcatcher Stakes and the Alberta Sire Stakes Derby.

A colt, Habadabadoo, is also available out of the Cause to Believe stakes winning mare, Habida ($147,053) hose wins include the Freedom of the City Stakes. The first foal for Habida is a 3 year old this season.

Les Marks

A Schramsberg filly and a Fed Biz filly are offered by the Les Marks consignment. The first foal for the stakes winning Skimming mare, Dawselina ($102,975) is available. Dawselina was a winner of the black type British Columbia Cup Dogwood Handicap. The Schramsberg filly is out of the Distinctive Pro mare, Devil’s Last Dance ($176,077). This dam has produced 2 foals to race including Jamaican Me Mad and Wilko’s Last Dance ($27,401).

C.W. Matier

An O’Prado Again gelding and a Tapwrit gelding are on offer in this consignment in addition to the only Instilled Regard filly in the catalogue.

The stakes winning sire, O’Prado Again ($187,406) has sired 12 winners with progeny earnings of over half a million dollars including Ghostly Who ($190,159) and I Am Ready Again ($105,745). The O’Prado Again gelding is out of the stakes winning mare Holiday Maker ($152,992); a half-sister to the stakes winner, Adore ($500,924) and producer of the stakes placed, Spot on Dude ($45,108).
The multiple graded stakes winning sire, Instilled Regard ($983,240) has first foals that are yearlings of 2023. The Instilled Regard filly is out of a Union Rags mare, Nuestra Union, whose first foal is a 2 year old of 2023. Tapwrit is a classic winner of over $1.36 Million and his first foals are 3 year olds of 2023. His progeny already include 32 winners and over $1.54 Million in earnings including Victory Formation ($307,485) and Taylors Tap ($105,850).

Moonshine Meadow Ranch

An exciting opportunity to purchase a filly by Sungold out of the Johannesburg mare, A E Phi Sensation is available in the Moonshine Meadow Ranch sale consignment. The A. P. Indy son, Sungold, has proven himself as a sire with progeny that include 12 stakes winners and 55 winners of 160 races and progeny earnings of over $3.1 Million including the Alberta champion and multiple stakes winner, Infinite Patience ($469,947), Sunburst ($153,155), Strate Remark ($170,372) and Brass and Gold ($163,783).
A E Phi Sensation has produced all winners from 4 foals to race including the multiple stakes winning Alberta Horse of the Year, Champion Alberta bred, Champion Sprinter and Champion Older Horse, Greek Geek ($247,451); and the multiple stakes winning Alberta Champion 2 year old colt, Cuban Cobra ($91,567).

Scott Palmer Ranching Ltd.

A Bakken gelding and a Sungold gelding are offered through Scott Palmer Ranching Ltd. The stakes placed sire, Bakken ($223,900) has progeny that includes 44 winners of 141 races and earnings of over $1.8 Million. His winners include the multiple stakes winning runner, Floral ($124,856), Mi Reyna ($109,621) and stakes winner, Bare Back Jack ($89,486). The dam of the Bakken yearlings is the multiple stakes winning mare, Claresmiezie ($197,036); her third foal is a 3 year old of 2023 and both her 2 foals to race are winners including Sir MIezie ($34,069) who placed third in the Canadian Juvenile Stakes.
The Sungold gelding is out of the stakes placed Western Fame mare, Chandlers Heart ($166,660). This dam has produced 3 winners from foals to race including the stakes placed runner, Shotthrutheheart $52,178).

Running Fawcett Thoroughbreds Ltd.

The only Brody’s Cause yearling in the catalogue is in this consignment. The Giant’s Causeway son is a stakes winner of $1.17 Million and has sired 84 winners of 174 races and progeny earnings of $5.69 Million. Brody’s Cause winners include Kalypso ($607,638) and Sittin On Go ($231,093). The dam of this gelding is the More Than Ready daughter, She’sadowntowngirl who has produced 3 foals including Uptown Social, a winner at 3 ($13,936).

Running Fawcett Thoroughbreds Ltd., Agent

2 fillies are on offer through Running Fawcett Thoroughbreds as Agent; a Singing Saint yearling and a Thousand Words yearling.
Singing Saint has sired 48 winners of 129 races and progeny earnings of $3.36 Million including Harp N Halo ($177,710), Songs and Laughter ($148,377) and Meyer ($302,280). The dam of the Singing Saint filly is the Broken Vow daughter, Mimipaoponchis, who is a half-sister to stakes placed Flame Broiled ($104,275). This yearling is the third foal for the mare, the other 2 foals are both racehorses including High Kelly Song ($18,820).

Thousand Words is a stakes winning son of leading sire, PioneeroftheNile and his first foals are yearlings of 2023. The dam of the Thousand Words filly is the First Samurai mare, Samurai’sfirstlady ($52,656); a half-sister to stakes placed runner One More Round ($140,187).

Side Management Ltd.

Side Management Ltd. has a Fed Biz gelding and an O’Prado Again filly available in their consignment. The gelding is out of a Stevie Wonderboy mare, Pretty Wonder, who is a half-sister to stakes winner Quantum Miss ($251,950). Pretty Wonder has produced 2 winners from 2 foals to race including Stevie Wonder Girl ($53,187), winner of the Alberta Oaks. The El Prado (IRE) son, O’Prado Again is a stakes winner who has sired progeny with 12 winners of 46 races and earnings of over $500,000 including Ghostly Who ($190,159). The dam of this filly is the Silent Name mare, Silent Streak ($80,237) who is a half-sister to stakes winner, Solitaire ($443,166) and Proud of My Roots ($160,072).

Starline Thoroughbreds

An Always Dreaming filly and a Thousand Words gelding are on offer through Starline Thoroughbreds. The classic winner and Bodemeister son, Always Dreaming ($2.42 Million) has first foals that are just 3 year olds this year. He has sired 32 winners of 44 races and his progeny earnings are over $1.74 Million including Grand Isle ($120,480). This is the first foal for the dam of this filly, the Super Saver daughter, Scarlet Fire. The Thousand Words ($327,500) gelding is from the first crop for this son of leading sire, Pioneer of the Nile, as his first foals are just yearlings in 2023. The dam of the Thousand Words yearling is a City Zip daughter, Special City ($33,468) who has produced 3 foals including Sharpened ($7,660).

Stolz Thoroughbreds

Available in the Stolz Thoroughbreds consignment are a Tour de Force filly and a Medallist colt.
Tour de Force has first foals that are yearlings of 2023. Tour de Force is a grades stakes placed runner by leading sire, champion and only two time Breeders’ Cup Classic winner, Tiznow. Tour de Force is out of multiple G1 winner and G1 producer, the Seeking the Gold mare, Dream Supreme.
Medallist ($421,375) is a stakes winning son of Touch Gold and has sired progeny that include 9 stakes winners and 136 winners of 564 races. The total progeny earnings for Medallist are $12.86 Million and include Ibboyee ($701,822), Winning the Medal ($461,516) and Love Came to Town ($403,664). The Medallist yearling on offer is out of the Sunriver mare, Doubleblackdiamond ($98,210) who has produced 2 winners from 3 foals including Titanic Rose ($152,506).

Styled by Stars Ranch

Styled by Stars Ranch has one of the larger consignments in the catalogues with 7 yearlings available by a variety of quality stallions including Lent, Max Forever, Bodexpress, Misremembered, Gormley, Mor Spirit and Tapwrit.

A highlight may be the Max Forever gelding out of the Animal Kingdom mare, Jungle Rose. The stakes winning stallion, Max Forever sired 20 winners of 48 races including Alberta champion Regal Max ($225,220) and Langfuhr Max ($48,169). This mare is a proven dam having produced (with her only other foal to date) the stakes placed runner Bootiful Rose ($70,746) who placed second in the 2022 Princess Margaret Stakes, the Sturgeon River Stakes, the CTHS 2 year old Sales Stake and third in the Freedom of the City Stakes in addition to a third place this season in the black type Chariot Chaser Handicap.

The Bodexpress gelding is among the first foals on offer by the Bodemeister son, Bodexpress, as his first foals are just yearlings of 2023. Bodemeister was a sire of 35 stakes winners including Kentucky Derby winner, Always Dreaming ($2.42 Million) and American Anthem ($848,490).
The Candy Ride son, Misremembered, is the sire of a gelding on offer out of the Philanthropist mare, Neace. Misremembered is the sire of Alberta Champion and multiple stakes winner, Greek Geek ($270,589) and of Dazzling Gem ($508,303). This dam is a half-sister to stakes placed runner, Silent Resent ($44,661) and has produced the 3 winners from 5 foals including Pastor Van ($31,720), Ashley Beautiful ($31,720) and Oat Milk Latte ($16,930).

Deanna Walper

A filly by the Distorted Humor son, It’s No Joke, is the yearling available in this consignment. It’s No Joke is a stakes winning sire of 72 winners of 299 races and total progeny earnings of $6.26 Million including G2 winner Bear No Joke ($607,501), Mallard’s Bro ($344,232) and Mr. Prankster ($306,468). This is the first foal for the Big Drama mare, The Lady Chablis ($35,075), a half-sister to the stakes placed No Getting Over Me ($65,030).

Winsome Acres

Winsome Acres has a filly by the Paddy O’Prado son, Mr O’Prado, on offer. Mr O’Prado is a half-brother to graded stakes winner, Deans Kitten ($802,950). Paddy O’Prado is a stakes winning sire of 14 stakes winners including G2 winner Sleepy Eyes Todd ($2.05 Million). The first foals for Mr O’Prado are just 3 year olds of 2023 and already include winners, Northern Missile ($13,418), winner of the Grande Prairie Oaks and third placed in the 3 year old Spring Stakes; and Paddy’s Rocket ($16,457).

CTHS Alberta Sale catalogue available on line

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 21:29:50 GMT

The sale catalogue and on line searchable catalogue are now available on the CTHS Alberta website at www.cthsalta.com/2023-cths-alberta-sale .

The 2023 Alberta Thoroughbred Sale will take place in Agricentre East, Westerner Park in Red Deer on Friday, September 22nd. Viewing will be available on Thursday, September 21st and Friday, September 22nd until sale time. Times to be confirmed.

Please call the CTHS Alberta office at 403-229-3609 or email cthsweb@cthsalta.com if you have any questions.

#cthssale #albertathoroughbreds

Alberta Bred Clever Connection Has First Win

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 16:38:28 GMT

Congratulations to owner and breeder, Dave Lovlie!

Congratulations to David G. Lovlie, owner and breeder of Alberta bred CLEVER CONNECTION on his first win in the Maiden Claiming for three year olds and up at Century Mile on July 16th. The three year old Mr. O'Prado gelding is out of Blinkanshesgone (Lost Canyon).

#ABBredsrock

SKIP'S ROCK Wins $35,000 MSW

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 15:47:01 GMT

SKIP'S ROCK was a winner in her first start out in the $35,000 MSW on July 7th!

Congratulations to breeder Boe Stone on the win by SKIP'S ROCK in her first start out in the $35,000 Maiden Special Weight for Alberta bred fillies on July 7th.

The three year old CTHS Alberta sales grad is by Central Banker out of Lester (Offlee Wild) and is owned by Janet & Gary Kropp.

As Boe says "Such a process to buy a pregnant mare and go through the steps to get these young horses to the track.

Getting mares through those important last few months, foaling, raising, feeding, breaking, trimming, treating, marketing and selling takes a bunch of energy. Thanks to Styled By Stars Ranch’s Emily Stone and bookkeeper Janet Stone.

Congratulations to all connections of this sweet filly and continued success!"

#ABBredsrock

Godolphin Announces Canadian Eligibility for TIEA Awards

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 19:57:17 GMT

Godolphin Announces that Employees of the Canadian Thoroughbred industry are now eligible to be nominated to the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards! Deadline is July 16th.

Sponsored by Godolphin, these awards recognize the unsung heroes in the Thoroughbred industry; those behind-the-scenes individuals that might not get to the winners circle or get interviewed on television but are so very important to our great industry.

Perhaps you know someone that is worthy of such recognition like stable hands, maintenance crew, grooms, hot walkers, exercise riders, foaling managers, broodmare managers?

For the first time, the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards are open to nominees from Canada!

T here is $122,000 in total prizes and an all expense paid trip for two to Kentucky!

All finalists get to bring a “plus one” with them on their all-expense paid trip to the Thoroughbred capital of the world in Lexington. Flights, hotels, transportation and meals are all included!

While winners and runners-up receive cash awards, co-workers of the finalists will also share in the celebration as they, too, receive a monetary payout.

Please go the tiea.org homepage for the breakdown of the cash prizes.

Awards are available in the following categories:

Leadership Award

Dedicated to Breeding Award

Dedicated to Racing Award

Newcomer Award

Administration Award

Community Award

Support Services Award

Nominate at www.tiea.org and read the brochure that provides information on what the awards are all about!

The deadline is July 16th to nominate.

Alberta Stallion News – KNOW IT NOW to stand in Alberta

Thu, 18 May 2023 21:18:37 GMT

The American Pharoah son KNOW IT NOW will stand at the Schweer Farm in Mayerthorpe

The American Pharoah son KNOW IT NOW has arrived in Alberta to stand stud at the Schweer Farm. The six year old is a winner of two races and earnings of US $64,050.

American Pharoah is a multiple graded stakes winner of US $8.6 Million. As a three year old, American Pharoah won seven Grade 1 stakes races and became the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years. In addition to his wins in the Kentucky Derby, the Belmont and the Preakness, American Pharoah won four other Grade 1 stakes; the Breeders’ Cup Classic, the William Hill Haskell Invitational Stakes and the Arkansas Derby. He has sired four Grade 1 stakes winners in 2022, with three of these wins on dirt.

The dam of Know It Now is the Hard Spun daughter, Before You Know It - a graded stakes placed runner with over US $300,000 in earnings. Her race record includes a win in the Karakorum Elektra Stakes and placings in the Grade 3 Top Flight Handicap and the black type Nellie Morse Stakes.

Know It Now will stand at the Schweer Farm in Mayerthorpe , Alberta for CDN $1800 with a $200 booking fee. For more information, contact Keri Schweer at (403) 835 – 0277 or email at kandkquarterhorses@gmail.com .

49th Annual Night of Champions a Success!

Thu, 11 May 2023 20:23:26 GMT

The Alberta Thoroughbred industry celebrated the achievements of 2022.

The Paddock Room at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino was sold out on the evening of May 5th as over 130 Alberta Thoroughbred breeders, owners, trainers and backstretch workers celebrated the achievements of the Alberta Thoroughbred industry in 2022.

Master of Ceremonies Ken G ee began the awards program with greetings and a positive outlook from Horse Racing Alberta Chief Executive Officer, Kent Verlik “In 2022, Alberta horse racing moved forward from the pandemic and began the recovery process with reasons for optimism on many fronts. An exciting accomplishment was the long term funding agreement signed by Horse Racing Alberta and the Alberta Government that provides stability to the industry until March 31, 2031.”

DANCE SHOES dominated the awards presentations winning in all four of the categories she was nominated for – Century Downs Racetrack and Casino Trophy for Champion Sprinter, Moore Equine Veterinary Centre Ltd. Trophy for Champion Older Mare, the Ted Connor Memorial Trophy for Champion Alberta bred and the Horse Racing Alberta Trophy for Horse of the Year.

As a four year old last season, the Alberta bred Mank filly earned $163,618 to finish with an impressive record of six wins from eight starts at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino. Four of those wins included the RedTail Landing Handicap, the Shirley Vargo Handicap, the Alberta Fall Classic Distaff Handicap and the R.K. Smith Handicap. Owner Mohamad Khan thanked the CTHS of Alberta, HBPA of Alberta, Century Mile (Racetrack and Casino) and all the other good people who have made this a most memorable evening for me, my family, friends and horse people.” Mohamad also thanked breeder James McFadyen, jockeys Alex Marti and Dane Nelson and had special words for his trainer Jim Brown, ‘Jim has transformed this filly and she genuinely enjoys racing. Thanks Jim.”

Mohamad came to own Dance Shoes through the claiming route as “one of my horses ran against Dance Shoes twice and lost. Ex pecting Dance Shoes to win that second encounter, I asked James Brown, my trainer, to put in a claim for her and, as they say, the rest is history.”

Another Alberta bred BIG HUG took the Dwight McLellan Memorial Trophy for Champion Two Year Old filly home for owners Empire Equestrian and Kerredge Farm. The Mr. Big filly earned $142,900 last season in only five starts including victories in the CTHS Alberta Two Year Old Sales Stakes, the Sturgeon River Stakes and the Princess Margaret Stakes.

The C.T.H.S. Trophy for Leading Breeder was awarded to Pierre Esquirol who bred horses that earned a total of $262,108 and 17 wins last season.

Craig Smith presented the Ken Cohoe Lifetime Achievement Award to longtime Alberta horseman Rod Cone, “It is my honor tonight to present this award to someone who I think everyone in the industry would agree is a long due recipient.” The award is presented to members of the industry who have dedicated a substantial amount of time and effort to preserving or improving the thoroughbred racing industry here in Alberta. As Craig stated, “In this case and many others, this is in fact a lifetime.”

Rod’s training career began in 1988 and he has earned 987 wins at every major racetrack in Canada and other US tracks. Notable horses trained by Rod include Switch N Win, Racaholic, Latshaw, Northern Prospector, Cozzy Grey, Go Eighty Eight, Quiet Approach, Notoriously, Double Bear, Afleets Dancer, Tempered Sapphire and Bird Of Pay who Rod says, “may have been the best horse he ever trained.”

All the 2022 Alberta Thoroughbred award winners are shown below:

CHAMPION TWO YEAR OLD COLT

Rocky Mountain Turf Club Trophy

CUBAN COBRA

Owner: Crystal Cates and Gonzalo Anderson

Trainer: Tim Rycroft

Breeder: Moonshine Meadow Ranch (AB)

DK. B. C. 2 by Flat Out – A E Phi Sensation

2022: 5 Starts - 3 wins – 2 seconds – 0 thirds - $90,800

Winner: Canadian Juvenile Stakes (BT), Winnipeg Futurity

Placings: Birdcatcher Stakes (BT), Martin Deerline Juvenile Stakes

CHAMPION TWO YEAR OLD FILLY

Dwight McLellan Memorial Trophy

BIG HUG*

Owner: Empire Equestrian and Kerredge Farm

Trainer: Rick Hedge

Breeder: Chalet Stable (AB)

DK.B.F. 2 by Mr. Big – Temeeku (Unusual Heat)

2022: 5 starts – 4 wins – 0 seconds - 0 thirds - $142,900

Winner: CTHS Alberta Two Year Old Sales Stakes (BT), Sturgeon River Stakes, Princess Margaret Stakes

CHAMPION THREE YEAR OLD COLT

WESTERN CANADIAN TRIPLE CROWN

Tue, 09 May 2023 00:22:54 GMT

MANITOBA, ALBERTA & BRITISH COLUMBIA RACE TRACKS TO STAGE 2023 WESTERN CANADIAN TRIPLE CROWN

Click below for full press release -

MANITOBA, ALBERTA & BRITISH COLUMBIA RACE TRACKS TO STAGE 2023 WESTERN CANADIAN TRIPLE CROWN

For Immediate Release: May 8, 2023

The new Western Canadian Triple Crown in thoroughbred racing not only has a nice ring to it, there is also an awareness of companionship attached that transmits goodwill within the sport.

That is precisely the feeling shared among Assiniboia Downs, Century Mile, and Hastings Racecourse as the three western racetracks band together to present a combined Derby extravaganza during the 2023 live racing season.

The Western Canadian Triple Crown connects the $125,000 Manitoba Derby (August 7), the $200,000 G3 Canadian Derby in Alberta (August 26) and $125,000 G3 British Columbia Derby (September 16).

In addition to $450,000 in purse money, there will be an additional $100,000 bonus should a horse win all three of the prestigious Derby events.

“To link a meaningful financial bonus to the already robust purse offerings should only elevate the participation and competitiveness of the races,” says Darren Dunn, Assiniboia Downs Chief Executive Officer. “It also results in a rewarding outcome for both the racing fans and related horse connections. We are excited to work collaboratively with our western provincial partners who are so energized to put an even brighter spotlight on these historic Derby events.”

Allen Goodsell, Racing Manager at Century Casinos, saluted officials at both Assiniboia Downs and Hastings Racecourse for their participation. “This initiative will bring additional fanfare and excitement to Western Canada’s premier races for three-year-olds,” Goodsell said. “We look forward to additional collaboration in the future which only strengthens our collective industries.”

Nichelle Milner, BC Director of Racing, is pleased Manitoba and Alberta asked Hastings Racecourse to be involved in the concept. “A Western Canadian Triple Crown has such great potential. I can see eventually awarding points for first, second and third place finishes and have the top three connections profit from it. We’re thrilled to be part of it.”

Western Canadian Triple Crown

$125,000 Manitoba Derby - Assiniboia Downs - Monday, August 7, 2023

$200,000 Canadian Derby (G3) - Century Mile – Saturday, August 26, 2023

$125,000 BC Derby (G3) - Hastings Racecourse, Saturday, September 16, 2023

$100,000 bonus to the owner who wins all three of the 2023 Derby events.

For further information please contact:

Mike Vanin

Executive Director HBPA of Alberta

vannelstables@gmail.com

For all other inquires:

Darren Dunn

Chief Executive Officer – Assiniboia Downs

ddunn@asdowns.com

Alberta Horseman Rod Cone to Receive Ken Cohoe Lifetime Achievement Award

Tue, 02 May 2023 21:54:01 GMT

This award is to reward the ‘lifelong personal involvement and contribution for the love of the Thoroughbred’ that Rod has shown throughout his life.

The Alberta Thoroughbred industry is pleased to announce that Alberta horse trainer Rod Cone will be presented with the Ken Cohoe Lifetime Achievement Award!

This award is to reward the ‘lifelong personal involvement and contribution for the love of the Thoroughbred’ that Rod has shown throughout his life. Rod is a multiple graded stakes winning trainer with 987 wins and over $9.8 million in earnings including three Canadian Derby wins - Double Bear in 2017, A Fleets Dancer in 1998 and Cozzy Grey in 1993. Horses trained by Rod include such well known runners as A Quiet Approach, Tempered Sapphire, Northernprospector, Notoriously, Double Bear, Go Eighty Eight and Bird of Pay.

We will celebrate all the achievements of the Alberta Thoroughbred industry at the upcoming Night of Champions to be held at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino on Friday, May 5 ^th .

*Tickets are now sold out for this great event celebrating all the achievements of the Alberta Thoroughbred Industry in the 2022 season. Contact the CTHS office at 403-229-3609 questions or visit the CTHS Alberta website at www.cthsalta.com to view nominees.

Opening Day/Kentucky Derby Party Experience

lindsay@cthsalta.com (Lindsay Ward) — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 21:50:40 GMT

Don’t Miss the Opening Day / Kentucky Derby Party Experience at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino!

Join us for a V.I.P. style party in the Century Mile suites.

$45.00 V.I.P. ticket includes food, race program, souvenir cup and
$2 betting voucher.

$60.00 V.I.P. Premium ticket includes all of the above plus a drink ticket and a reserved window seat in the suite!

Post time is 3:45 p.m. Limited tickets available.

Call the CTHS Alberta office at 403-229-3609 or email cthsweb@cthsalta.com to get your ticket now.

Dale Saunders To Be Presented With E. P. Taylor Award Of Merit

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 21:12:38 GMT

The Jockey Club of Canada is pleased to announce that Dale Saunders will be presented with the E. P. Taylor Award of Merit during the 48th Annual Sovereign Awards ceremony on the evening of Thursday, April 13, 2023 in Vaughan, Ontario.

Edited Press Release

The Jockey Club of Canada (Megan Allan) Release Date: February 27, 2023

https://jockeyclubcanada.com

The Jockey Club of Canada is pleased to announce that Dale Saunders will be presented with the E. P. Taylor Award of Merit during the 48th Annual Sovereign Awards ceremony on the evening of Thursday, April 13, 2023 in Vaughan, Ontario. Selected unanimously by the Jockey Club of Canada's Stewards, the E. P. Taylor Award is a lifetime achievement award honouring those who have made significant contributions to the Thoroughbred Industry in Canada and accomplished outstanding individual achievements in Canadian thoroughbred racing and breeding.

Dale Saunders has been dedicated to the sport of Thoroughbred racing for over 50 years. With 2,177 wins from 12,915 starts and $17.4 million in earnings, “Colonel” Saunders has achieved as much as any other trainer in Alberta. His passion for Thoroughbred racing was bred into him, with his father and his cousins all keen horsemen and avid Thoroughbred breeders and owners. Dale has won countless stakes races and was Alberta Trainer of the Year in 1983, 1985, 1987 – 1989, 1996 – 1999 and 2013. He was also honored in 2012 as the Horseperson of the Year at the Alberta Thoroughbred Awards.

https://paulickreport.com/news/people/dale-saunders

https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/266874/saunders-to-be-honored-with-e-p-taylor-award-of-merit

New Mare Recruitment Program

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 16:27:09 GMT

Looking for the BEST place to foal out your mare? Bring her to Alberta!

New Mare Recruitment Program (NMRP) 2023 - 2024

Deadline: September 1st, 2023

Full details and applications on the CTHS Alberta website at >> https://www.cthsalta.com/marerecruitmentprogram

Breeders with in-foal mares that have not foaled in Alberta in 2021 and 2022 will be eligible for $5,000. A payment of $3,000 will be paid upon delivering a live 2023 foal in Alberta with the submission of a Jockey Club Live Foal Report and a Breeder Declaration. Should that same mare produce an Alberta bred and sired live foal in 2024, the breeder will be eligible for a further $2,000 in 2024 with the submission of a Jockey Club Live Foal Report and a Breeder Declaration.

NOTE: Mares that are eligible for the H.B.P.A. 2023 Mare Incentive Purchase Program will not be eligible.

Breeders must be Full Members in good standing of the CTHS to qualify. Non-residents of Alberta are welcome to apply.

Fraud Statement:

Suspected acts of fraud or other similar irregularity in the submission of the application will be fully investigated and will be reported to the appropriate authorities. The C.T.H.S. (Alberta Division) will make all efforts to recover lost assets from anyone committing fraud.

Final approval of all applications will be at the discretion of the CTHS (Alberta Division) Board of Directors.

Think Thoroughbred Think Alberta Bred

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 22:47:05 GMT

BIG REWARDS for owners and breeders of Alberta Breds!

Think Thoroughbred…Think ALBERTA BRED!

BIG REWARDS for owners and breeders of Alberta Bred Thoroughbreds!

Full details on the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (Alberta Division) website at www.cthsalta.com/breed-improvement-program.

#ABBredsrock #ThoroughbredFoal #HorseBreeding #BigRewards #Breeding #HorseRacing #Thoroughbreds #AlbertaThoroughbreds

HBPA Alberta Incentive Programs for 2023

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 18:47:46 GMT

The HBPA of Alberta has announced the following programs to eligible participants in 2023. Visit the HBPA of Alberta social media and website at www.hbpaalberta.ca for full details on these and other programs as they are announced.

ALBERTA BRED PROGRAM

The HBPA of Alberta would like to announce an Alberta Bred 2 and 3 year-old Maiden Special Weight program for the 2023 race season at Century Mile Racetrack. HBPA, in agreement with Century Mile’s Race Manager, will write 3 year old colts and geldings, and 3 year old fillies Alberta-Bred Maiden special weight, once a month with a purse of $35,000.00 for May, June, and July. For August, September, and October there will be one per month of 3 year old Alberta Bred Maiden Special Weight.

There will also be a 2-year-old Alberta-Bred Maiden combining colts and fillies, once a month with a purse of $35,000.00 from July through October.

*Races must contain a minimum of 6 entries before being considered. The HBPA of AB reserves the right to combine, cancel, or change scheduling of these races

ALBERTA SIRED PROGRAM

The HBPA of Alberta would like to announce an Alberta Sired Program for the 2023 race season. For any Alberta Sired 2 year-old, they will receive a one-time bonus of $5000.00 when they break their maiden at any level other than Stakes and the $35,000.00 Alberta bred races at Century tracks in 2023.

In addition to these, we are continuing with the 3 year-old colts and geldings and 3 year-old fillies stakes races for Alberta Sired offspring. Each stakes race will be worth $50,000.00.

*Races must contain a minimum of 6 entries. The HBPA may amend programs from time to time.

MARE INCENTIVE PURCHASE PROGRAM

This program is open to an Alberta resident who have purchased in the sales ring at a recognized public auction or claimed at an active racetrack outside of the Province of Alberta, a Thoroughbred mare in foal to a Thoroughbred stallion that will foal in 2023 or will be bred to an Alberta Stallion in 2023.

The purchase price of the mare must be $5,000 or more. For the purposes of this program, purchases in US Funds will be considered at par, i.e., $1 USD = $1 CND. A reimbursement of 40% of the hammer price paid (not including any sales taxes), to a maximum of $5,000(CDN) is available to a qualified purchaser who meets the applicable conditions.

Full details and conditions as well as the application form for the Mare Incentive Purchase Program may be found on the CTHS Alberta website: https://www.cthsalta.com/programs/marepurchaseprogram
All applications and supporting documentation are to be sent to CTHS at jkruse@cthsalta.com or cthsweb@cthsalta.com

*The program criteria for the 2023 HBPA Mare Incentive Purchase Program were established by the HBPA of Alberta but the program will be administered by the CTHS (Alberta Division).

YOUR BEST BET IS AN ALBERTA THOROUGHBRED!

CTHS Alberta Announces Breeders' Programs for 2023

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 18:38:37 GMT

The CTHS (Alberta Division) is pleased to announce the following Breeders' Programs for 2023

**Maiden and Open Mare Breeding Incentive Program:

Breeders who breed a maiden mare or a mare who was not bred in 2022, to a Stallion standing in Alberta for the 2023 breeding season with the intention of producing an Alberta Bred in 2024 will receive $2,500; $1,000 will be payable with confirmation of a 42 day or greater pregnancy by a registered vet and a declaration from the stallion owner. Breeders will receive the remaining $1,500 within 30 days of a live foal report filed with The Jockey Club resulting in an Alberta bred foal in 2024.

NOTE: Claimed mares that are eligible for the H.B.P.A. 2023 Mare Incentive Purchase Program will not be eligible.

Full details and applications at:

https://www.cthsalta.com/maiden-mare-and-open-mare-breeding-incentive-program-2023---2024

**New Mare Recruitment Program:

NOTE: Mares that are eligible for the H.B.P.A. 2023 Mare Incentive Purchase Program will not be eligible.

**Breeders must be Full Members in good standing of the CTHS to qualify. Non-residents of Alberta are welcome to apply. All applications are subject to the approval of the CTHS (Alberta Division) Board of Directors.

Full details and applications at:

https://www.cthsalta.com/marerecruitmentprogram

Sales Credit Program:

Owners of Alberta Breds winning the 2023 Alberta Breeders’ Fall Classic Stakes Races, the $35,000 Alberta MSW or the Alberta Sired Races will be eligible for a $1,000 sales credit to be used at the 2023 CTHS (Alberta) Thoroughbred Sale. (Credit will expire if not used at the sale) Any $35,000 Alberta MSW occurring after the 2023 CTHS (Alberta) Sale will receive a credit for the 2024 CTHS (Alberta) Thoroughbred Sale. One of the listed owners on the credit must be listed on the sales slip though there may be other partners. Credit will be applied after the race is declared official.

2 YO Alberta Bred Open Stakes Supplement:

For 2023, Alberta Breds placing win, place or show in a 2 YO Open Stakes Race in Alberta will be eligible for a supplement paid to the owner and the breeder. A win will pay $6,500 to the owner and $6,500 to the breeder. Place will pay $2,500 to the owner and $2,500 to the breeder and a show will pay $1,000 to the owner and $1,000 to the breeder. Payment will be made after the race is declared official.

Alberta Stallion News: Singing Saint to stand at Stolz Thoroughbreds

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 22:35:53 GMT

SINGING SAINT to Stand 2023 season at Stolz Thoroughbreds

The El Prado son, SINGING SAINT (IRE), will be standing the upcoming season at Stolz Thoroughbreds. The El Prado son has sired progeny that include 43 winners of 118 races and earnings of over $3 Million to date.

Singing Saint runners include the black type stakes winners Harp N Halo ($177,710, Avowal S., etc.), and Songs and Laughter ($148,377, Bold Ruckus S.-R, etc.).

He also sired stakes placed Tairneach ($288,076, 2nd Prairie Mile S.) and multiple stakes placed Meyer ($280,680, 2nd Breeders' S.-R, etc.) in addition to stakes placed Hot Cross Buns ($120,341, 2nd Passing Mood S.-R), multiple stakes placed Meet the Soprano ($95,150, 2 ^nd Georgian Bay S.-R, etc.), and Sing to Run ($66,244, 3rd Molson Cup S.-R).

Singing Saint will stand the 2023 season for $2500.

All inquiries should be directed to Cassandra Stolz at 403-470-7413 or Dennis Stolz at 403-615-6456 or email at cassandra@stolzthoroughbreds.ca

Stolz Thoroughbreds is located in Leduc County near Edmonton and stands a total of five stallions including DYNAMIC SKY, MEDALLIST, READYFORPRIMETIME, CITY WOLF and SINGING SAINT.

www.stolzthoroughbreds.ca

Alberta Stallion News: CITY WOLF Acquired by Stolz Thoroughbreds

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 22:25:31 GMT

Cassandra Stolz has released the news that the Giant’s Causeway son, CITY WOLF has been acquired by Stolz Thoroughbreds.

City Wolf was a dominant winner of the 2011 Durham Cup Stakes (G3) over G1 stakes winner Stately Victor, classic winner Eye of the Leopard and multiple graded stakes winner James Street. City Wolf placed second in the 2012 Seagram Cup Stakes (G3) and the 2012 Durham Cup Stakes (G3). The race career for City Wolf included victories from seven furlongs to 1 1/8 miles and $293,686 in earnings with a record of 18-4-3-1.

The progeny for City Wolf from limited crops include the winners Kiss of the Wolf, Herecitykitty, Poznan, Get Back Home, Deep Mind, Luis Two Guns, Square City, Vix Hero, Prowl Alone and Swami Genius.

City Wolf is a half-brother to top sires Ghostzapper and City Zip, all out of the Broodmare of the Year, Baby Zip by Relaunch.

Ghostzapper yearlings have sold for over $1 Million and his progeny have earned over $15 Million to date. His runners include the Canadian Hall of Famers Shaman Ghost and Judy the Beauty.

City Zip was a perennial leading sire and one of the most successful sires of Breeders Cup winners with progeny earnings of $78.7 million.

City Wolf will stand at Stolz Thoroughbreds in Leduc County near Edmonton for a 2023 stud fee of $2,000.

All inquiries should be directed to Cassandra Stolz at 403-470-7413 or Dennis Stolz at 403-615-6456 or email at cassandra@stolzthoroughbreds.ca

Stolz Thoroughbreds is located in Leduc County near Edmonton and stands a total of five stallions including DYNAMIC SKY, MEDALLIST, READYFORPRIMETIME, CITY WOLF and SINGING SAINT.

www.stolzthoroughbreds.ca

2022 Leading Alberta Stallions

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 22:48:42 GMT

Qualifying Alberta stallion owners have now shared in $65,000 in stallion owner’s breeding awards for the 2022 season! The leading Alberta stallions by eligible progeny earnings for Alberta bred Thoroughbreds have now been announced and the top five are CAPE CANAVERAL, GAYEGO, ILIAD, IMPERIALISM and MANK.

Cape Canaveral is at the top of the list with Alberta bred runners earning $393,092 last season. The graded stakes winning son of Mr. Prospector was one of the leading sires in Canada with total progeny earnings of over $17.7 Million. The leading Alberta bred horse for Cape Canaveral in 2022 was MUDINATOR with earnings of $68,600 and a record of 6-2-2-1, bred by Ed Keryliuk. Other Cape Canaveral earners last season included Pearl of Knowledge, Wedge Pond, Sassy Cinderella, Sugar Moon, Oscar the Gulch, Graceful Spirit and Our Dandy’s Boy.

The Gilded Time son, Gayego, took second spot with total Alberta bred progeny earnings of $246,892. His top earner last season was the Bar None Ranches homebred GO MAMA who finished the season with a record of 11-4-3-2 and earnings of $43,070. Gayego also sired Freedom of the City Stakes winner Monopolize in addition to Silverfoot, Lookout Taylor, Fran from Peru, Count On It and Doc Ross.

Eligible ILIAD progeny with a total of $231,640 placed the Ghostzapper son third on the list of top stallions in Alberta last season. ABOVE AND BEYOND was the leading runner for Iliad with a win in the Alberta Sires Stakes Derby and placings in the Beaufort Stakes and Western Canada Handicap. The Duggan farms bred gelding earned $54,870 and finished his three year old season with a record of 8-1-2-1. Other eligible Iliad runners last season include Lilbitspicy, Lilzapper, Fastestgirlintown and Shakeitformegirl.

Plum Blue helped to put IMPERIALISM fourth on the leading Alberta stallion list with total progeny earnings for the Langfuhr son of $222,607. The Winfield Stock Farm bred mare was multiple stakes placed and had total season earnings of $67,150 with a record of 8-1-4-2. Imperialism runners that were also eligible included Kiss Me Hello, Shakinofftherust, Imperial Dash and Steamin Demon.

MANK rounded out the top five leading Alberta sires by eligible earnings with $197,629 in earnings last season for his eligible runners. The Mank filly Dance Shoes was a multiple stakes winner in 2022 with wins in the black type Shirley Vargo Handicap, the RedTail Landing Handicap, the Alberta Fall Classic Handicap and the R.K. Red Smith Handicap. Bred by James McFadyen, Dance Shoes finished the season with earnings of $163,618 and a record of 11-6-1-2. Other Mank runners included Common Knowledge, Bling It On Home, Park West and Phantom Power.

The Horse Racing Alberta's Stallion Owner’s Breeding Awards for 2022 totaled $65,000 and are distributed through the Thoroughbred Breed Improvement Program. Cheques have now been mailed out to qualifying recipients of the program with eligibly to the program based on the following criteria:

"Stallion bonus will be paid proportionately to Stallion owners whose Stallions have Eligible Alberta Thoroughbred progeny with earnings of $10,000 or greater during the Calendar year. Stallions must have stood in the province of Alberta for the entire Calendar year of conception for each year’s crop to be eligible."

Please note that it is a requirement that recipients of the Breed Improvement Program - Thoroughbred Breeders' Bonus be members in good standing of the C.T.H.S. (Full or Associate Member designation) in order to receive the Breeders' Bonus.

Alberta Thoroughbred Industry Loses Longtime Horseman, Jack Johnston

Sun, 08 Jan 2023 17:18:04 GMT

Jack was a breeder, owner and tireless supporter of the Alberta Thoroughbred industry.

The CTHS Alberta is saddened to share the news of the recent passing of longtime Alberta horseman, Jack Johnston. Our sincere condolences go out to Jack's family and friends.

Jack was a breeder, owner and tireless supporter of the Alberta Thoroughbred industry. He was a most valued CTHS Alberta Director from 1993 until 2015 and was awarded the Ken Cohoe Trophy for Horseperson of the Year in 2010, along with his wife Linda, in recognition of a ‘lifelong personal involvement and dedication to the love of the Thoroughbred horse.’

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Jack’s memory may be made to the S.P.C.A, S.T.A.R.S. or a charity of the donors choice.

Obituary Notice published in MountainViewTODAY - December 27, 2022 for Jack Ranold Johnston

' Jack Johnston will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Linda; son, Donald (Kerry); daughter, Ivey (Carl); step-daughter, Gale (Brent); step-son, Dale (Vicky); sisters, May (Bob) Bannerman and Fay (Dallas) Haeberle; numerous grandchildren, great- grand-children and nieces and nephews. Jack was predeceased by his first wife, Margret Anne.

Jack always had a great love for horses and was a strong supporter to the horse world. He was a color inspector for the Pinto Association, was one the founding directors of the Didsbury Light Horse Association as well as an active member for most of his life. He was the leader for the Didsbury 4-H Horse Club as well as judging horse shows throughout the province.

Jack, Linda and family established Peaceful Valley Stables in the late 70’s. A thoroughbred boarding, breeding and foaling facility. Soon Jack became directly involved in the Canadian Thoroughbreed Horse Society and served as a director on the board for many years.

He always enjoyed horse racing and in later years always had a horse at the track. Having sold the farm Jack and Linda moved to Olds in December 2021.

Many thanks to the nursing staff and doctors at the Olds Hospital for the great care and compassion shown to him.

In lieu of flowers a donation in Jack’s memory may be made to the S.P.C.A, S.T.A.R.S. or a charity of the donors choice.'

MOUNTAIN VIEW TODAY Obituary Notice for Jack Johnston

It Pays to Breed Alberta Breds!

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 21:17:57 GMT

Breeders’ of Alberta bred Thoroughbreds had exciting opportunities to share in the winnings of their racehorses through the Breeders’ Bonus which totalled close to half a million dollars in 2022!

Alberta breeders earn big rewards from the success of Thoroughbreds they have bred.

The Thoroughbred Breed Improvement Program has now distributed $472,830 through to qualifying breeders of Alberta bred Thoroughbreds. This year's bonus is 15.64% of the earnings of all races held in Alberta racetracks in 2022.

Congratulations to all the recipients of the Breeders’ Bonus for the 2022 race season!

The following are the top five leading Alberta breeders by Breeders’ Bonus earnings.

C & H Duggan Farms Ltd. is the top breeder with a total Breeders’ Bonus earned of $36,146. Their leading runner ABOVE AND BEYOND was the winner of the Alberta Sire Stakes Derby and was stakes placed.

Bar None Ranches Ltd. earned a total Breeders’ Bonus of $31,998. MONOPOLIZE was their top bonus earner with a win in the Freedom of the City Stakes from only two starts in the season. Bar None Ranches Ltd. bred runners Chatty Gal, Out Front, Go Mama, Silverfoot, Count On It, Perpetual Bliss, Doc Cope, Perdition, Stolen Jewel and Boss Man Can also contributed to the Bar None Ranches Ltd. Breeders’ Bonus.

Highfield Investment Group Inc. is third on the Breeders’ Bonus list with $28,011 brought in by their stable of Alberta bred runners.

ONEOFTHEMGIRLS was the top bonus earner for Highfield Investment Group Inc. this season with three wins including the Alberta Sire Debutante Stakes, the Chariot Chaser Handicap and the Sonoma Handicap.

Pierre Esquirol is the fourth leading Alberta breeder by Breeders’ Bonus with an amount earned of $25,920. The three year old WILDCAT WILLY was his leading runner with a win in the Beaufort Stakes. Big Z, Jeff Fa Fa, Lanny Mac, Little Rosalyn, Keepmeinpower, Kiss Me Hello, No More Jo King, Outlawed in Texas, Pull the Pin, Pump the Brakes, Smoked Ya and Wide Eyed Wiley also helped to earn bonuses for the Pierre Esquirol bred runners.

James McFadyen rounds out the top five Alberta breeder with a Breeders’ Bonus of $22,433 earned by the star of his stable, DANCE SHOES. The four year old filly earned the bonus for James McFadyen with wins in the RedTail Landing Handicap, the Shirley Vargo Handicap, the Alberta Fall Classic Distaff and the R.K. Smith Handicap.

For further details of the Horse Racing Alberta Breed Improvement Program, visit the CTHS Alberta website Breed Improvement Program page.

Remember, your Best Bet is an Alberta Bred!

National Economic Impact Survey

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 18:24:54 GMT

Standardbred Canada (SC) and the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (CTHS) are pleased to announce the launch of a National Economic Impact Study.

National Economic Impact Survey (N.E.I.S.)

Please participate!

Standardbred Canada (SC) and the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (CTHS) are pleased to announce the development of a National Economic Impact Study.

The two organizations are working with Serecon, a third-party research company, to conduct an economic scan and facilitate key stakeholder interviews through a national survey and provide further analysis.

The goals of the project are:

To increase the understanding of the current state of the sector;
To identify and articulate the economic and social impacts of horse racing across the country;
To develop strategic recommendations to ensure the sustainability and inclusivity of the horse racing sector;
Socialize findings with key federal government stakeholders

The study will review such economic drivers as cost of ownership, economic contribution from horses, and industry trends.

We encourage all members of the Canadian horse racing sector to take part in this important industry survey!

DEADLINE IS FRIDAY, JANUARY 20TH

Closure of Bar None Ranches Breeding Operation

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 22:33:55 GMT

Horse Racing Alberta Letter to Stakeholders - November 18, 2022

Stolz Thoroughbreds on the Move

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 22:36:58 GMT

Stolz Thoroughbreds has announced a new base of operations southeast of Edmonton

Stolz Thoroughbreds has announced that they have acquired a farm just southeast of Edmonton where their breeding operation will now be centred. Their three stallions Dynamic Sky, Medallist and Readyforprimetime will stand stud at the farm. Stolz Thoroughbreds will also offer services such as paddock board, mare care, yearling starting, horse training, sales preparation and rehabilitation. Future plans include construction of a new barn and offering foaling services.

A graded stakes winning son of the Pulpit sire, Sky Mesa, DYNAMIC SKY earned over $1 Million on the track. The Sovereign award earner excelled on all weather, turf and dirt tracks before retirement from racing. Dynamic Sky is out of the Distorted Humor stakes winning mare, Murani. The Dynamic Sky runner, My Girl Sky ($120,699), just won the 2022 black type Thunder Bay Stakes at Woodbine on October 21 ^st . Dynamic Sky leading progeny also include the black type stakes winner, Jilli Marie ($141,173).

The multiple graded stakes runner MEDALLIST had a successful race career with career highlights that included setting the stakes record for the Dwyer G2 stakes; setting the stakes record in the Kenny Noe Jr. Handicap and equalling the track record with his win in the G3 Deputy Minister Handicap. Medallist also placed in the G1 $350,000 Carter Handicap. The son of classic winner Touch Gold, Medallist retired from racing earnings of $421,375. Medallist is a half-brother to G2 winner Air Commander and G2 placed Formidable, out of the G1 placed Santaria, a daughter of champion sprinter Star de Naskra.

Medallist has proven himself as a successful sire with progeny that include the multiple graded stakes placed runner, Ibboyee ($701,822) and the multiple stakes winner, Winning the Medal ($461,516). The two year old Medallist runner, Itsy Bitsy Izzie, shows great potential having placed in all of her four starts to date this season. Medallist has total progeny earnings to date of over $12 Million including twenty three stakes winners and average earnings per starter of over $75,000. Medallist foals continue to be consistent money earners with long careers.

READYFORPRIMETIME is the only son of the Southern Halo son, More than Ready to stand in Canada. More Than Ready was one of the most influential sires of his time and sired a world-record 2,118 individual winners including 216 worldwide stakes winners and 6 champ

ions, the fourth highest of all time. Readyforprimetime will be a freshman sire standing at Stolz Thoroughbreds for the upcoming season.

The three stallions will stand the 2023 season at Stolz Thoroughbreds and are being offered for limited books to approved mares only. Dynamic Sky will stand for $3000 LFSN; Medallist for $3500 LFSN; Readyforprimetime by Private Treaty.

Inquiries to Cassandra Stolz at 403-470-7413/Dennis Stolz (403) 615-6456 or email cassandra@stolzthoroughbreds.ca

Stolz Thoroughbreds may be found on social media at https://www.facebook.com/stolz.tbs

*All earnings at time of press from Equibase

The Horses with Dawn Lupul Podcast - Episode #1

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 18:01:14 GMT

Episode One - Interview with Kent Verlik, CEO of Horse Racing Alberta

Thank you to Dawn Lupul at Horse Racing Alberta for this informative interview with the CEO of Horse Racing Alberta, Kent Verlik. This is the first podcast in a series focusing on many different aspects of horse racing in Alberta. Click on the image below to go the podcast or follow the link at https://thehorses.com/news/industry/item/3993-the-horses-with-dawn-lupul-podcast-episode-1

'Kent describes some of the challenges HRA faced in the year leading up to the pandemic and what extraordinary steps were taken to ensure that horse racing could continue to thrive in Alberta.'

He also covers:

- the funding agreement with the Alberta government and the slot revenue claw-back to 50%

- the cessation of holdbacks from racetrack operators

- the addition of Track on Two as a racing entertainment centre

- the rules of racing, where they can be found, and the rule change process

- the 5-year agreements with the racing associations and racetrack operators purse increases and the pursuit of further revenue streams in the province'

'This is your opportunity to hear from the CEO himself and to be informed as you plan your business strategies in 2023!'

Introducing – MALIBU MAX, only Son of MALIBU MOON standing in Canada

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 20:32:41 GMT

This 9 yr old son of leading sire Malibu Moon, A. P. Indy’s Best Sire, finished 2nd in his last race Sept 2022, retiring sound! A Stakes Winner of over $440,000 from 6 f to 1 1/16 on dirt. He was brought to WorkWize Stables attention by their Trainer/Bloodstock Agent Cory Rumsey. They were able to bring him home in October.

Out of the Pleasantly Perfect Graded Stakes placed mare Mindy Sue with earnings of $213,000, and is from a strong female line.

WorkWize Stables continues to bring Top Bloodlines to Western Canada as they also stand TOUR DE FORCE (Tiznow x Dream Supreme) who produced a very nice 1st crop of foals in 2022. Also, bringing in mares – daughters of American Pharaoh, Kitten’s Joy, Graeme Hall, Majesticperfection and a granddaughter of Into Mischief.

Malibu Max will stand his 1st season 2023 for $1250 (LFSN) at WorkWize Stables in Acme AB.

Contact Maggie Northcott at 587-998-0466 or workwize.ent@gmail.com.

Visit www.workwizestables.com for more information.

Alberta Bred MONOPOLIZE Wins Freedom of the City Stakes

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 20:22:04 GMT

Bar None Ranches homebred filly takes the win!

Congratulations to Bar None Ranches on the win by their home bred MONOPOLIZE in the Freedom of the City Stakes on October 29th!

The Gayego Alberta bred filly has now placed an impressive first and third in her only two career starts to date.

Monopolize is out of the Whywhywhy mare, Monono. This mare was a stakes winning earner of over $200,000 in her racing career.

#ABBredsrock

CTHS Alberta Sales Stake Winners

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 15:36:37 GMT

It was an exciting day of racing in the CTHS Alberta Sales Stakes under beautiful sunny skies on Saturday, October 8th!

The filly BIG HUG won the $100,000 Roy Shellnutt Memorial CTHS Alberta Sales Stake for Two Year Olds. This Alberta bred has now won all four of her career starts including the Sturgeon River Stakes and the Princess Margaret Stakes. Big Hug was bred by Chalet Stable and consigned to the 2021 CTHS Alberta sale by Stone Ranches. The Mr. Big runner keeps her perfect record of 4-4-0-0 along with over $145,000 in earnings to date for owners Empire Equestrian and Kerredge Farm.

WE B THREE was the winner of the $50,000 CTHS Alberta Sales Stake for Three and Four Year Old Fillies. The four year old BC bred Teide filly was bred by Ole Nielsen and is owned by Willow Creek Farms. This was the first win for We B Three this season who now has a career record of 12-3-3-4 and $80,000 in earnings.

ASYOUBELIEVE was the winner of the $50,000 CTHS Alberta Sales Stake for Three and Four Year Olds. The Second in Command three year old was bred by Bennett and Caravetta and is owned by Shot in the Dark Racing Corp. The multiple stakes winner adds this win to a victory in the Western Canada Handicap earlier this season for a career record of 11-7-1-1 and $179,250 in earnings.

Congratulations to the connections of all the winners in the CTHS Alberta Sales Stakes race s!

2022 CTHS Alberta Sales Stakes at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 20:51:48 GMT

Upcoming 2022 Sales Stakes at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino

Find the full entries at Equibase >> Sales Stakes October 8th, 2022

$50,000 Sale Stake - Three and Four Year Old Fillies Division

Post Time of 4:45 PM

UBBADEETS, THERUFFSIDEOFEXHI, STEVI WONDER GIRL and PLUM BLUE make up the four Alberta breds in the field of five while WE B THREE is the lone BC bred. The three year old Stevie Wonder Girl has won her last two starts including the Alberta Oaks on Alberta Breeders’ Fall Classic day. The No Hesitation filly bred by Side Management Ltd. has a record of 9-4-1-0 to date and earnings of $60,727 for owner Todd Kettleson. Plum Blue is a multiple stakes placed four year old with second place finishes in the Northlands Distaff and Shirley Vargo this season. The Imperialism filly bred by Winfield Stock Farm Inc. has a record of 22-4-7-4 and $125,246 in earnings for owner Sheldon Walker.

Best of luck to all the entries in the Sales Stakes this Saturday!

$100,000 Roy Shellnutt Memorial CTHS Alberta Two Year Old Sales Stake

Post Time of 5:45 PM

This race has been combined into one $100,000 event this year with a single division for two year olds running over seven furlongs.

LILLY’S OF LONDON, BOOTIFUL ROSE and BIG HUG are the three Alberta bred fillies entered while Alberta breds KISS ME HELLO, MOHAMAD and the BC bred SMART CAT make up the geldings in this six horse field. Big Hug has won all three of her career starts including the Sturgeon River Stakes and the Princess Margaret Stakes for owner Empire Equestrian and Kerredge Farm. The Mr. Big filly was bred by Chalet Stable and has career earnings of $84,926. Bootiful Rose placed second in her last two outings in the Sturgeon River Stakes and the Princess Margaret Stakes for owners Don Danard and Don Knight. The Stone Ranches bred Shaman Ghost filly has a record of 3-1-2-0 with $43,027 in earnings to date. Both the Dawson Guhle bred Lily’s of London and the Stone Ranches bred Mohamad won their last starts out.

Best of luck to all the entries in the Sales Stakes this Saturday!

$50,000 Sale Stake - Three and Four Year Old Colts and Geldings Division

Post Time of 6:45 PM

A field of seven geldings are entered including the four Alberta breds COMMON KNOWLEDGE, SPOT ON DUDE, THESHACK and BANG ON as well as three BC breds, ASYOUBELIEVE, MY COLLEGE FUND and ITSMYDAY. Common Knowledge placed second in the Red Diamond Express this season for owner Ted Lewis. The Mank four year old was bred by Starline Thoroughbreds and has earned $103,792 to date. Spot On Dude won his last start out for owners Don Danard and Don Knight. The stakes placed Value Plus three year old bred by C.W. Matier has earnings of US $54,215 in his career. The four year old Theshack placed third in the Alberta Breeders’ Handicap this season to bring his earnings to $74,190 for owner Dorn Ries. The Shackleford gelding was bred by Brad Auger and Running Fawcett Thoroughbreds. The stakes winner Bang On won his last start for owner True North Stable to bring his earnings to $111,620. The Commissioner four year old was bred by Running Fawcett Thoroughbreds Ltd.

$100,000 CTHS Alberta Two Year Old Sale Stake Re-named in Honor of Roy Shellnutt

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 20:32:22 GMT

The $100,000 CTHS Alberta Sales Stake for Two Year Olds has been re-named the $100,000 Roy Shellnutt Memorial CTHS Alberta Sales Stake in honour of long time Alberta Thoroughbred owner, trainer and breeder Roy Shellnutt who sadly passed away earlier this summer.

Roy was raised in an eastern Ontario farming community and his family was involved in the breeding and marketing of horses. His father trained Standardbreds and as a younger boy, Roy rode ponies and showed quarter horses. After starting his career as a police offer, Roy went on to law school and spent his professional life working as a defense lawyer. His true passion remained horses however and for the past forty years, Roy had been involved in all aspects of the horse industry especially in racing. He was licensed as an owner, trainer and racing official over the years and was most recently a valued director on the board of the CTHS Alberta from 2018 to this year.

Roy was a multiple stakes winning trainer from 1991 through 2005 with over $225,000 in career earnings from 138 starts mainly at Stampede Park and Northlands Park. His top horses included the Alberta bred multiple stakes winning CTHS Alberta sale graduate, Client Development, winner of the Debutante Stakes at Stampede Park and the Junior Miss Handicap at Northlands Park. Roy was also the trainer and owner of Alberta bred CTHS Sale graduate, Dreamin of Dancin, bred by Jack Johnston. This mare won the 1995 Sturgeon River Stakes at Stampede Park and the 1996 Alberta Oaks at Northlands Park. Horses owned by Roy were often recognizable by the recurring ‘legal’ theme in their names such as This Crime Pays, Crime After Crime, Crime Is Up and Proceeds of Crime.

A homebred gelding by Mint named Criminally Minted, out of his stakes winner, Client Development, became Roy’s personal riding horse and dressage mount for the past fifteen years. Roy rode with a dressage coach from Saskatchewan and under the tutelage of long-time friends Linda and Jack Johnston. Roy developed a keen interest in dressage which led him to take three trips to Europe over the past decade to fulfill his dreams of riding Lusitano horses at the highest level of the sport.

Roy will be greatly missed by his many friends and acquaintances in the Alberta Thoroughbred industry.

The 2022 CTHS Alberta Roy Shellnutt Memorial CTHS Alberta Sale Stake has a post time of 5:45 p.m. this Saturday, October 8 ^th at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino.

Congratulations to the winner of the 2022 C Cup Classic

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 19:42:56 GMT

Congratulations to Katelyn Golka and Adrien’s Aurora, winners of the C Cup Classic in support of Ovarian Cancer Canada.

Adrien’s Aurora is a six year old gelding bred by White House Stables and George Robbins, owned by Bar None Ranches, Central City Stables, and Darren and Tanya LaRocque and is trained by Ron Grieves.

Further congratulations goes to the riders who finished in the top three for fundraising and the C Cup Classic race:

Top fundraisers are:

Amanda Dixon - $3,798.00
Janna Snyder - $3,122.00!
Kimberlea Rhian Calhoun - $2198.25

Top 3 finishing jockeys:

A total of $15,000 was raised in support of Ovarian Cancer research!

Thank you to all the riders and everyone who supported the C Cup Classic. Congratulations to all the winning connections!

Alberta Bred Brings $220,000 at 2022 Keeneland September Sale

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 17:19:46 GMT

An Alberta-bred colt by Speightstown, out of Delcapem sold at Keeneland for $220,000!

https://fb.watch/fJRTEu8tJo/

Top Sellers at the 2022 CTHS Alberta Thoroughbred Sale

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 22:05:20 GMT

A Birdstone filly and Cape Canaveral colt top the CTHS Alberta Thoroughbred Sale

A yearling colt and filly duo set the high seller mark at $35,000 during the 2022 CTHS Alberta Thoroughbred Sale held on Friday, September 16 ^th at Westerner Park in Red Deer, Alberta. A total of 40 yearlings sold resulting in overall positive increases in gross sales and average at the completion of the sale.

Revenue from the 2022 sale increased to $443,600 this year and the average price rose to $11,090. This increase established a positive move from sales of $405,600 last year for 37 yearlings and an average figure of $10,962.

The two $35,000 high selling yearlings were a Cape Canaveral colt consigned by Starline Thoroughbreds and a Birdstone filly consigned by Moonshine Meadow Ranch.

The colt is out of the Kafwain mare, Lil Missknowitall, who has produced 3 winners to date including the Alberta Champion Two and Three Year Old filly, Pearl of Knowledge ($207,825) and CTHS Alberta Sales Stakes winner Common Knowledge ($102,892). This yearling was purchased by Karlene Kingston as Agent.

Birdstone, is a classic winner of $1.58 Million and has sired 351 winners with over $31 Million in earnings including champions Summer Bird ($2.32 Million) and Mine That Bird ($2.28 Million) The dam of the high selling Birdstone filly is the proven race mare, Silkworm, winner of the black type Freedom of the City Stakes. Silkworm has produced 2 foals to race, both winners, including Victory Built ($207,016).

Starline Thoroughbreds was the leading consignor both by average and gross sales with three yearlings consigned for total sales of $96,000 and an average of $32,000. This consignment included the high seller in addition to two other Cape Canaveral yearlings out of the Latent Heat mare, Whinny Magoogin and the Tribal Rule mare, Rubyintheruff.

Dermot’s Dilemma entered the ring as Hip 57 and marked the final yearling for the leading Alberta sire, Cape Canaveral. The Mr. Prospector son was the foundation sire at Highfield Stock Farm for fourteen years and a leading sire in Canada with progeny earnings of over $17.8 Million. Cape Canaveral recently passed away after being pensioned last fall.

The leading purchaser by gross sales were Carole & Jim Barker and Red Ron Farms who purchased two yearlings consigned by Stone Ranches and Boe & Janet Stone for a total of $54,000. Their new acquisitions included a gelding by Ransom the Moon out of Carolina Station and a Gormley filly out of Ron Rhonda.

Seven horses were purchased through online bidding this year, the most in the three years this option has been offered. CTHS Alberta Sale was able to provide real time viewing and online bidding through a partnership with Direct Livestock Marketing Services (DLMS). Our appreciation and thanks goes to Highfield investment Group Inc. and Century Mile Racetrack and Casino who made this service possible.

Thank you to all the consignors, purchasers and viewers for their support of the 2022 CTHS Alberta sale and the Alberta Thoroughbred industry.

Watch the CTHS Alberta Sale!

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 16:51:50 GMT

Below is the YouTube Live stream link for the CTHS Alberta Sale on Friday.

You will be able to view the sale by clicking on this link or the video below:

https://youtu.be/GZl39L2cpGo

or going to the CTHS Alberta Sale Information and click on the You Tube live video.

To bid, you still need to go to dlms.ca.

2023 Alberta Bred and Alberta Sired Programs

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 17:11:40 GMT

The latest update on Alberta Bred and Sired Bonus Programs for racing in 2023!

ALBERTA BRED PROGRAM

The HBPA of Alberta has announced an Alberta Bred 2 and 3 year-old Maiden Special Weight program for the 2023 race season at Century Mile Racetrack. HBPA, in agreement with Century Mile’s Race Manager, will write 3 year old colts and geldings, and 3 year old fillies Alberta-Bred Maiden special weight, once a month with a purse of $35,000.00 for May, June, and July. For August, September, and October there will be one per month of 3 year old Alberta Bred Maiden Special Weight.

There will also be a 2-year-old Alberta-Bred Maiden combining colts and fillies, once a month with a purse of $35,000.00 from July through October.

*Races must contain a minimum of 6 entries before being considered.

The HBPA of AB reserves the right to combine, cancel, or change scheduling of these races

ALBERTA SIRED PROGRAM

In addition to these, we are continuing with the 3 year-old colts and geldings and 3 year-old fillies stakes races for Alberta Sired offspring. Each stakes race will be worth $50,000.00.

*Races must contain a minimum of 6 entries.

The HBPA may amend programs from time to time.

YOUR BEST BET IS AN ALBERTA THOROUGHBRED!

https://hbpaalberta.ca/programs/

Alberta Breds Finish One-Two in the Princess Margaret Stakes

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 19:54:24 GMT

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Alberta breds and CTHS Alberta sale graduates, BIG HUG and BOOTIFUL ROSE finished one-two in the $50,000 Princess Margaret Stakes!

Congratulations to the connections of BIG HUG, the winner of the Princess Margaret Stakes! The Mr. Big filly was bred by Chalet Stable and is owned by Empire Equestrian and Kerredge Farm. Big Hug has now won both her lifetime starts. Congratulations also to the connections of the second place finisher, BOOTIFUL ROSE, bred by Stone Ranches and owned by Don Danard and Don Knight.

#ABBredsrock

2022 CTHS Alberta Sale Yearling Consignment Highlights

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 20:48:52 GMT

A preview of some yearling consignment highlights as we approach the 2022 CTHS Alberta Yearling Sale!

The 2022 CTHS Alberta yearling sale will be held on Friday, September 16 ^th at Westerner Park in Red Deer. A total of 58 quality Thoroughbred yearlings are consigned to the main catalogue including two Ontario breds and two Saskatchewan breds.

Local sires represented include Big Lightning, Cape Canaveral, Charming Assassin, Driven West, Dynamic Sky, It’s No Joke, Mank, Marine Landing, Mr O’Prado, Mr. Recio and Singing Saint. Opportunities are also available to purchase yearlings sired by Afleet Alex, American Freedom, Birdstone, Bucchero, Cloud Computing, Destin, Driven West, Edison, Gormley, Old Forester, Pulpit, Ransom the Moon, Reload, Speighster, Sungold, War Correspondent and Wicked Strong. The following preview discusses some of the highlights from each consignment.

Gordon and Rosalind Alger

The Algers have two yearlings in their consignment, by the sires Mank and Edision. The Pulpit son Mank is a half-brother to the stakes winner Conquest Mo Money ($510,580) and is the sire of 2022 Shirley Vargo Handicap and RedTail Landing Handicap winner, Dance Shoes ($143,646) and CTHS Sales Stake winner Common Knowledge ($67,606).

Edison is a graded stakes winning son of Bernardini who captured the G3 Canadian Derby. The Edison gelding is the first foal for the stakes winning daughter of Stephanotis, Pigtails ($181,668).

Beckham Ranch

Beckam Ranch is offering a filly by the graded stakes winning son of Maclean’s Music, Cloud Computing ($1,125,200). The first foals for Cloud Computing are two year olds of 2022. The dam of this filly is Genteela, a half-sister to the multiple graded stakes winning mare, Fourstar Crook ($1,580,450). The second filly in this consignment is by the graded stakes winner, Speightster, out of the Congrats mare, Kindest Regards. The dam is a half-sister to the graded stakes placed mare, La Song ($138,936).

Julie Brewster

A filly by the Hard Spun sire, Reload, is available in this consignment out of the proven line of Cool runners. The dam of this filly is a full sister to the Champion 2 year old colt in Alberta and multiple stakes winning Cool Kahuna ($147,776) and a half sister to the successful Alberta runners Cool Ventura (Horse of the Year and Champion Older Horse in Alberta, $301,884), Cool Synsation ($166,272), Cool Diablo ($138,074) and Cool Yer Boots ($31,186).

Esquirol Farms

Esquirol Farms has seven yearlings on offer by the Distorted Humor sire, It’s No Joke. The stakes winning sire has progeny earnings of over $6 Million and 67 winners including the graded stakes winner Bear No Joke ($607,501), Mallard’s Bro ($344,232) and Mr. Prankster ($306,468).

Hips 1, 3, 11, 35 and 43 are yearlings out of successful race mares, Zanita Rosae ($86,968), Alamandra Drive ($240,799), Cat’s Review ($197,871), Oneforthecrew ($62,722) and Saint Sassy Sue ($107,297). Cat’s Review is a half sister to the multiple stakes winner Sharky’s Review ($685,425) and Shamrock Edge ($157,498).

There is a lot of black type on the page of Hip 17, a gelding out of E Looe. This dam is a half sister to Shanghai Tariff ($426, 945), Starry Pursuit ($194,685), Vannistelrooy Star ($81,283) and G G’s Secondchance ($147,761). E Looe has produced 5 winners herself including Anyriderill Do ($90,504).

Highfield Investment Group Inc.

Six yearlings make up this season’s consignment for Highfield with three sired by Cape Canaveral, two by Destin and one by War Correspondent.

Cape Canaveral is now pensioned but remains among the leading sires in Canada. The Mr. Prospector son has sired progeny with earnings of over $17.6 Million including 39 stakes winners and 309 winners. He is the sire of Alberta Champion Two and Three Year Old filly, Pearl of Knowledge ($143,303). Highlights from the dam’s side in the Cape Canaveral group are Hip 53 out of the multiple stakes winning Alberta bred mare Tell Me Lies ($266,620); Hip 4, a gelding out of the proven race mare Americas Dreaming (IRE) ($105,350) who has produced 2 winners including Pacioretty ($133,560) and Hip 26, a filly out of Jordy Y ($95,777) who is a half sister to Cape Time ($251,736). Jordy Y is a proven broodmare having produced 4 winners including Souper Fly Over ($348,254).

Hips 18 and 44 are by the Giant’s Causeway son, Destin, whose first foals are two year olds of 2022. Destin was a stakes winner of 5 races and earned $947,800 on the track with wins that include the G2 Tampa Bay Derby and Marathon Stakes. The Destin gelding is out of Ennis Lady ($50,424) who is a full sister to Despite the Odds ($261,429). Ennis Lady has produced 6 winners including CTHS Sales Stake winner, Grandma Jo ($36,195), Love and Lemons ($110,340) and Woven Lady ($106,342). The Destin filly is out of Samara Street ($155,220) who has produced 2 winners including Choteau ($122,394).

The War Correspondent yearling is listed as Hip 5 out of the proven race mare Ballynoe ($160,361) who has produced 3 winners including Aqualityindividual ($66,339) and Too Legit ($46,057).

Highfield Investment Group, Inc., Agent

There are 4 yearlings entered as Hips 19, 40, 49 and 55 consigned by Highfield IG Inc as Agent by the sires Reload, It’s No Joke and Cape Canaveral. The highlight of this group may be the filly out of Ty’s Brooke, a half-sister to Double Bear ($185,313) and Red River Bear ($57,353). This Cape Canaveral filly is the first foal for the Pike Place Gold daughter.

Blair Huston and G.R. Scott

A Singing Saint filly is offered in the sale by Blair Huston and G.R. Scott. Singing Saint has sired progeny with earnings of over $3 Million and 43 winners including Harp N Halo ($177,710) and Tairneach ($288,076). This fill is out of the Artie Schiller mare, Sweet Angel Girl.

Blair Huston

Two colts are available as Hips 7 and 56 and in this consignment by Cape Canaveral and It’s No Joke. Hip 7 is the first foal for the Old Forester mare, Candalier, a half sister to Letsgetitseventeen ($82,054). Hip 56 is out of the High Yield daughter, Vogue Queen, a half-sister to Radical Riley ($292,198). The High Yield daughter is a proven producer with 3 winners including Winninginfashion ($191,069).

Alivia Kettleson

A filly by It’s No Joke out of Lily Rules, is on offer in this consignment. This yearling is the first foal for the Peace Rules mare.

Mervin Lansing

7 yearlings listed as Hips 2, 10, 16, 22, 23, 32 and 47, all by Marine Landing are available in the consignment submitted by Mervin Lansing. Marine Landing is a son of Smart Strike, leading sire of 146 winners and 14 champions including Curlin ($10.5 Million).

Hip 10 is the second foal out of the Jet West mare, Caro’s Song ($180,138), a half-sister to Smil’n From Above ($175,900). Hip 22 is a gelding out of the Grand Slam mare, Hangingonaprayer ($152,607), a half-sister to Conquest Daddyo ($324,127) and Hangingbyathread ($307,630). The filly listed as Hip 23 is out of the Big E E mare, High Dollar Gal ($32,081), winner of the CTHS Sales Stakes. Hip 47 is a filly out of the Sky Mesa mare, Sky Heat, a half sister to Tipperary Melody ($68,540) and has produced 4 winners including Joker Man ($109,831).

Roy McClintock

The McClintock consignment has 5 yearlings by Dynamic Sky, Charming Assassin and Cape Canaveral. The Sky Mesa son Dynamic Sky is a stakes winner of over $1 Million and has sired 3 crops to date with earnings of $346,444 including Jill Marie ($137,741). Charmin Assassin is a son of Van Nistelrooy and has sired 6 winners to date with earnings of $94,327).

The dam of Hip 39, the Dynamic Sky filly is the Lemon Drop Kid daughter, Precious Lemon, who has produced 3 winners from 4 foals including the Sturgeon River Stakes winner, Teemans Kid ($57,768). The first foal for Teemans Kid is offered as Hip 52, by the leading Canadian sire, Cape Canveral.

Moonshine Meadow Ranch

A colt by Bucchero is listed as Hip 45 and a Birdstone filly entered as Hip 46. The Kantharos son, Bucchero, is a multiple graded stakes winner of $947,936 and his first foals are two year olds of 2022. Birdstone is a classic winner of $1.58 Million and has sired 351 winners with over $31 Million in earnings including champions Summer Bird ($2.32 Million) and Mine That Bird ($2.28 Million)

The Bucchero colt is of the Gone West mare, Seek to Dance, a half-sister to Diadella ($563,274), Say a Novena ($329,870), D’Cajun Cat ($211,595) and El Kingdom ($129,783). The dam of the Birdstone filly is the proven race mare, Silkworm ($104,531), winner of the black type Freedom of the City Stakes. Sikworm has produced 2 foals to race, both winners, including Victory Built ($136,404).

Doug Oberg

A filly by Big Lightning out of Wilko Rose makes up the Oberg consignment and is listed as Hip 58. The Bernardini son, Big Lightning, has progeny with 17 winners and earnings of over $360,000 including the stakes winner Emma Jean Too ($70,731).

The dam, Wilko Rose, has produced 2 foals to race including the Sturgeon River Stakes winner Light Fast Feet ($39,707).

Pat O’Hare and Jeff Lalonde

Two geldings by the sires Driven West and It’s No Joke are listed as Hips 36 and 37 in this consignment. Hip 36 offers the opportunity to buy from the first crop of foals sired by the Awesome Again son, Driven West, as this group are just yearlings of 2022. The dam of the Driven West yearling is the Vilzak daughter, Papoose Dancer ($102,877) who is a half-sister to Shilla ($350,704) and Tahnee ($259,276). The It’s No Joke gelding is out of the Orientate mare, Parallelogram, who is a half-sister to Tip Tap Tapizar ($199,310) and Divine Music ($153,658).

Scott Palmer Ranching Ltd.

The sires Sungold and Old Forester are represented in this consignment of two geldings by Scott Palmer Ranching Ltd. Sungold has sired 50 winners and progeny earnings of over $2.7 Million including graded stakes placed Sunburst ($153,155) and Alberta Champion Older Mare, Infinite Patience ($304,990). The Sungold yearling is out of the Macho Uno mare, Carmen’s Kiss who has produced Makealittlenoise ($76,987) and Only One Kiss ($38,973).

Old Forester is a sire of 298 winners and progeny earnings of over $31 Million including champion Pink Lloyd ($1.88 Million). The dam of the Old Forester yearling is the stakes placed Chandlers Heart ($166,660) who has produced two winners including the CTHS Sales Stakes winner Shotthrutheheart ($50,345).

Starline Thoroughbreds

Three Cape Canaveral yearlings are on offer in the Starline Thoroughbreds consignment. An opportunity is available to own a colt out of the Kafwain mare, Lil Missknowitall ($188,536) who has produced 3 winners including Alberta Champion Two and Three Year Old filly Pearl of Knowledge ($142,917) and CTHS Alberta Sales Stakes winner Common Knowledge ($67,513). The Latent Heat mare, Whinny Magoogin ($45,831) is the dam of a second yearling and is a half-sister to As You Like ($371,693).

Stone Ranches

A Speightster gelding is the sole entry in the Stone Ranches offering. This stakes winning sire has progeny earnings with $7.4 Million and 116 winners. The First Samurai mare, Geisha Peebles is a half-sister to Orgullosa (winner at 3 in 2022, in Venezuela) and stakes placed Mesonic ($34,850). Geisha Peebles has produced 3 foals to race, all winners including Kitten’s Peebles 9$93,392).

Stone Ranches, Boe and Janet Stone

A gelding by Ransom the Moon and a filly by Gormley are available in this consignment. The stakes winning son of leading sire Malibu Moon, Ransom the Moon ($884,829), has first foals that are just two year olds of 2022. The dam of the Ransom the Moon yearling is an Aikenite daughter who has produced the winner Smokin Bow ($58,530) from one foal to race.

The Santa Anita Derby winning son of Malibu Moon, Gormley ($1 Million) has progeny earnings of $2.3 Million and has sired 43 winners even though his first foals are just three year olds of 2022. The dam of the Gormley filly is a Lawyer Ron daughter who has produced two winners from three foals including Get Some Muny ($15,815).

Winsome Acres

Two Mr. O’Prado colts are offered by Winsome Acres. Mr. O’Prado is a son of stakes winner Paddy O’Prado and a half-brother to graded stakes winner Deans Kitten ($802,950). The first foals for Mr O’Prado are two year olds of 2022. Hip 6 is out of the Lost Canyon mare, Blinkanshesgone, who is a full sister to Clever Speed ($130,126) and a half-sister to Blinkanhesgone ($82,037) and Clever Fellow ($40,895). Hip 25 is out of the State City mare, Iva State who has produced the stakes placed runner Future State ($44,900).

Workwize Ent. Stables

Five yearlings are available in the Workwize Ent. Stables group of yearlings by the sires Dynamic Sky, Speightster and American Freedom. The Pulpit son, American Freedom, is a stakes winner of over $700,000 and his progeny includes 41 winners and total earnings of $1.9 Million. The first foals for this sire are three year olds of 2022.

Hip 24 is a Dynamic Sky colt out of Isa Dixie by Dixieland Band. This dam is a half-sister to the multiple stakes winner, Beau Brass ($468,129), Bingo ($220,317) and Pretty Beaucat ($112,497). Isa Dixie is a proven producer with three foals to race, all winners, including Alphagate ($55,158) and Phil Power ($38,485).

The American Freedom colt offered as Hip 33 is the first foal for the Majesticperfection mare, Miss Marsha Lynn, a half-sister to the graded stakes placed runner, Forever Juanito ($303,014).

ONEOFTHEMGIRLS is three for three in 2022

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 19:56:20 GMT

Congratulations to the connections of Alberta bred ONEOFTHEMGIRLS, winner of the Sonoma Handicap on July 29th! The Champion Alberta Two Year Old filly has now won five stakes races in a row for the ownership group of Highfield Investment Group, Inc., Curtis Landry and Irving Devey. The Exhi filly was bred by Highfield Investment Group Inc. & Curtis Landry and is a 2020 CTHS Alberta sale graduate.

#ABBredsrock

Alberta Bred DANCE SHOES Wins 2022 Shirley Vargo Handicap

Sat, 09 Jul 2022 15:41:03 GMT

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Congratulations to the connections of Alberta bred DANCE SHOES on her victory in the $50,000 black type Shirley Vargo Handicap on July 8th. Dance Shoes is having a great season to date with wins in her last two starts including the black type RedTail Landing Handicap on June 17th.

The Mank filly now has a record of 6-3-1-1 and US $69,638 in earnings this season. She is owned by Mohamad Khan and was bred by James McFadyen out of the WhyWhyWhy mare Dancin for Dellana. Dance Shoes was the winner of the 2021 Alberta Oaks at the 25th Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic.

2021 Alberta bred and Horse of the Year champion GREEK GEEK also had an impressive run in the black type $50,000 Spangled Jimmy Handicap on July 9th finishing second behind Market Analysis. The Misremembered gelding brings his lifetime earnings to US $204,605 and a record of 24-8-7-3 for owner Riversedge Racing Stables Ltd. and breeder Moonshine Meadow Ranch. Greek Geek was the winner of the 2021 Alberta Breeders' Handicap.

https://www.facebook.com/centurymile/videos/354061696891915

Aberta Breds Win Both Stakes

Sat, 18 Jun 2022 15:34:17 GMT

Friday night on June 17th was a great night for Alberta breds with DANCE SHOES winning the RedTail Landing Handicap and ONEOFTHEMGIRLS winning the Chariot Chaser Handicap.

The four year old Mank filly, Dance Shoes, now has a record of 5-2-1-1 and $46,504 in earnings this season. Congratulations to her connections including owner Mohamad Khan and breeder James McFadyen.

The three year old Exhi filly Oneofthemgirls has won her last four starts and has a perfect record of 2-2-0-0 so far this season with $46,661 in earnings. Congratulations to her breeder, Highfield Investment Group & Curtis Landry and ownership group Highfield Investment Group, Curtis Landry and Irving Devey.

Photo above shows Oneofthemgirls winning the 2021 CTHS Alberta Sales Stakes

#ABBredsrock

#albertathoroughbreds

Worth and Spirit: It's A Small World After All

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 15:42:19 GMT

The horse industry tends to be incredibly busy yet horsemen and women still take the time to help each other in times of need. The people involved in the Thoroughbred and Standardbred industries don’t typically cross paths often but occasionally an emergency during breeding season is answered by who can help, regardless of breed or background. This time of year holds so much excitement however the loss of a mare or foal creates a difficult situation for all involved especially the owners, caretakers and veterinarians.

On April 15 ^th this year, Boe Stone rushed the eight year old Stone Ranches mare, Backside Belle, to Moore & Company Vet in an attempt to save her from an aggressive bout of colic. Sadly, the mare was lost leaving behind her Thoroughbred filly, Spirit, as a two month old orphan. Boe had to load Spirit into the trailer to make the lonely trip back to Stone Ranches but within half an hour of pulling back into his own driveway, a trailer appeared carrying the 16.3 hand Standardbred, Worth Avenue. Carl Archibald and Karen Bannister from Meadowlark Farms & Training Centre near Airdrie were bringing the mare to introduce her to Spirit as a nurse mare.

As Boe stated the following night, “Last eve at 5pm I didn’t know Karen and Carl but after a bout of colic we lost Belle quickly and Jordan (Dr. Cook) leapt into action finding a nurse mare who had lost her beautiful colt. Thanks Everyone. Let’s hope for continued success with this new relationship.”

The rapid speed of which a nurse mare was found was due to the persistent efforts of Dr. Jordan Cook from Moore & Company Veterinary Clinic, along with the generous response of Carl and Karen. The important question to be answered next was whether the two would be able to form a bond. The hope was that the twenty year old Standardbred would quickly adopt the new filly, Spirit, as her own. Successfully introducing a nurse mare to an orphan foal is not always an easy process, you cannot safely just put the two together in a stall and hope for the best. Fortunately, in this situation with the expert help of Dr. Cook, Worth Avenue accepted Spirit and the bond has only been getting stronger since.

Dr. Cook followed a certain protocol to ensure the best chance of a positive “bonding experience” between Worth and Spirit. This initially included giving the mare medication to induce lactation and oxytocin or “love hormones” and medication to trigger sweating. The sweat was then taken and rubbed on the top of Spirit’s head and any areas that Worth would go to sniff or nuzzle to make the foal seem familiar. Worth was kept in stocks at first for the safety of the handlers and foal while attempts at allowing the foal to nurse were made. A gradual reduction in control of the mare was then allowed while Worth and Spirit were walked down the aisle and allowed to be loose together in a stall watched closely by Dr. Cook and the handlers for any signs of unhappiness. Fortunately, Dr. Cook found that Worth was “lovely and easy to work with” and the mare’s happy ears and eyes indicators showed the ‘click” moment where she thought “I’m alright with this and she (Worth) knows that the foal is hers.” The whole process took about three hours before it was declared a success close to midnight and Worth and Spirit were left alone together to continue the attachment process.

Karen Bannister of Meadowlark Farms notes that even though Worth had produced nine live foals before, she had never been a nurse mare for another foal in the past. This year, unfortunately her colt was lost due to complications from a breech birth leaving Worth ‘very distraught and then depressed after having lost this year’s baby; especially because she was around other broodmares who had live foals.” Karen was pretty sure the bonding would be successful though because, “If any of our broodmares would make a good brood mare, it would be Worth! Mother Nature has a way of bringing joy to her creatures regardless of the circumstances. Simply put: Worth loves being a mom!”

Dr. Cook has worked closely with the racetrack community and was the link between the Standardbred and Thoroughbred farms in bringing the two together in the crisis. Karen has worked with Dr. Cook over the past five years with Meadowlark Farms but this “is the first time we’ve worked with her with respect to nurse mares or orphaned foals but are very glad it worked out well. Dr. Cook has developed a reputation in the community as a great vet to work with, both at the racetrack and during breeding seasons and is always available when needed –even if she’s not on duty. It was a great experience for both us and the Stones and we’d do it again in a heartbeat if the circumstance arose.”

As Dr. Cook point out, it is a small community of breeders in the area and everyone is always reaching out and willing to help regardless of breed, the race industry might be “competitive on the track but they are always the first ones to have each other’s backs.”

Boe added that Worth and Spirit “are still closer than most of our mares and foals. Since they have been brought together they have a special bond…you couldn’t write the script any better if you tried!”

Worth has been re-bred and is hopefully in foal for a Standardbred baby in 2023. Worth and Spirit will be weaned around sale time this September and Worth will return to her regular life as a Standardbred broodmare and Boe “wishes her the most success with that.” If you drive by Stone Ranches over the summer, have a look for the big Standardbred mare in the pasture with her Thoroughbred foal and for the Mor Spirit filly ‘Spirit’ next year in the 2023 CTHS Alberta Sale.

Minister Toews announces signing of 5-year funding agreement extension

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 16:30:03 GMT

'Alberta has a vibrant history and tradition of horse racing, and I was pleased to sign a 5-year extension to Horse Racing Alberta’s funding agreement, providing certainty to trainers, breeders, and the industry.'

Travis Toews,
Treasury Board President & Finance Minister
MLA for Grande Prairie-Wapiti at Legislative Assembly of Alberta

Horse Racing Alberta News: Minister Toews Announces Signing of 5 year Funding Agreement Extension

LinkedIn link: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/travis-toews-78a00045_alberta-has-a-vibrant-history-and-tradition-activity-6935667739432804352-Lyb-/

ONEOFTHEMGIRLS Wins Alberta Sire Stakes Debutante

Sun, 29 May 2022 20:02:32 GMT

Congratulations to the connections of 2021 Champion Two Year Old filly ONEOFTHEMGIRLS, winner of the Alberta Sire Debutante Stakes on May 27th at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino.

Congratulations to the connections of 2021 Champion Two Year Old filly ONEOFTHEMGIRLS, winner of the Alberta Sire Debutante Stakes on May 27th at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino. The now three year old was bred by Highfield Investment Group Inc & Curtis Landry and is owned by Highfield Investment Group Inc., Curtis Landry & Irving Devey.

Congratulations also goes to the Iliad sired runner, ABOVE AND BEYOND, winner of the Alberta Sire Stakes Derby on May 28th. The three year old gelding is owned and bred by Duggan Farms.

This was the first start out in 2022 for both horses.

#ABBredsrock

2021 Award Winners Celebrated at 48th Annual Night of Champions

Tue, 17 May 2022 17:52:40 GMT

The achievements of the Alberta Thoroughbred industry were celebrated in person at the Night of Champions held on Friday, May 6 ^th at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino in Nisku, Alberta. After an absence of two years, over one hundred people filled the Paddock Room representing breeders, owners, trainers and backstretch to enjoy the dinner, awards and dancing entertainment.

Master of Ceremonies, Ken Gee, got the evening underway with greetings from Chief Executive Officer of Horse Racing Alberta, Kent Verlik, who discussed the best path forward for horse racing in Alberta with the new stakeholder engagement and appeals process. Verlik thanked the industry “for your dedication and passion for the sport of horse racing in Alberta.”

The dinner and entertainment were followed by the award presentations with GREEK GEEK winning all four of the categories he was eligible for including Horse of the Year, Champion Sprinter, Champion Older Horse and Champion Alberta bred. The Misremembered gelding earned $174,400 last season with seven wins from nine starts including four stakes; the Alberta Breeders’ Handicap, the CTHS Sales Stake, the Century Mile Handicap and the Don Getty Handicap. Greek Geek established a new track record on August 15 ^th , 2021 over one and one sixteenth miles with a time of 1.42.36. Greek Geek is a 2018 CTHS Alberta sale graduate bred by Moonshine Meadow Ranch and owned by Riversedge Racing Stables Ltd.

The Alberta bred Dune d'Oro won the H.B.P.A. Trophy for the 2021 Champion Claimer award. The five year old Atreides gelding earned a total of $66,842 last season with a record of 12-4-1-1 for owner Mitch Sutherland. Dune d'Oro was bred by Doug Oberg.

ONEOFTHEMGIRLS received the Dwight McLellan Memorial Trophy for the Champion Two Year Old Filly title. The Alberta bred earned $66.030 in her first season with wins in the CTHS Sales Stake and the Sturgeon River Stakes finishing the meet with a record of 5-2-0-1. The Exhi filly was bred by Highfield Investment Group & Curtis Landry and is owned by Highfield Investment Group Inc., Curtis Landry and Irving Devey.

The BC bred ASYOUBELIEVE was awarded the Rocky Mountain Turf Club Trophy and the title for Champion Two Year Old Colt for his accomplishments last season. The Second in Command runner earned $74,900 with wins in the black type Canadian Juvenile Stakes and the CTHS Alberta Sales Stakes. The gelding bred by Bennett and Caravetta completed his season with a record of 4-3-0-1 for owner Shot in the Dark Racing Corp.

The Kentucky bred SHELTERED BAY was named Champion Three Year Old Filly and awarded the Dave Kapchinsky Memorial Trophy. The wins for Sheltered Bay included the Sonoma Handicap and the black type Chariot Chaser Handicap for a record of 5-3-0-1 and total earnings of $75,247 in 2021. She was bred by Oak Ridge Farm and is owned by Indyrock Racing, Graham Thoroughbreds and True North Stable.

TONY'S TAPIT was named The Champion Three Year Old Colt award, sponsored by Bar None Ranches Ltd., for a season that included Alberta wins in the Western Canada Handicap and the black type Count Lathum Handicap. The Tonalist colt earned $168,381 for the season and finished record of 13-8-1-1 for owner Kirk Sutherland. The Kentucky bred was bred by H & E Ranch.

The BC bred INFINITE PATIENCE earned the title of Champion Older Mare and the Moore Equine Veterinary Centre Ltd. Trophy for her impressive season in 2021. The Alberta wins for the Sungold mare included the R.K. Smith Handicap, the CTHS Alberta Sales Stakes and the Northlands Distaff for total earnings of $163,100 and a record of 7-5-1-0. Infinite Patience is owned by Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and William Decoursey and was bred by William Decoursey.

The Lou Davies Memorial Trophy for Leading Jockey was awarded to Enrique Gonzalez (by earnings) for a season that saw Gonzalez ridden horses earn a total of $968,205. This year, the Lou Davies Memorial Trophy will also be awarded to Rico Walcott for Leading Jockey (by wins) for a season that saw Walcott ridden runners earn 69 wins.

Highfield Investment Group Inc. was named Leading Breeder for the second consecutive year with Highfield bred runners earning $420,276 from 15 wins last season.

The H.B.P.A. Trophy for Leading Trainer was awarded to Tim Rycroft for a season that saw him win 63 races and over $ 1 Million in earnings from Rycroft trained runners.

The Jockey Club of Canada Trophy for Leading Owner was awarded to Riversedge Racing Stables Ltd. for a 2021 meet where Riversedge owned horses earned over $500,000 and 26 wins.

Special recognition and appreciation is given to the Night of Champions sponsors: Horse Racing Alberta, Bar None Ranches Ltd., Century Mile Racetrack and Casino, Century Downs Racetrack and Casino, the HBPA of Alberta, Roy McLellan, Moore Equine Veterinary Centre Ltd., Paddockhurst Stables, Rocky Mountain Turf Club and Westana Equine Training and Rehab Centre. Further acknowledgement is also expressed to On Track Media & Entertainment Inc. for their generous sponsorship and support with the production of the Night of Champions video program. The attendees enjoyed the dancing demos and entertainment offered by the Sugar Swing Ballroom.

The 2021 Alberta Thoroughbred horse category award winners are listed below:

Racing information and statistics provided by Equibase and the Jockey Club.

The H.B.P.A. Trophy
Champion Claimer: DUNE D'ORO

Trainer: James Brown
Owner: Mitch Sutherland
Breeder: Doug Oberg (AB)
B G 5 by Atreides – Barney's Mistress (Dynaformer)
2021: 12 Starts – 4 wins – 1 second – 1 thirds - $66,842
Winner: Red Diamond Express Handicap

The Century Downs Racetrack and Casino Trophy
Champion Sprinter: GREEK GEEK

Trainer: Tim Rycroft
Owner: Riversedge Racing Stables Ltd.
Breeder: Moonshine Meadow Ranch (AB)
B G 5 by Misremembered – A E Phi Sensation (Johannesburg)
2021: 9 Starts – 7 wins – 1 second – 1 thirds - $174,400
Winner: Century Mile Handicap (BT), Alberta Breeders Handicap, CTHS AB Sales Stake Handicap, Don Getty Handicap (BT)

The Dwight McLellan Memorial Trophy
Champion Two Year Old Filly: ONEOFTHEMGIRLS

Trainer: Greg Tracy
Owner: Highfield Investment Group Inc., Curtis Landry & Irving Devey
Breeder: Highfield Investment Group Inc. & Curtis Landry
CH F 2 by Exhi – Eustacia (Forestry)
2021: 5 Starts – 2 wins – 0 second – 1 thirds - $66,030
Winner: Sturgeon River Stakes, CTHS AB Sales Stake Handicap

The Rocky Mountain Turf Club Trophy
Champion Two Year Old Colt: ASYOUBELIEVE

Trainer: Tim Rycroft
Owner: Shot in the Dark Racing Corp.
Breeder: Bennett/Caravetta (BC)
B C 3 by Second in Command – I Believe in Angel (Cause to Believe)
2021: 4 Starts – 3 wins – 0 second – 1 thirds - $74,900
Winner: Canadian Juvenile Stakes (BT), CTHS AB Sales Stake Handicap

The Dave Kapchinsky Memorial Trophy
Champion Three Year Old Filly: SHELTERED BAY

Trainer: Craig Smith
Owner: Indyrock Racing, Graham Thoroughbreds & True North Thoroughbreds
Breeder: Oakridge Farm (KY)
B F 4 by Gemologist– City by the Bay (City Zip)
2021: 5 Starts – 3 wins – 0 second – 1 thirds - $75,247
Winner: Chariot Chaser Handicap (BT), Sonoma Handicap

Sponsored by Bar None Ranches Ltd.
Champion Three Year Old Colt: TONY'S TAPIT

Trainer: James Brown
Owner: Kirk Sutherland
Breeder: H & E Ranch (KY)
B G 4 by Tonalist - Autumn Wedding (Runaway Groom)
2021: 913 Starts – 8 wins – 1 second – 1 thirds - $168,381
Winner: Western Canada Handicap, Count Lathum Handicap (BT)

The Moore Equine Veterinary Centre Ltd. Trophy
Champion Older Mare: INFINITE PATIENCE

Trainer: Barbara Heads
Owner: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins & William Decoursey
Breeder: William Decoursey (BC)
B M 5 by Sungold – Montero (Louis Quatorze)
2021: 7 Starts – 5 wins – 1 second - 0 thirds - $163,100
Winner: Northlands Distaff Handicap, CTHS AB Sales Stake, R.K. Red Smith Handicap

The Century Downs Racetrack and Casino Trophy
Champion Older Horse: GREEK GEEK

The Ted Connor Memorial Trophy
Champion Alberta Bred: GREEK GEEK

The Horse Racing Alberta Trophy
Horse of the Year: GREEK GEEK

The Lou Davies Memorial Trophy
Leading Jockey by Wins: RICO WALCOTT

Starts: 276 Wins: 69 Seconds: 52 Thirds: 50

Earnings $957,875

The Lou Davies Memorial Trophy
Leading Jockey by Earnings: ENRIQUE GONZALEZ

Starts: 247 Wins: 61 Seconds: 46 Thirds: 29

Earnings $968,205

The H.B.P.A. Trophy
Leading Trainer: TIM RYCROFT

Starts: 302 Wins: 63 Seconds: 59 Thirds: 40

Earnings $1,007,385

Tim Rycroft earned the Leading Trainer title for the fourth consecutive year with Rycroft trained horses earning over $1 Million and 63 wins last season. The top runner for Tim in 2021 was the multiple stakes placed Alberta bred winner, GREEKGEEK.

The C.T.H.S. Trophy
Leading Breeder: HIGHFIELD INVESTMENT GROUP

Starts: 100 Wins: 15 Seconds: 19 Thirds: 18

Earnings: $420,276

The Leading Breeder award goes to Highfield Investment Group for a season that saw Alberta bred horses bred by Highfield earn over $420,000 with 15 wins. The top Highfield bred horse last season was the Alberta bred runner Knowing Glance, out of the Noonmark mare, Noon Time Shower.

The Jockey Club of Canada Trophy
Leading Owner: RIVERSEDGE RACING STABLES LTD.

Starts: 129 Wins: 26 Seconds: 28 Thirds: 16

Earnings: $501,875

The Leading Owner title was awarded to Riversedge Racing Stables Ltd. Horses owned by Riversedge earned over $500,000 with 26 wins. The leading earners for Riversedge last season were Greek Geek and Stone Carver.

Night of Champions tickets are now sold out!

Thu, 05 May 2022 15:50:06 GMT

May 5th, 2022 Update: Night of Champions is sold out!

Thanks everyone for your support and we'll see you Century Mile Racetrack and Casino on Friday for our Roaring 20s Night of Champions event!

R.S.V.P. deadline is Friday, April 29th

The 48th Night of Champions will celebrate the accomplishments of the Alberta Thoroughbred industry in the 2021 season.

This year's gala evening, dinner and awards presentation will be held on Friday, May 6th at the Paddock Room, Century Mile Race Track and Casino, Edmonton. The reception begins at 6:00 pm with dinner, awards and dance/entertainment to follow.

Tickets may be purchased from our office for $90.00 per person GST included.

Nominees may be viewed at https://www.cthsalta.com/NIghtofChampions/Awards

Notice of CTHS Alberta Annual General Meeting

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 17:45:19 GMT

To: Members of the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (Alberta Division)

Please be advised that the Annual General Meeting of the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (Alberta Division) will be held on Saturday, May 28th, 2022 at 1:30 P.M. in the Hambletonian Suite at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino, 4711 Airport Perimeter Road, Edmonton International Airport, Alberta.

For further AGM information, visit the C.T.H.S. Alberta website at www.cthsalta.com/AGM

Alberta Breeder Profile

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 21:27:43 GMT

Breeder, Owner and Trainer Doug Oberg

Breeder, owner and trainer, Doug Oberg is a familiar name on the Thoroughbred racing scene in Alberta, especially with the success of Oberg bred Thoroughbreds over the last few years. From humble beginnings growing up on a farm near the tiny hamlet of Meeting Creek in Camrose County, Alberta, Doug went on to work for Loram Construction for fifteen years up to 1985 and then Canada Post for twenty years. He then retired with his “not a horse person” wife, Dianna, at their current farm just outside the north Calgary city limits, where he has lived for over thirty years since purchasing the property in 1991 with “not one light on north side of Nose Hill, now there’s a whole city.”

Although Doug had saddle horses and cattle at the farm, he bought his first racehorse in 1994 after a friend that Doug hauled hay and straw for suggested he should “buy a horse, it gets more interesting.”

The first racehorse Doug purchased was a standardbred but a difficult suspensory injury meant Doug broke him to ride instead as he was “dead quiet but had a mouth as hard as this table.” Eventually, Doug sold the standardbred and the horse went on to a successful career with Banff Trail Rides as a mountain trail horse. In 2001, his friend Del Danielson suggested “you should come with me to Kentucky” and that was start of a passion for the world of breeding and owning Thoroughbreds.

Doug travelled to Keeneland in January of 2002 to the Horses of All Ages sale and purchased his first Thoroughbred and the first Indian Charlie bloodlines in western Canada, a horse named Charlie’s Bullet. Doug recalls he brought the colt back to Alberta in minus 30 weather and kept him at the farm for the summer before starting him as a three year old. Ironically, Darcy Hawkes claimed Charlie’s Bullet from Doug in 2006 even though the colt was “my only horse” and fast forward to 2021 where Darcy is now Doug’s trainer. Charlie’s Bullet spent five seasons racing, mainly in Alberta and became a leading horse for Doug earning U.S. $33,845 with Doug as owner.

After apprenticing as a groom under Tom Murphy in 2004, Doug took his trainers license test in Edmonton and trained from 2005 through 2010. As a trainer, Doug had his top earning year in 2008 finding success with horses that included Cedar Fever, Josejimmynjack, Frieda’s Girl, and Dianna’s Choice.

As a breeder, Doug has had tremendous success recently with the outstanding Alberta bred horses, Light Fast Feet, Maskwecis and Dune D’Oro.

The Declassify filly, Light Fast Feet, is both owned and bred by Doug and was the winner of the 2020 Sturgeon River Stakes giving Doug a 2020 Alberta breeders’ award of excellence with earnings to date of US $36,490 and a record of 11-2-0-3.

The Atreides gelding, Dune D’Oro, has won numerous stakes races including the 2021 Red Diamond Express Handicap, the 2020 Golden Boy Stakes and 2020 Shanghied Overnight Stakes at Assiniboia in addition to the 2019 Alberta Premier’s Futurity and the 2019 CTHS Alberta Sales Stake. Dune D’Oro is out of the Dynaformer mare, Barney’s Mistress, a 2016 Keeneland Breeding Stock Sale purchase for Doug. Dune D’Oro was sold by Doug through the 2018 CTHS Alberta Sale and to date, the gelding now has US $157,460 with a record of 25-9-5-2 for owner Mitch Sutherland.

The five year old runner is nominated in a total of four award categories in the upcoming Night of Champions in celebration of the 2021 Alberta Thoroughbred achievements - Four Year Old and Up, Claimer, Sprinter and Alberta Bred. Dune D’Oro has also earned Doug a nomination for the Alberta breeders’ award of excellence for his outstanding performances last season.

Maskwecis won the City of Leduc stake in his first season out as a two year old and went on to earn the title of 2020 Champion Alberta bred for his outstanding three year old season which included wins in the Western Canada Handicap and the Beaufort Stakes, along with a third place finish in the black type Count Lathum Handicap. The Jimmy Creed gelding had a second place finish in the black type Journal Handicap with only two starts in 2021. The multiple stakes placed runner was bred by Doug and sold as a yearling through the C.T.H.S. Alberta Sale.

Doug purchased the dam of Maskwecis, the Aptitude mare Maidstone, at the 2016 Keeneland Breeding Stock Sale, at the same time as his purchase of Barney’s Mistress, the dam of Dune D’Oro. The four year old now a record of 10-5-2-1 with lifetime earnings to date of US $94,758 for owners Jim and Carole Barker and Red Ron Farms.

Doug laughs that, as a foal, Maskwecis was not an easy horse to raise, “He was a really hard colt, he was a nice colt but boy, he could find things! The day before the sale, he banged himself and I went out in the morning and the blood was running down his leg. I have good fences but he could find things that you couldn’t dream of!”

Doug ventured into stallion ownership in 2015 with the purchase of the graded stakes winning son of Orientate, Declassify, from the 2015 Keeneland Breeding Stock Sale. Bred in Kentucky by Gaines-Gentry Thoroughbreds out of the Tale of the Cat mare Mir Cat, Declassify was a half-brother to Excelsior Stakes (G3) winner Life's a Parlay , a son of Uncle Mo . Declassify won the 2014 Triple Bend Stakes (G1) for owner Kaleem Shah and Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert before he retired in 2014.

Declassify was represented by his first winner in 2019 when Dark Cloud Racing's homebred, Tucker Time won his maiden special weight at Marquis Downs. The successful homebred Declassify filly, Light Fast Feet is out of the Wilko mare, Wilko Rose and was the three year the winner of the 2020 Sturgeon River Stakes.

Sadly, Declassify had to be put down two years ago at the age of ten due to complications from laminitis. Doug still has a three year old by Declassify out of his Vindication mare, Vintage Moon, who along with Wilko Rose, is one of the first two mares he purchased in Kentucky at the 2013 Keeneland Breeding Stock Sale. The youngster named Chris’s Command is one of the last horses by Declassify and is “a big, strong, gangly colt close to 17 hands” who will likely not start until this season as a three year old.

Doug bought another quality mare, the Malibu Moon mare, Envious Moon, at the 2017 Keeneland Breeding Stock Sale in foal to Liasion. He sold the resulting Alberta bred foal, Moon Amour, through the CTHS Alberta sale to Shot in the Dark Racing Corp, Redlands Racing and DHA Tbreds Inc. A full sister to Moon Amour, the stakes winner Moonlight Romance, earned over US $400,000. The Alberta bred filly will be one to watch as she won her only start out in 2020 and placed second in her only start to date this season. Doug sold her dam, Envious Moon, in foal to Declassify at the 2019 Keeneland Horses of All Ages sale and and Public Record, the 2019 Declassify colt out of Envious Moon recently sold for $50,000 at the 2020 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Yearling Sale.

Doug believes strongly that the future success of Thoroughbred breeding programs in Alberta may be determined by the quality of the female side of the pedigree, “we’ve got to get better mares” and he tries to bring in mares that “I like, that fit with the stallions up here.” He also thinks that the local racing industry programs must ensure that program dollars are finding their way down to the bottom of the running order, so that all participants feel they have a chance to make some money.

We wish Doug much continued success and the best of luck with his horses in the upcoming race season!

Bernardini son BIG LIGHTNING Under New Ownership

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 20:04:02 GMT

The Alberta stallion, BIG LIGHTNING, has been moved to Magrath, Alberta to stand under the new ownership of Blair Huston

The Bernardini son, Big Lightning, has sired an impressive 79% winners from limited starters with progeny earnings to date of over $300,000 including the black type stakes winner of the Princess Margaret Stakes, EMMA JEAN TOO (3 wins, $70,731), Kirwan’s Mountain (2 wins, $37,773, 3 ^rd Birdcatcher Stakes), Big River ($28,547, 3 ^rd Two Year Old Filly Sales Stakes), Dites Moi (2 Wins, 2 ^nd Alberta Bred Three Year Old Stakes), Blue Jewel (placed, 3 ^rd Grande Prairie Derby), Reflectionofvalues ($40,247), Wheelsupinthirty ($36,860) and Wavesintheocean ($14,054). Big Lightning sold as a yearling in the Keeneland September Yearling Sale for US $320,000.

The dam of Big Lightning is the Wild Again mare and multiple stakes winner, Wild Lightning ($394,212) who sold in the Keeneland Sale of Breeding Stock sale for over US $400,000.

Big Lightning will stand the 2022 season for $2,000 at Magrath, Alberta.

Contact Blair Huston at 403-330-7265 or hustonblair@gmail.com for further information.

Horse Welfare Alliance of Canada (HWAC) AGM

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 21:32:36 GMT

The Horse Welfare Alliance of Canada (HWAC) is holding their AGM on Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. The public is invited to participate!

The Horse Welfare Alliance of Canada (HWAC) is holding their AGM on Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. HWAC is actively looking for additional Directors on the HWAC Board of Directors to serve the total Canadian Equine community and the public is invited to attend and participate.

The Agenda will include a review of HWAC projects such as Equine Code of Practice Awareness and Education; Horse hauling online training course; CSF-CFIA Humane Transport Working Group; and the Feral Horse Advisory Committee.

Please email Kelly Coughlin at industry@hcbc.ca to be added in to the Zoom meeting.

Please check the HWAC website to obtain more information and review the statement of purpose.

https://www.horsewelfare.ca/

CTHS Alberta New Program Announcement

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 21:05:14 GMT

2022 MARE RECRUITMENT PROGRAM (MRP)

The new Mare Recruitment Program (MRP) offers an incentive to mare owners who bring an in-foal mare to Alberta to foal in 2022!

The following criteria will apply for breeders applying for the MRP program.

o Breeders will receive a $750 CAD incentive for each in-foal mare
brought to Alberta.

o The in-foal mare must not have foaled in Alberta in 2020 or 2021.

o Mares that were eligible for the HBPA Mare Purchase Program
are not eligible for the Mare Recruitment Program.

o Maiden mares are eligible for the MRP upon proof that mare resided outside of Alberta for at least 3 months in the last year.

o Breeders of an MRP eligible mare receive an additional $250 if, after foaling, the mare is bred to an Alberta sire during the 2022 breeding season.

o In-foal mares purchased in 2021 at the following recognized public auctions such as Wannamaker’s Online Sale, Fasig-Tipton November Breeding Stock Sale, Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale, Keeneland January Horses of All Ages Sale, OBS Winter Mixed Sale, Fasig-Tipton Midatlantic Winter Mixed Sale and Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Winter Mixed Sale, are not eligible .

Deadline for submission is May 31st, 2022

MRP APPLICATION FORMS WILL BE POSTED SHORTLY ON THE CTHS WEBSITE UNDER PROGRAMS / MARE RECRUITMENT PROGRAM.

FOR FURTHER PROGRAM INFORMATION, CONTACT:

CTHS (Alberta Division)

#218, 1935 – 32nd Ave N.E. Calgary, AB T2E-7C8

Phone: (403) 229-3609 Fax (403) 244 – 6909

Email at cthsweb@cthsalta.com

Alberta Thoroughbred Breed Improvement Program

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 22:35:40 GMT

Increases in Breeding Support Announced for 2022

For immediate release March 3, 2022

Calgary, Alberta – The details of the 2022 Horse Racing Alberta Thoroughbred Breed Improvement Program are now available. The total Thoroughbred allocation for the Breed Improvement Program has increased by 19% to $1,886,660 this year from $1,581,465 in 2021.

Breeders’ will now share in total Breeders’ Support of $472,830, which includes an additional $132,598 over the 2021 amount of $340,232. In 2021, the highest breeders’ bonus paid out was $41,850 and the average breeders’ bonus was $3,658.

$472,830 is available in Owners’ Breeding Support, which includes $100,000 to fund the purses of Alberta bred restricted races.

2022 funding for both Breeders’ and Owners’ has been increased by 39% over the 2021 amount. The monies will be dispersed to breeders and owners of horses of all ages foaled in Alberta placing win, place and show in all sanctioned races in Alberta having a minimum $7,000 purse and where entered at or above a minimum $6,250 Claiming price.

Owners of Alberta breds have $300,000 designated for the restricted Alberta Breeders’ Fall Classic races, which will have a minimum purse of $50,000 each.

Stallion owners’ breeding support offers a stallion bonus of $65,000 to be paid proportionately to stallion owners whose stallions have eligible Alberta Thoroughbred progeny with earnings of $10,000 or greater during the calendar year. Stallions must have stood in the province of Alberta for the entire calendar year of conception for each year’s crop to be eligible.

The Breed Improvement Program works to reward breeders and owners producing quality in Alberta bred Thoroughbreds performing at the highest level of racing.

Your best bet is an Alberta bred!

Visit www.cthsalta.com/breed-improvement-program to read further details.

HRA Regulatory discussion update and forum

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 21:55:10 GMT

Horse Racing Alberta’s Rule Change Policy (Policy No. RLP 007) process has been updated and the current petitions are open for comment.'

'As discussed in our recent presentation, Horse Racing Alberta’s Rule Change Policy (Policy No. RLP 007) process has been updated and our current petitions are open for comment.

'Rules can and should evolve for horses and participants in the sport of racing. This new process will make it easier for all of our stakeholders to petition, review and implement rule changes. The 2021-2023 Business Plan outlines clear objectives to modernize our regulatory environment and we believe that the new process provides us a more measured, open and transparent model.'

The current Petitions available for feedback are on the Horse Racing Alberta website in the Regulatory Changes Discussion Forum at https://thehorses.com/.../regulatory-changes-discussion... . Please review all of the petitions and add any feedback in the comment section. The discussion forum will be open until February 7, 2022.

Petition forms can be found at https://thehorses.com/.../regulatory.../online-petition-form , or hard copies can be requested from the HRA office.'

2021 Leading Alberta Stallions

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 21:52:08 GMT

The leading Alberta stallions by progeny earnings for Alberta bred Thoroughbreds have been announced for the 2021 season. The top five eligible sires in order of progeny earnings are CAPE CANAVERAL, EXHI, GAYEGO, WHERE’S THE RING and IMPERIALISM.

Cape Canaveral is at the top of the list with Alberta bred progeny with earnings of $227, 975 last season. The graded stakes winning son of Mr. Prospector is one of the leading sires in Canada with total progeny earnings of over $17.5 Million. The leading Alberta bred horse for Cape Canaveral in 2021 was CAPA BELLA with earnings of $34,380 and a record of 8-2-3-1 , bred by Almac Racing Stable. Other Cape Canaveral earners last season included Capalli, Chickaletty, Cigarillo, Greaceful Spirit, Lady Amelia, Music at Work, Our Dandys Boy, Pearl of Knowledge, Serappy G, Sir Miezie, Triple Power and Wedge Pond. Cape Canaveral was pensioned from stallion service at Highfield Stock Farm near Okotoks, Alberta in 2021.

The multiple graded stakes winning son of Mr. Prospector, Exhi, was second on the Alberta Stallion progeny earnings list with total earnings for his Alberta bred runners of $161,991 last season. His leading earner was two year old runner ONEOFTHEMGIRLS, who had a record of 5-2-0-1 and earnings of $66,030 in 2021, with wins in the 2021 CTHS Sales Stakes and Sturgeon River Stakes. Highfield Investment Group Inc and Curtis Landry were the breeders of Oneofthemgirls. Exhi also sired the Alberta bred earners Aberdeen Annie, Archieway, Boldt Bronco, First Base, Nodiggitynodoubt, Old Double Diamond, Ryanwater and Zelda’s Wisdom. Exhi stood in Alberta at Highfield Stock Farm near Okotoks and has now been relocated to Big Oaks Farm in the U.S.

The Gilded Time son, Gayego, was third on the list with total Alberta bred progeny earnings of $131,076. His top earner last season was COUNT ON IT with a record of 10-0-3-0 and earnings of $14,505. The three year old was bred by Bar None Ranches Ltd. who has stood Gayego since 2013 in DeWinton, Alberta. Other Gayego runners with eligible earnings last season included Bar No Q, Dark Storm Coming, Fran From Peru, Go Mama, Jazzy Girl, Perdition, Precious Notes, Spanish Diva, Steal a Kiss and Trader Lynn.

Where’s the Ring was fourth on the list with total eligible progeny earnings of $122,702. The leading runner for the Seeking the Gold son last season was ZICATELA with a record of 10-1-3-2 and $30,100 in earnings, bred by Dawson Guhle. Other earners sired by Where’s the Ring included Crafty Engagement, Press Gang, Solo Ring and Striders Ring. The son of Seeking the Gold moved to Peaceful Valley Farms in Didsbury, Alberta beginning with the 2015 season and is now standing at Colebrook Farms in Ontario.

Rounding out the top five eligible sires in the Stallion bonus program is the sire, Imperialism, with total Alberta progeny earnings of $106, 258. The leading runner in 2021 for the Langfuhr son was Plum Blue with earnings of $61,703 and a record of 10-2-4-1. Imperialism also sired the 2021 earners, April’s Imperial, Cranberry Creek, I’manimperialgirl, Imperial Dash, Imperial Flavor, Imperialite, Princess Paisley, Runnin Baby J and Steamin Demon. Imperialism stood at Esquirol Farms in Ryley, Alberta until his passing in 2021.

Horse Racing Alberta's Stallion Owners' Breeding support for 2021 totaled $65,000 and is distributed through the Thoroughbred Breed Improvement Program. Cheques have now been mailed out to qualifying recipients of the program.
The percentage for the 2021 Stallion Owners' is 4.02% and is based on the following criteria:

Century Mile Racetrack and Casino Announcement

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 16:45:11 GMT

Doyle to return to Alberta racing at Century Mile

BOISTEROUS to stand in Alberta

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 22:37:45 GMT

Alberta Stallion News – Distorted Humor son and G1 Winning Millionaire to stand in Alberta

The G1 winning millionaire BOISTEROUS, will be standing at Merv Lansing’s farm in Daysland, Alberta for the upcoming season. The Distorted Humor son is a seven-time graded stakes winner with wins in the G1 Man o’ War Stakes, the G2 Monmouth Stakes, back-to-back wins in the G2 Red Smith Handicap and three G3 stakes wins for career earnings of $1.46 Million. Boisterous is out of the multiple stakes placed mare, Emanating ($273,030) and is from a strong female line.

Boisterous entered stud in 2015 and stood most of his stallion career at Tommy Town Thoroughbreds where he was a champion first crop sire in California. The stallion was moved to Diamond B Farm in Pennsylvania last season and was a top five active sire there in 2021. Boisterous sired the graded stakes placed runner California Kook ($266,489), second in the 2020 G1 Del Mar Oaks. In 2021, he had the stakes winner graded stakes placed runner Give Me The Lute ($209,823) and the multiple stakes winner Loud Mouth ($375,070). Boisterous is also the sire of SoCal stakes winner Kookie Gal ($128,136).

Boisterous will stand at Merv Lansing’s farm in Daysland, Alberta with a 2022 stud fee of $3,000 S & N. Contact Merv for more information at 780-679-9063 or mtlansing@syban.net.

Bar None Ranches Loses Gilded Time

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 21:40:51 GMT

Bar None Ranches - December 7, 2021 Facebook post

https://www.facebook.com/BarNoneRanches

'It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Gilded Time on December 2nd, 2021 due to the infirmities of old age. He was just one month shy of his 32nd birthday. As much a champion in the breeding shed as much he was on the track, the Breeders cup and Eclipse Champion leaves us a legacy list of progeny as long as his famous forelock, including our Gayego.

Bred by Harry T. Mangurian Jr., he was out of the mare Gilded Lilly and sired by Timeless Moment. He was purchased by the partnership of Jack & Mark Silverman and television writer/producer David Milch, and sent into training with Darrell Vienna. Described as "undefeated chestnut speedball", Gilded Time had a brief but extremely successful racing career, earning $975,980 in just six starts.

Gilded Time was purchased by Bar None Ranches in 2007, coming to Alberta from Vinery Stud (Kentucky). He was already a world traveler; having successfully shuttled to Australia and Brazil for multiple seasons. He settled in quickly to his new role as "King of the Farm", and undeniably raised the bar for stallions in not only Alberta but for Western Canada as well. He gave us many exciting winners to cheer for, including the great homebred Silver Baubles.

As a pensioned horse, Gilded Time enjoyed his retirement, with every want and whim catered to by breeding manager Shaun Rathy. Even in his twilight years, he was known for his sprints and bucking performances upon being turned out into his paddock, where he was able to watch each year's new foal crop and oversee the other horses from "his hill". He will be greatly missed by Rathy, her team, and the entire Bar None Ranches family.'

“Somewhere… somewhere in time’s own space, there must be some sweet pastured space where creeks sing on, and tall trees grow, Some paradise where horses go. For by the love that guides my pen, I know great horses live again.” — Stanley Harrison

Stolz Thoroughbreds to stand Medallist and Dynamic Sky

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 18:24:18 GMT

Stolz Thoroughbreds has announced the exciting purchase of the stallions MEDALLIST and DYNAMIC SKY to stand the 2022 season at Bar None Ranches Ltd. in Dewinton, Alberta.

Photo credits to Nicole DeLynn Photography of Lethbridge

The grades stakes winning son of Sky Mesa, DYNAMIC SKY earned over $1 Million on the track and found early success on dirt. At two, he was second in the G1 Dixiana Breeders’ Futurity and at three, he won the Pasco Stakes and was second in the G3 Sam F. Davis Stakes. At three, Dynamic Sky won the Plate Trial Stakes and placed third in the Queen’s Plate on Woodbine Race Course’s all weather track. At four, Dynamic Sky had a championship season with a win in the G3 Red Smith Handicap, a placing in the G1 Northern Dancer Turf Stakes and a showing in the G1 Pattison Canadian International Stakes. The Sovereign award earner excelled on all weather, turf and dirt tracks before retirement from racing.

Dynamic Sky is a son of the leading Pulpit stallion, Sky Mesa, out of the Distorted Humor stakes winning mare, Murani. The first crop of Dynamic Sky two year olds raced in 2020 and include the stakes winner at two, Jilli Marie, who continued her success at three with earnings to date of $137,427. The Dynamic Sky daughter, My Girl Sky, broke her maiden in her first start out this season.

At three, the multiple graded stakes runner MEDALLIST won the G3 Withers Stakes and set a track record in the Dwyer G2 stakes. At four, Medallist equaled a track record with his win in the G3 Deputy Minister Handicap and placed in the G1 $350,000 Carter Handicap. The son of classic winner Touch Gold retired from racing with a record of 12-5-2-1 and earnings of $421,375.

Medallist is a half-brother to G2 winner Air Commander and G2 placed Formidable, out of the G1 placed Santaria, a daughter of champion sprinter Star de Naskra. Medallist entered stud in 2006 and has total progeny earnings to date of over $12 Million including twenty three stakes winners and average earnings per starter of over $75,000. Medallist has sired the multiple graded stakes placed runner Ibboyee ($701,822) and the multiple stakes winner Winning the Medal ($461,516).

Medallist and Dynamic Sky will stand the 2022 season at Bar None Ranches Ltd. and are being offered for limited books to approved mares only. Dynamic Sky will stand for $3000 LFSN and Medallist for $3500 LFSN. Inquiries to Cassandra or Dennis Stolz at 403-470-7413 or 647-274-5370 or email cassandraaurora@icloud.com .

*All earnings at time of press from Equibase

Alberta Bred Stakes Highlights in the 2021 Season

Thu, 25 Nov 2021 21:17:03 GMT

The 2021 Live Thoroughbred race meet was held entirely at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino, with a stakes season that began on June 18th with the RedTail Landing Handicap and finished on October 30th with the Don Getty Handicap. A total of $1.6 Million was offered in purse money over 29 open and restricted stakes through out the meet. Alberta bred runners had success throughout the meet with wins in the following stakes races .

The Alberta bred FLASHFORDANI achieved the first stakes win for an Alberta bred on September 3rd in the black type $50,000 Birdcatcher Stakes. The Tapiture gelding captured the win from a field of five entries in the $50,000 race for two year olds over seven furlongs. Flashfordani was bred by Highfield Investment Group Inc. out of the successful race mare, Ave’s Halo ($285,392). The two year old finished his debut season with $57,806 in earnings for owner Irving Devey and a record of 4-2-2-0.

GREEK GEEK was the next Alberta bred winner in the $75,000 Century Mile Handicap on September 11th. The CTHS Sale graduate won the open black type stakes race from a full field of eleven entries for owner Riversedge Racing Stables Ltd. Greek Geek also prevailed in his next start out on Alberta Breeders’ Fall Classic day in the $50,000 Alberta Breeders’ Handicap for three year olds and up.

Greek Geek winning the 2021 Alberta Breeders' Handicap on October 2nd

The Bar None Ranches homebred runner SARAHS ELEGANCE dueled it out with Champion Three Year Old Pearl of Knowledge to capture the 25th running of the $50,000 Alberta Fall Classic Distaff for three year old and up fillies and mares over 1 1/16 miles. This was the first stakes win for the four year old Run to Victory mare and brings her career earnings to $69,433 with a record of 11-5-2-1.

CTHS Sale graduate DUNE D’ORO was the winner of the 25th running of the $50,000 Red Diamond Express Handicap for three year old and up Alberta breds over 6 furlongs. The Atreides four year old was bred by Doug Oberg and is owned by Mitch Sutherland. Dune D’Oro has now won four of his last five starts and his lifetime record is now 23-9-5-2 with earnings of $152,961.

DANCE SHOES was the official winner of the 44th running of the $50,000 Alberta Oaks for three year old Alberta fillies over 1 1/16 miles after holding off a late closing charge from Plum Blue. The three year old Mank filly has now won six of her nine starts for a record of 11-7-0-1 and $66,197 in earnings to date. Dance Shoes is owned by Mohamad Khan and was bred by James McFadyen.

The 41 ^st running of the $50,000 Sturgeon River Stakes Stakes over 6 furlongs for two year old fillies was captured by the favorite, ONEOFTHEMGIRLS. This was the first win for Oneofthemgirls in four starts and her first race in Alberta. The Exhi filly is owned by Highfield Investment Group Inc, Curtis Landry & Irving Devey and was bred by Highfield Investment Group & Curtis Landry. Oneofthemgirls was the high selling yearling in the 2020 CTHS Alberta Thoroughbred sale.

Bar None Ranches had a second win from another homebred with BOSS MAN CAN and his decisive victory in the 43rd running of the $50,000 Alberta Premier’s Futurity for two year old Alberta breds over 6 furlongs. This win was in the first lifetime start for the Can the Man gelding who now has a lifetime record of 2-2-0-0 and $31,728 in earnings.

The 40 ^th running of the $50,000 Beaufort Stakes for three year old Alberta breds over 1 1/16 miles was won by THESCHACK in an exciting finish by a nose against favorite Smart Play. This stakes victory was the third win in three starts for the three year old CTHS Alberta sale graduate who now has $47,886 in earnings and a record of 5-3-1-0. The Shackleford gelding is owned by Dorn Ries and was bred by Brad Auger & Running Fawcett Thoroughbreds Ltd.

GREEK GEEK continued his wins with a victory in the $50,000 Three and Four Year Old Sales Stake for colts and geldings on October 16th at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino from a field of eight. The Alberta bred gelding adds this to his recent back to back wins in the black type Century Mile Handicap and the Alberta Breeders’ Handicap.

ONEOFTHEMGIRLS won the $50,000 Two Year Old Fillies Sales Stake on October 22nd from a field of six. The Alberta bred Exhi filly added this victory to a recent win in the Sturgeon River Stakes, bringing her career earnings to $53,509 and a record of 5-2-0-1 in her debut season. Oneofthemgirls was bred by Highfield Investment Group Inc and Curtis Landry and is owned by Highfield Investment Group, Curtis Landry and Irving Devey.

GREEK GEEK wrapped up the stakes season at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino with a decisive victory in the final stakes race of the season, the $50,000 Don Getty Handicap on October 30 ^th . The four year old had the best season of his career in 2021 with an impressive record of 9-7-1-1 and $139,535 in earnings for the season. The lifetime earnings for the gelding are now $166,697 with a record of 19-7-5-3 for owner Riversedge Racing Stables Ltd. The Misremembered gelding was bred by Moonshine Meadows Ranch and sold through the 2018 CTHS Alberta sale to Riversedge Racing Stables Ltd.

Information on incentive programs for Alberta bred runners may be found on the CTHS Alberta web site at www.cthsalta.com under Member Information - Breed Improvement Program.

*Earnings are taken from Equibase.

Alberta Stallion News - MANK and DAY OF DESTINY

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 21:24:50 GMT

The full listing of Alberta Stallion listing may be viewed at https://www.cthsalta.com/stallion-directory

CTHS Alberta Sales Stakes Review

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 20:55:05 GMT

The four $50,000 CTHS Alberta Sales Stakes took place during October at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino in Nisku and were run over seven furlongs on the dirt.

INFINITE PATIENCE was the winner of the Sales Stake for Three and Four Year Old Fillies on October 15th from a field of four including three Alberta breds. The four year old Infinite Patience makes this her fourth victory in a row, adding it to wins in the Northlands Distaff Handicap and the BC CTHS Sales Stake and giving her career earnings of $280,685 to date and a record of 14-9-1-1. The BC bred Sungold filly is owned by Ryan Nugent-Hopkins & William DeCoursey and was bred by William DeCoursey out of the mare, Montero.

GREEK GEEK captured the Three and Four Year Old Sales Stake for colts and geldings on October 16th at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino from a field of eight. The Alberta bred gelding adds this to his recent back to back wins in the black type Century Mile Handicap and the Alberta Breeders’ Handicap. The four year old was bred by Moonshine Meadow Ranch and now has $166,697 in lifetime earnings and a record of 19-7-5-3 for owner Riversedge Racing Stables Ltd.

ONEOFTHEMGIRLS won the Two Year Old Fillies Sales Stake on October 22nd from a field of six. The Exhi filly added this victory to a recent win in the Sturgeon River Stakes, bringing her career earnings to $53,509 and a record of 5-2-0-1 in her debut season. Oneofthemgirls was bred by Highfield Investment Group Inc and Curtis Landry and is owned by Highfield Investment Group, Curtis Landry and Irving Devey.

ASYOUBELIEVE was the victor in the Sales Stake for Two Year Old Colts and Geldings from five entries on October 23rd. The BC bred gelding also won the black type Juvenile Stakes in his debut season on the track and has earned $60,118 with a record of 4-3-0-1. Asyoubelieve was bred by Bennett/Caravetta by the sire, Second In Command and is owned by Shot in the Dark Racing Corp.

*Earnings taken from Equibase.

Cape Canaveral Pensioned at 25

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 21:45:12 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, October 13, 2021

Cape Canaveral has been pensioned from stallion duty at Highfield Stock Farm at Okotoks, Alberta. Cape

Canaveral has been one of the leading sires in Canada since 2008, and he has been the foundation sire

at Highfield for 13 years. Cape Canaveral has 18 crops of racing age, 519 foals, 417 starters, 38 stakes

winners, 304 winners of 1,046 races and earnings of over $17.5 million.

The 25-year-old is one of the last sons of Mr. Prospector standing in North America, and is out of 1990

Kentucky Oaks (G1) winning mare Seaside Attraction. Cape Canaveral won his first start at 2, and went

on to win the San Miguel Stakes (G3) as a 3-year-old and won three of four starts before his retirement.

He has had an incredible influence on racing in Alberta.

“Cape Canaveral has been a great fit for our program, and has been an asset to racing in Alberta. His

offspring are precocious, athletic and have a lot of speed, he definitely stamped them with his best

qualities,” says Adrian Munro. “He’s been a great stallion for us.”

Cape Canaveral has sired multiple Alberta Champions, including Pearl of Knowledge, Onestaratatime

and Capitalism. His progeny also helped Highfield Investment Group win leading breeder of Alberta breds

in 2010, 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2020. Cape Canaveral progeny remain strong at race tracks and

sales in Alberta.

”For 13 years Cape has been the undisputed king of the farm, and he still has his paddock outside where

he can keep an eye on things, and he will remain in the same stall in the stallion barn every night,” says

stallion manager Jennifer Buck. “He’s been a huge part of our breeding program and we’ve been blessed

to have him. We wish him a long and happy retirement.

As a Broodmare Sire Cape Canaveral continues to make his mark on racing. He is the sire of 72 dams of

foals of racing age with 182 runners, 128 winners (52%) and 12 stakes winners.

Contact Jennifer Buck at Highfield Stock Farm at 403-660-6859 or jbuck@highfieldstockfarm.ca

About Highfield Stock Farm: With a primary focus on thoroughbred horse breeding, Highfield Stock Farm

is one of the leading consignors in Alberta and represents many clients throughout the province. In

addition to thoroughbred breeding and boarding, Highfield has a strong racing stable and partners with

horses racing all across North America and a select few in Europe.

New Mare Purchase Program announced for eligible participants starting in 2022

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 16:53:35 GMT

The HBPA of Alberta Directors in agreement with CTHS of Alberta are excited to announce the following program to our eligible participants starting in 2022.

Click here to read full news release >> HBPA News Release Mare Purchase Program (PDF)

September 29, 2021

The HBPA of Alberta Directors in agreement with CTHS of Alberta are excited to announce the following program to our eligible participants starting in 2022.

Mare Proposal

This program is open to an Alberta resident who have purchased in the sales ring at a recognized public auction outside of the Province of Alberta, a Thoroughbred mare in foal to a Thoroughbred stallion that will foal in 2022. The application can be obtained from the CTHS Alberta website: cthsalta.com. All applications to be sent to CTHS at jkruse@cthsalta.com.

The purchase price of the mare must be $5,000 or more. For the purposes of this program, purchases in US Funds will be considered at par, i.e., $1 USO= $1 CND. A reimbursement of 40% of the hammer price paid (not including any sales taxes), to a maximum of $5,000(CDN) is available to a qualified purchaser who meets the following conditions:

•Applicants must be an individual, corporation or a partnership;

•If an individual, the Applicant must have been resident in Alberta for at least one year prior tothe date of the purchase of the mare;

•If a partnership, all partners must be individuals that have been resident in Alberta for at leastone year prior to the date of the purchase of the mare;

•Mares must be purchased in a sales ring at a recognized public auction held outside of Alberta.Mares who do not reach their reserve price or for which no bid is received, do not qualify;

•All mares purchased must have ownership transferred directly from the sales company toApplicant and/or Applicants (no third-party transfers of ownership in part or whole with the exceptionof using an agent). If an Agent is used to purchase the mare, proof of formal appointment of the agentmust be provided.

•The mare cannot be over 12 years old at the time of the purchase;

•The mare must foal in Alberta in 2022 and be bred to a Thoroughbred stallion standing in Alberta during the 2022 breeding season;

• Applicants must be the registered breeders of the foal produced by the purchased mare. No added or deleted breeders;

• If a mare aborts or otherwise loses her foal, the Applicant will still qualify if the mare was confirmed in foal at the time of the purchase and is bred to a Thoroughbred stallion standing in Alberta during the 2022 breeding season. (A veterinary certificate will be required confirming that the mare was in foal at the time of the purchase);

• If the mare did not conceive when bred to a Thoroughbred stallion standing in Alberta during the 2022 breeding season, proof will be required that the mare was bred during at least two (2) estrous cycles. An attestation that this requirement has been met will be required from the Stallion Owner or Stallion Manager.

• The application deadline for the 2021-2022 mare purchase rebate will be July 1, 2022 with the approved rebate being paid to successful applicants by July 31, 2022. Since This program is limited to $100,000, there is a limit of 2 applications per individual, corporation or a partnership. In the event that the program is oversubscribed, 1 application per individual, corporation or partnership will be given priority before the 2nd application will be considered.

• IMPORTANT: The Applicant accepts all other terms and conditions relating to the program, which may be amended from time to time, including the right to public disclosure.

Sincerely,

Allen Goodsell

HBPA of Alberta Executive Director

Horsemen Helping Horsemen

Positive News from the 2021 CTHS Alberta Thoroughbred Sale

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 17:34:30 GMT

Value Plus yearling consigned by C.W. Matier and purchased by Don Knight & Don Danard for $32,000

Strong demand for quality Thoroughbred yearlings led to positive overall increases at the 2021 CTHS Alberta Thoroughbred Sale held on September 17th. Gross sales this year totalled $405,600 with 37 yearlings sold, an increase from the $327,400 for 39 yearlings sold last year. The median price for a yearling increased to $9,500 compared with the $4,500 figure reached in 2020 during a sale affected by uncertainty in the economy. The average price paid for a yearling was $10,962, an increase over the $8,394.87 average from last year’s sale.

Hip #30, a chestnut Alberta bred gelding by Value Plus was the high seller of the 2021 sale, purchased for $32,000 by Don Knight and Don Danard. The flashy yearling was from the consignment of C.W. Matier. Value Plus is a stakes winning son of Unbridled’s Song with progeny earnings of $13.7 Million and winners that include Long on Value ($1,136,253) and All Due Respect ($468,880). The Value Plus gelding is out of the stakes winning mare Holiday Maker who earned over $150,000 on the track and is a half-sister to the $500,000 earning stakes winner, Adore.

A group of fillies made up the next four highest selling yearlings. The second highest selling was Hip #21, an Alberta bred Tapiture yearling consigned by Scott Palmer Ranching Ltd. and purchased by Shot in the Dark Racing Corp. for $25,000. Tapiture is a stakes winning son of Tapit with progeny earnings of over $9 Million from three crops of racing age including Jesus’ Team ($1,338,540). The dam of this yearling is Carmen’s Kiss who has produced two winners from two foals to race, Makealittlenoise ($76,987) and Only One Kiss ($34,589).

Bruce Ternan and Dawson Guhle were the leading consignor by gross sales with three Marine Landing yearlings selling for a total of $54,000. The leading buyer by gross sales was Don Knight and Don Danard who purchased the high selling gelding and Hip #34, a Shaman Ghost filly.

Owners can start planning ahead for 2022 with exciting news recently released about new programs and changes to the sales stakes.

In 2022, the two year old Fillies Sales Stake and the two year old Colts & Geldings Sales Stake will be merged into one two year old Sales Stake with a combined purse of $100,000. The Canadian Sales Stakes Series with annual purses totalling over $1 Million is open to all Canadian bred yearling graduates of CTHS Provincial Sales that have met the eligibility requirements within their respective provinces.

The 2022 Thoroughbred race season is also featuring two new exciting programs for owners of Alberta bred and sired horses (for eligible participants).

The ‘Alberta Bred Program’ will feature an Alberta Bred 2 and 3 year old Maiden Special Weight Program for the 2022 race season at Century Mile. HBPA, in agreeance with Century Mile’s Race Manager, will write 3 year old colts and geldings and a 3 year old fillies Alberta Bred Maiden Special weights, once a month with a purse of $35,000. A 2 year old Alberta Bred Maiden Special Weight, fillies and colts/geldings, once a month with a purse of $35,000.

Under the new Alberta Sired Program, any Alberta Sired 2 year old will receive a one time bonus of $5,000 when they break their maiden at any level of races at Century Mile in 2022. In addition, a 3 year old colts and geldings, and a 3 year old fillies stakes races are being introduced for Alberta Sired offspring. Each Stakes race will be worth $50,000.

In 2021, $840,232 was offered in owners’ breeding support through the Thoroughbred Breed Improvement Program to owners of horses of all ages foaled in Alberta placing win, place and show in all sanctioned races in Alberta having a minimum $7,000 purse and where entered at or above minimum $6,250 claiming price.

Thank you to all the consignors and purchasers who participated in the CTHS Alberta Thoroughbred Sale for their continued support of the industry and best of luck with your future racing plans.

HBPA of Alberta Announces New Programs for 2022

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 21:34:48 GMT

2021 Sale Preview

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 17:54:42 GMT

2021 Sale Preview Highlights

The 2021 CTHS Alberta Thoroughbred sale will take place at 3 PM on Friday, September 17th at AgriCentre East in Westerner Park, Red Deer. Buyers will have plenty of selection with forty nine quality yearlings, six two year olds, one mare and one stallion on offer in the main and supplementary catalogue. There will be on line bidding offered again in 2021 with Direct Livestock Marketing Systems (DLMS) hosting this service.

The following provides a selection of highlights from the consignments:

Gordon Alger

Hips # 6, 13 and 39 in this consignment are by the sires Mank, Edison and Golden Ridge. The gelding by Mank is the first foal for the Going Commando mare, Swanky Lass. Mank is the sire of Alberta Two Year Old Sales Stakes winner last season, COMMON KNOWLEDGE ($45,715). The graded stakes winning sire, Edison, has three crops of racing age including three winners of $57,672. This is the first foal for the dam of the Edison yearling who is a half-sister to TATE’S LANDING ($171,064). The colt in this consignment is by the Distorted Humor son Golden Ridge, whose first foals are two year olds of 2021.

Maxine Anderson

This Cape Canaveral filly is on offer as Hip 8 out of the Desperately sired mare Sweet Dawn. Cape Canaveral is a leading Canadian sire with progeny that include 38 stakes winners and earnings of over $17 Million. The multiple stakes placed Alberta champion PEARL OF KNOWLEDGE ($116,163) is sired by Cape Canaveral. Sweet Dawn is a proven broodmare with one foal to race to date, Camino Del Rey ($11,104).

From left to right: Pearl of Knowledge, Cool Ventura and Storm Military

Julie Brewster

An opportunity to purchase an Ontario bred yearling from the proven ‘Cool’ line of Alberta winners may be found with Hip 25. This gelding is by the stakes placed sire Numaany who has thirteen winners and progeny earnings of over $800,000. The dam is the Kahuna Jack sired Cool Commotion mare who is a sister to multiple stakes winner COOL KAHUNA ($147,776) and a half-sister to COOL VENTURA ($301,884), COOL SYNSATION ($166,272) and COOL DIABLO ($138,074).

Ken and Megan Demyen

First time CTHS Alberta consignors Ken and Megan Demyen have Hips 12 and 51 on offer. The yearling and two year old by Poseidons Gift are the only two Saskatchewan bred horses available in the sale. The dam of the two year old is the Smarty Jones proven race mare, Starship Ballerina ($72,735), who is a half-sister to SQUARE DANCER ($299,121).

Esquirol Farms

This consignment of eight horses includes a weanling, four yearlings and three two year olds entered as Hips #49, 24, 35, 36, 45, 50, 53 and 54. Sire lines offered in this group include It’s No Joke, Texas Red, Imperialism, Palace and Big Lightning.

The Texas Red yearling filly is a highlight as this sire’s first foals are just three year olds of 2021 yet the Afleet Alex sire already has fifteen winners and progeny earnings of over $600,000 to date. The dam is the Belong to Me mare, Classy Missy, a half-sister to DUBLIN ($438,949) and Mike’s Classic ($327,718). The Imperialism yearling colt is out of the multiple stakes placed Alberta runner Kiss Me Goodbye ($85,577). This dam is a half-sister to multiple stakes placed Casanova King ($48,732).

The It’s No Joke two year old is out of the Saint Stephen mare, Saint Sassy Sue ($107,297), a half-sister to the stakes placed Sass n’ Brass. The Distorted Humor stallion It’s No Joke is a sire of sixty six winners and progeny earnings of over $6 Million. The Palace two year old is out of the race mare, Frisco Fox ($169,619), a half-sister to SWEET NANETTE ($392,845). The Big Lightning two year old filly is out of the Officer mare, Generalcbandsallie, a half-sister to KEEPMEINMIND ($739,987).

John Galatiuk

The estate of John Galatiuk has the multiple graded stakes winning son of Bernstein, Storm Military, entered in the Supplementary catalogue as Hip 2S. Bernstein was a leading sire twice in Argentina and has sired 926 winners with progeny earnings of over $68 Million including six champions.

Mike Glazier

Hip #20 is a Lent filly and the only yearling in the catalogue sired by this son of Pulpit. Lent is a half brother to grade 1 winner Fort Larned , in addition to grade 3 winner Walkabout and has sired twelve winners to date with earnings of over $330,000. The dam of this filly is a Trajectory mare who is a half sister to multiple stakes placed Ransom Captive ($169,022) and Summer Delight ($77,390).

Keith Hickey

The Keith Hickey consignment has the only colts in the catalogue by the stallion Firespike, on offer as Hips # 1, 10 and 44. These colts are from the first crop of yearlings for the Flower Alley stakes winning son. Flower Alley has sired thirty-four stakes winners including four champions and Kentucky Derby winner, I’ll Have Another ($2,693,600). Hips #1 and 10 are the first foals for the Explicit and Summer Bird dams while Hip# 44 is the fourth foal for the Othello mare.

Highfield Investment Group Inc.

An exciting opportunity is available with this consignment of three yearlings to purchase Hips # 17 or 46, both yearlings by War Correspondent, a multiple graded stakes winning son of leading sire War Front. War Correspondent is a full brother to stakes winner Declaration of War ($1,847,489).

The first foals for this sire are just two year olds of 2021. The dam of Hip# 17 is Americas Dreaming ($105,350), producer of stakes placed Alberta runner, Pacioretty ($133,560). Hip #46 was produced by the stakes winning race mare, BALLYNOE ($160,361) who is the dam of three winners to date including Aqualityindividual ($66,369).

Hip #42 in the Highfield consignment is a filly by the Giant’s Causeway son, Destin. This filly is the only Destin yearling available in the catalogue out of Destin’s first crop who are just yearlings of 2021. The Awesome Again mare, Moneygrabber, is the dam of this Destin filly and has produced four foals to race to date including Madarnas ($52,725).

Highfield Investment Group Inc., Agent

Two colts and a filly by the sire Heavenly Chorus are offered as Hips #26, 40 and 41 in this consignment. The son of champion sire Unbridled's Song Heavenly Chorus ran third in the Journal Handicap and the George Royal Stakes to be retired with earnings of over $230,000.

Heavenly Chorus was a $475,000 Keeneland November sale weanling and is a half-brother to stakes winners Mr Freeze, Dilemma, Heavenly Ransom and Capitano.

Hip 26 is a colt out of the Dehere mare Diner’s Diva ($62,605) who has produced one foal to race, There’s No Joe ($88,063). Hip 41, the Heavenly Chorus filly, is out of the Crafty Prospector mare, Miner Breeze. This dam is a half sister to stakes placed runner Crafty Breeze ($54,683) and has produced two winners including I Play to Win ($24,572) and Giant Mine ($75,398).

Mar-Lee Stables Ltd.

A yearling by Danza and a two year old by Court Vision, both out of the multiple stakes placed race mare Freuds on Holidays ($129,167), are on offer. This dam has produced three winners including Caeus in Pasadena ($54,775) and Off On Holiday ($47,195). Both Hips #27 and 52 are by proven sires; the Danza filly is by a Grade One winning sire with progeny earnings of over $2 Million from just three crops of racing age and the two year old is by a Breeders’ Cup Mile winner with race earnings of over $3.7 Million and progeny earnings of over $15.6 Million.

C.W. Matier

This consignment offers two geldings, Hip #23 by It’s No Joke and Hip #30 by Value Plus. The multiple grades stakes winner, It’s No Joke, has sired sixty six winners with progeny earnings of over $6 Million including Bear No Joke ($607,501) and Mallard’s Bro ($344,232). The dam of this yearling, Cherokee R N ($46,746), has produced two foals to race including Canaveral Bay ($22,996). Value Plus is a stakes winning sire who has progeny earnings of $13.7 Million and winners including Long on Value ($1,136,253) and All Due Respect ($468,880). The Value Plus gelding is out of the stakes winning mare HOLIDAY MAKER ($152,995), a half sister to ADORE ($500,924).

Scott Palmer Ranching Ltd .

Three quality yearlings are available in this offering, Hip #11 by Brody’s Cause, Hip #14 by Omega Code and Hip #21 by Tapiture. Brody’s Cause is a stakes winning sire of over $ 1 Million and progeny earnings of $1.1 Million even though his first foals are just three year olds of 2021. This yearling is out of Trail of Letters ($57,595) who is a half sister to MR. ONLINE ($196,999) and Carmenootz ($204,006). This dam is a proven producer with winners that include Lost in Rome ($183,810) and Blaze a Trail ($38,826).

Stakes winning sire, Omega Code, has progeny that includes twelve stakes winners and earnings of over $8.6 Million. The Omega Code yearling is out of the mare Two Bright, a full sister to SPOTSGONE ($659,307), TURN TO LASS ($138,760) and LAUNCH A DOUBLE ($134,730). Two Bright has produced three winners including stakes placed runner Pure Rose ($43,135).

Tapiture is a stakes winning son of Tapit with progeny earnings of over $9 Million from three crops of racing age including Jesus’ Team ($1,338,540). The dam of this yearling is Carmen’s Kiss who has produced two winners from two foals to race, MAKEALITTLENOISE ($76,987) and ONLY ONE KISS ($34,589).

From left to right: Make A Little Noise, Miss Hesi, Pearl of Knowledge

Side Management

A filly by Canadian Derby winner No Hesitation is available as Hip #32 in this consignment. The stakes winning son of Siberian Summer has sired progeny that include stakes winner MISS HESI ($63,113). This yearling is a full sister to Miss Hesi both out of the Officer mare, Insightofanofficer who is a half sister to Regal Countess ($264,102).

Starline Thoroughbreds

This consignment offers two yearlings by leading Canadian sire Cape Canaveral as Hip #3 and Hip #16. The Mr. Prospector son has sired progeny with earnings of over $17 Million including current Alberta champion PEARL OF KNOWLEDGE ($116,163).

Hip# 3 is out of the stakes winning race mare Rubyintheruff ($105,558) who has produced two winners including Theruffsideofexhi ($20,307). Hip #16 is the first foal for Whinny Magoogin ($45,831) who is a half sister to stakes winner AS YOU LIKE .

Boe and Janet Stone

Hip #2 is on offer by the stakes winning son of Dixie Union, Overanalyze. This proven sire has progeny with earnings of over $12.5 Million. This gelding is out of the multiple stakes winning mare RIVOLTELLA ($137,513) who is a half sister to KILGOWAN and NORTH BEACH . Hip# 38 is a yearling filly in this consignment by the Speightstown son, Central Banker, who has sired progeny with earnings of over $9.5 Million. The dam is a mare sired by Offlee Wild and a half sister to SALUTE WITH HONOR .

Stone Ranches Ltd. & Boe and Janet Stone

A yearling filly is on offer as Hip #47 sired by the stakes winning Malibu Moon son, Mr. Z. The first foals for this stallion are just two year olds of 2021 and he already has a winner in Argon Asquifar (in one start). Hip# 48 is the second yearling in this consignment, a gelding by Grade One winner Cross Traffic whose progeny have earned over $7.8 Million and include champion Jaywalk ($1,668,500). The dam of this gelding is Miss Chievous Lady, a half sister to Tweeting ($195,538).

Stone Ranches Ltd.

Hips #9, 15, 31, 33 and 34 are the five yearlings on offer in this consignment by the sires Mr. Big, Mor Spirit, Palace, Declassify and Shaman Ghost. Mr. Big is a Dynaformer son and has proven himself as a sire with progeny earnings of over $3.8 Million. The Eskendereya son, Mor Spirit, was a stakes winner of over $1.6 million and this yearling presents an opportunity to buy from the first crop of foals for this sire. The dam of the Mor Spirit gelding is Unusual Style ($72,735) who is a sister to LENNYFROMALIBU ($442,165) and HEAT DU JOUR ($277,334). The stallion Palace is a Grade One stakes winner of over $1.5 Million with progeny earnings of over $2.6 Million. A filly by the Orientate son and graded stakes winner Declassify is available out of the City Zip mare, Itsmy Zipcode. Declassify sired LIGHTFASTFEET ($22,699), winner of the 2020 Sturgeon River Stakes. The Shaman Ghost filly is by a son of Ghostzapper who was a Champion three year old in Canada and stakes winner of $3.8 Milion. The first foals for Shaman Ghost as a sire are two year olds of 2021.

Bruce Ternan and Dawson Guhle

Three fillies are on offer as Hips #4, 29 and 37, all by Marine Landing, son of leading sire, Smart Strike. The first foals for this stallion are now three year olds of 2021. Hip #4 is out of the Discreet Cat mare, SALAZAR, who is a half sister to multiple graded stakes winner SHE’S A JULIE ($1,196,380) and dam of Dreadnaught ($47,217). Hip #29 is out of the Harlan’s Holiday mare, Harlican, who is a half sister to BOSTON EXPRESS ($189,189) and the dam of ZICATELA ($95,286). Hip #37 is out of the Point Given mare, Lemel, who has produced three winners including NORTHERN LOCOMOTIVE ($80,062).

Westside Thoroughbreds

A filly representing the sire Value Plus as Hip #28 is available in this consignment. The son of Unbridled’s Song is a stakes winning sire with progeny earnings of $13.7 Million and winners that include Long on Value ($1,136,253) and All Due Respect ($468,880). The dam of this filly is a Ghostzapper daughter who is a half sister to REBRANDED ($351,207).

Winsome Acres

Four yearlings from the first crop of yearlings for the Paddy O’Prado son, Mr O’Prado are consigned by Winsome Acres as Hips #18, 19, 22 and 43. Mr O’Prado is a half brother to stakes winner Deans Kitten ($802,950). Paddy O’Prado sired fourteen stakes winners including Sleepy Eyes Todd ($1,899,725) and Notapradaprice ($526,650).

Hip #18 is out of the mare Bear Clever Lady, a sister to CLEVER FELLOW and half sister to CLEVER SPEED ($130,126) and BLINKANHESGONE ($82,037). Hip#19 is out of Blinkanshesgone, a sister to CLEVER SPEED ($130,126) and half sister to BLINKANHESGONE ($82,037). Hip #22 is out of Cedar Fever ($125,357), a half sister to GOLDEN CEDAR and the dam of the winner Mandela Fever ($45,033). The dam of Hip# 43 is Northern Swallow ($44,655), a half sister to Air Academy ($272,493) and Capistrano ($196,685).

Workwize Ent. Stables

A filly by the Scat Daddy son, Mr. Recio is on offer in this consignment from the first crop of foals for this sire. Scat Daddy was leading sire four times in Chile with progeny that include fifteen champions, among them Dacita (CHI) ($1,539,369) and Justify ($3,798,000). This is the first foal for the Cape Canaveral sired dam, Solar Sally.

*Earnings are taken from Equibase.

2021 Breed Improvement Program Announced

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 02:58:37 GMT

2021 Alberta Thoroughbred Breed Improvement Program Announced Calgary, Alberta – Horse Racing Alberta has released the details of the 2021 Thoroughbred Breed Improvement Program. The total Thoroughbred allocation for breeders, owners and stallion owners has been increased to $1,581,465 for this season.

2021 CTHS Alberta Supplementary Catalogue

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 16:28:55 GMT

Go to Sales - Consignor Information for a sale contract. Deadline for submission of Supplementary entries is Monday, August 23rd.

Celebration of Life Announced for Bobby Marsh

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 17:29:27 GMT

The CTHS Alberta sadly shares the news that the Thoroughbred industry has lost a valued member and longtime horseman with the passing of Mr. Robert (Bobby) Marsh on May 13th 2021 in Calgary at 92 years of age.

Robert was a long standing and important member of the racing industry in Alberta. He was a Director of the HBPA for many years and held the position of President from 1980 - 1982. Robert trained racehorses up until 1992 and was awarded the Horseman of the Year title in 1991. He was a part owner and trainer of the well known racehorse, Count Lathum and finished his racehorse training career with a record of 1788 starts and 214 wins (Equibase 1976-1992).

There is a memorial wake planned for August 1st, 2021 with details announced above.

Read article on Count Lathum Stakes: 1960 Canadian Derby winner dazzled packed Northlands Grandstand

https://www.pressreader.com/.../20100731/285018325754525

Alberta Bred Race News

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 16:00:03 GMT

Congratulations to the connections of the Alberta bred runners who placed in the stakes races on June 18th and 20th at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino

Congratulations to the connections of the Alberta bred runners who placed in the stakes races On June 18th and 20th at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino: SARAHS ELEGANCE - 3rd in the RedTail Landing Handicap; Alberta bred Champion, MASKWECIS - 2nd in the Journal Handicap and Champion Two Year Old Colt, BANG ON - 2nd in the Western Canada Handicap

Congratulations to the connections of Alberta bred, THERE'S NO JOE, on his win in an optional claiming race at Woodbine on June 20th. The four year old Rookie Sensation gelding is bred and owned by Sabre Farms and now has a record of 5-2-2-0.

#ABBredsrock #TheresNoJoe

https://www.equibase.com/static/chart/pdf/WO062021CAN12.pdf

Congratulations to the connections of Alberta bred runner, FLASHFORDANI, winner in his first career start at Prairie Meadows in Iowa. The two year old Tapiture gelding was bred by Highfield Investment Group and is owned by Irving Devey.

https://www.equibase.com/static/chart/pdf/PRM062021USA8.pdf

CTHS Alberta 2021 Sale nomination deadline update

Fri, 11 Jun 2021 17:49:46 GMT

Sale consignors now have until FRIDAY, JUNE 18th to submit entry forms. Find sale contract and more information at https://www.cthsalta.com/2021-cths-sale

Alberta Breds Win on second weekend!

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 20:10:01 GMT

Congratulations to the connections of all the Alberta bred runners on the May 28th and 30th race cards at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino!

The Stone Ranches bred REGAL CANDY won Race 2 on Friday evening. The four year old CTHS sale graduate is owned by Greg Haffner, Kerredge Farm and Leslie Lucenko. BAINE THE BULL won Race 7 on the same evening for owners Dialed In Racing Stable, Bill Dory, Adam Ference and Running Fawcett Thoroughbreds Ltd. The three year old CTHS sale graduate was bred by Sovereign Farm, LLC and Running Fawcett Thoroughbreds Ltd.

Alberta breds won four of the seven races on Sunday’s card with 2020 Champion two year old colt, BANG ON, winning Race 3 for owner True North Stable. The Commissioner colt was bred by Running Fawcett Thoroughbreds Ltd. and is a CTHS sale graduate. The five year old Where’s the Ring mare, CRAFTY ENGAGEMENT, captured Race 4 for owner and breeder, Borders Racing Stable Ltd. 2020 Champion Alberta bred, MASKWECIS, won Race 5 for owners Jim & Carole Barker and Red Ron Farms. The four year old Jimmy Creed CTHS sale graduate was bred by Doug Oberg. EASTER HALO wrapped up the Alberta bred wins for the weekend by claiming the Race 6 victory. The five year old Easter Gift gelding is a homebred for owner Mervin Lansing.

#ABBredsrock

Real Grace Named Alberta's 2020 Horse of the Year

Wed, 26 May 2021 21:31:13 GMT

Canadian Derby (G3) winner Real Grace was the star of the 47th annual Alberta Thoroughbred Awards, held virtually May 20th.

REAL GRACE won the Grade 3 Canadian Derby at Century Mile and was named Horse of the Year and Champion Three-Year-Old at the May 20 Alberta Thoroughbred Awards - Century Mile photo

Canadian Thoroughbred: By: Jennifer Morrison | May 21, 2021

Canadian Derby (G3) winner REAL GRACE was named Alberta’s 2020 Horse of the Year and Champion Three-Year-Old Male at the virtual Alberta Awards night May 20 presented by the CTHS Alberta. This was the 47th annual Alberta Awards ceremony which was broadcast on Facebook on the Alberta Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Page.

Real Grace (Mineshaft – True Way of Grace by Yes It’s True) came to Canada for his fourth career race for trainer and co-owner Shelley Brown in July 2020. The dark bay gelding won the Derby Trial at Assiniboia Downs and was fifth in the Manitoba Derby. Moved to Century Mile, the gelding finished second in the Count Lathum Stakes and two starts later scored an 18 to 1 upset win in the Grade 3 Canadian Derby, winning by a neck under Mauricio Malvaez, named the year’s top apprentice jockey. Real Grace is a Kentucky-bred who is back in training at Assiniboia Downs with Brown.

RICO WALCOTT won his ninth Outstanding Jockey trophy, returning in 2020 following brain surgery and TIM RYCROFT won his third straight Outstanding Trainer award.

ALBERTA’S THOROUGHBRED AWARD WINNERS 2020

The Horse Racing Alberta Trophy

Horse of the Year: REAL GRACE

Trainer: Shelley Brown

Owner: Shelley Brown, Jean McEwan, Bette Holtman, Bernell Rhone

Breeder: Peter Johnson

B G 3 by Mineshaft – True Way of Grace (Yes It’s True)

2020: 9 Starts – 2 wins – 3 second – 0 thirds – $89,162

Winner: Derby Trial Stakes, Canadian Derby (G3)

The H.B.P.A. Trophy

Champion Claimer: SOMETHING ABOUT ME

Trainer: Allen Goodsell

Owner: Carter Goodsell

Breeder: Paul Treasure & Harry Bettis

CH F 4 by Boos – Justbluffin (Pine Bluff)

2020: 9 Starts – 5 wins – 1 second – 2 thirds – $39,424

Winner: Allowance Optional Claiming, Claiming

The Century Downs Racetrack and Casino Trophy

Champion Sprinter: STONE CARVER

Trainer: Tim Rycroft

Owner: Riversedge Racing Stables Ltd.

Breeder: T/C Stable, LLC

B G 5 by Birdstone – Vermilion Sea (Boundary)

2020: 7 Starts – 1 wins – 3 second – 0 thirds – $42,290

Winner: Journal Handicap (BT)

The Dwight McLellan Memorial Trophy

Champion Two Year Old Filly: SHE LIKES TO PARTY

Trainer: Greg Tracy

Owner: Don Danard

Breeder: Lou Neve

B F 2 by Maclean’s Music – Gone to Party (All Gone)

2020: 4 Starts – 3 wins – 0 second – 0 thirds – $81,000

Winner: Princess Margaret Stakes, Freedom of the City Stakes (BT)

The Rocky Mountain Turf Club Trophy

Champion Two Year Old Colt: BANG ON*

Trainer: Craig Smith

Owner: True North Stables Ltd.

Breeder: Running Fawcett Thoroughbreds Ltd.

B C 2 by Commissioner – Next Big Nothin’ (Forest Wildcat)

2020: 5 Starts – 2 wins – 1 second – 1 thirds – $59,264

Winner: Birdcatcher Stakes (BT)

The Dave Kapchinsky Memorial Trophy

Champion Three Year Old Filly: PEARL OF KNOWLEDGE*

Trainer: Karline Kingston

Owner: Don Danard & Jim Juris

Breeder: Starline Thoroughbreds

B F 3 by Cape Canaveral – Lil Missknowitall (Kafwain)

2020: 6 Starts – 2 wins – 2 second – 1 thirds – $54,760

Winner: Alberta Oaks

Night of Champions Award Winners

Fri, 21 May 2021 04:57:05 GMT

47th Annual Thoroughbred Awards
The CTHS Alberta hosted the 47th Annual Alberta Thoroughbred Awards in a virtual format on May 20th, 2021. A special thank you to our Master of Ceremonies, Ken Gee, and the sponsors who make this annual event possible.

Congratulations to all the nominees and winners!

2020 Award Winners Announced at Virtual Night of Champions

Edmonton, AB – The accomplishments of the Alberta Thoroughbred Industry in the 2019 and 2020 seasons were celebrated at the 47 ^th annual Night of Champions on Thursday, May 20 ^th . Breeders, owners, trainers and fans participated in a virtual format through social media and industry websites as the champions and award winners were announced.

Master of Ceremonies, Ken Gee, started the program with an introduction from Kent Verlik, Chief Executive Officer of Horse Racing Alberta, “I bring greetings and thank you for all of your unwavering support, dedication and contributions to the Alberta Horse Racing industry. I extend my congratulations to all of the Night of Champions nominees and thank you to our breeders, owners, trainers and back stretch employees for all that you do for Alberta racing.”

REAL GRACE was awarded the 2020 Horse of the Year and Champion Three Year Old Colt titles for his impressive performance over the season including winning the Grade 3 Canadian Derby and earnings of $89,162. The Mineshaft gelding was bred by Peter Johnson and is owned by owner/trainer Shelley Brown and Jean McEwan, Bette Holtman and Bernell Rhone. C.T.H.S. Alberta sale graduate MASKWECIS was named the Champion Alberta bred for his outstanding performance in 2020 with wins in the Western Canada Handicap, the Beaufort Stakes and a third place finish in the black type Count Lathum Handicap. The Jimmy Creed gelding was bred by Doug Oberg and earned $57,760 last season for his owners Jim and Carole Barker and Red Ron Farms. The Alberta bred and C.T.H.S. Alberta sale graduate BANG ON captured the Champion Two Year Old Colt trophy for owner True North Stables. The Commissioner colt was bred by Running Fawcett Thoroughbreds Ltd.

Highfield Investment Group was named the Leading Breeder in Alberta with Highfield runners earning $290,736 and 16 wins. Riversedge Racing Stables Ltd. earned the Leading Owner title with Riversedge horses earning $417,781 and 23 wins. Tim Rycroft received the Leading Trainer title for the third consecutive year with Rycroft trained runners earning 42 wins and $646,551 in earnings. Canadian Sovereign Apprentice Jockey, Mauricio Malvaez, was named Leading Apprentice Jockey for his remarkable season that included a win in Alberta’s biggest race, the Grade 3 Canadian Derby. Rico Walcott was named Leading Jockey for the ninth time in the past ten years for an outstanding meet with Walcott ridden horses earning $820,968 and 68 wins.

Special appreciation goes to the Master of Ceremonies, Ken Gee, and the sponsors of the Night of Champions including Horse Racing Alberta, Century Mile Racetrack and Casino, Century Downs Racetrack and Casino, the CTHS Alberta Division, the H.B.P.A. of Alberta, Bar None Ranches Ltd., Roy McLellan, Moore Equine Veterinary Centre Ltd., Paddockhurst Stables Inc. and the Rocky Mountain Turf Club.

A complete listing of the 2020 Alberta Thoroughbred winners is listed below:

Champion Claimer - The H.B.P.A. Trophy

SOMETHING ABOUT ME

Champion Sprinter - The Century Downs Racetrack and Casino Trophy

STONE CARVER

Champion Two-Year-Old Filly - The Dwight McLellan Memorial Trophy

SHE LIKES TO PARTY

Champion Two-Year-Old Colt - The Rocky Mountain Turf Club Trophy

BANG ON

Champion Three-Year-Old Filly - The Dave Kapchinsky Memorial Trophy

47th Annual Night of Champions Live Stream

Tue, 18 May 2021 16:50:40 GMT

Live streaming of the 47th Annual Night of Champions will begin at 6:00 PM MST on Thursday, May 20th. Join us as we celebrate the 2019 and 2020 Champions!
You will be able to watch the awards from a number of different places:

On the CTHS Alberta website: https://www.cthsalta.com/nightofchampions/awards

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cthsalta

On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNITGsul_FUMac8PqBAsHQg

Please "like" the CTHS Alberta Facebook page or subscribe to the CTHS Alberta YouTube channel in order to be reminded a few minutes before the Night of Champions begins.

2021 CTHS Alberta AGM

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 20:31:05 GMT

Click on the picture below or the following link to RSVP for the AGM>> 2021 CTHS Alberta AGM

Heart to Heart Inducted into 2021 Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 21:36:18 GMT

The English Channel Sovereign Award winner was bred by Alberta Darrell Bauder and his Red Hawk Ranch

Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame

Press Release - April 13, 2021

Bred by Darrell Bauder’s Alberta-based Red Hawk Ranch and foaled in Ontario, the 2021 Thoroughbred Male Horse Inductee Heart to Heart was a $25,000 purchase by Lethbridge, Alberta’s Terry Hamilton at the CTHS yearling sale in 2012. That investment proved lucrative with the horse earning over $2 Million (US) in a high-profile seven-year racing career which included 15 wins and nearly $50,000 per start in 41 starts.

As a two-year-old, the son of English Channel out of the Silver Deputy daughter Ask the Question, made starts in both Canada and the U.S. His Canadian starts included a third-place finish in the Vandal Stakes as well as finishing fourth in both the Simcoe Stakes and Coronation Futurity. Following his sophomore year which included finishing third in the Toronto Cup Stakes as well as starts in the Queen’s Plate and Marine Stakes, Heart to Heart was named the Sovereign Award Champion 3-Year-Old in 2014, on the merits of winning 4 of 8 races, including two Grade 3 scores at Churchill Downs.

Trained throughout his career by Brian Lynch, Heart to Heart won two Grade 1 races back-to-back in 2018 with a victory in the Gulfstream Park Turf in February of that year, followed by a decisive win in the Makers 46 Mile in April at Keeneland.

In total, Heart to Heart was victorious in 11 graded stakes at US tracks, including Belmont, Monmouth, Saratoga, and aforementioned Churchill Downs, Gulfstream Park, and Keeneland. During his seven-year career, this Canadian bred and owned horse had triple-digit (100+) Beyer speed figures 18 times with 10 of his stakes wins achieved in gate-to-wire fashion. Impressively, he also had at least one graded stakes win each year from age three through age seven.

Click here for full press release from Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame >> Jim Bullock, Vicki Pappas, Randy Waples and horses Great Memories, Heart to Heart and Not Too Shy named Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame 2021 Inductees

Heart to Heart Inducted into Cdn Racing Hall of Fame

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 17:08:50 GMT

The Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame has just announced the 2021 Inductees and HEART TO HEART, bred by Darrell Bauder, has been inducted. Darrell tells the CTHS Alberta that it's "It’s definitely a dream come true for me and hopefully in some small way inspiring to other small breeders, of what we can achieve with some dedication and a LOT of LUCK!"

"Bred by Darrell Bauder’s Alberta-based Red Hawk Ranch and foaled in Ontario, the 2021 Thoroughbred Male Horse Inductee Heart to Heart was a $25,000 purchase by Lethbridge, Alberta’s Terry Hamilton at the CTHS yearling sale in 2012. That investment proved lucrative with the horse earning over $2 Million (US) in a high-profile seven year racing career which included 15 wins and nearly $50,000 per start in 41 starts.

As a two-year-old, the son of English Channel out of the Silver Deputy daughter Ask the Question, made starts in both Canada and the U.S. His Canadian starts included a third place finish in the Vandal Stakes as well as finishing fourth in both the Simcoe Stakes and Coronation Futurity. Following his sophomore year which included finishing third in the Toronto Cup Stakes as well as starts in the Queen’s Plate and Marine Stakes, Heart to Heart was named the Sovereign Award Champion 3-Year-Old in 2014, on the merits of winning 4 of 8 races, including two Grade 3 scores at Churchill Downs.

In total, Heart to Heart was victorious in 11 graded stakes at US tracks, including Belmont, Monmouth, Saratoga, and aforementioned Churchill Downs, Gulfstream Park, and Keeneland. During his seven year career, this Canadian bred and owned horse had triple-digit (100+) Beyer speed figures 18 times with 10 of his stakes wins achieved in gate-to-wire fashion. Impressively, he also had at least one graded stakes win each year from age three through age seven." (CHRHF - Press Release)

Adrian Munro

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 16:14:58 GMT

Canadian Thoroughbred magazine - February 2020

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Two stallions added to Alberta Thoroughbred and Harness breeding operations

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 16:25:18 GMT

Thursday March 18, 2021 Written by Curtis Stock

Horse racing in Alberta - both thoroughbred and standardbred - has recently added two new kids to the block that seem destined to become vital parts of the Western Canadian breeding industry. Highfield Stock Farm, just south of Okotoks, has added thoroughbred stallion Fed Biz, a son of European Horse of the Year Giant’s Causeway. Al Neurauter has brought in standardbred Captain Deo, a son of the impeccable Somebeachsomewhere, who will stand at Olds College.

“Fed Biz is a great looking individual. He’s gorgeous; he takes your breath away,” said Adrian Munro, president of Highfield. “He is one of the best looking horses I’ve ever seen in person. At the same time his demeanour is fabulous. He’s very well mannered. We take clients right out to his paddock when we show him.” Bought for $950,000 as a yearling, Fed Biz won six of 19 races - three of them graded stakes for earnings of $770,496.

While doing so Fed Biz showed both his speed and versatility by setting the track record for the seven-furlong Pat O’Brien stake when he stopped the clock in 1:21.12 at California’s Del Mar racetrack and then set another track record when he won the 8 1/2-furlong San Diego Handicap in 1:41, also at Del Mar. He also won the Grade 2 San Fernando. Fed Biz was also stakes placed five times including the Grade 1 Awesome Again and E. Kilroe Mile stakes. “An incredibly talented race horse with his outstanding pedigree and stunning looks we are thrilled to welcome him to Alberta,” said Munro.

As well as being by Giant’s Causeway, a sire of sires who won five straight Group One races in Europe, Fed Biz is out of the Wild Again stakes winner Spunoutacontrol, who won four of five starts including a stake and is the dam of six foals to race - all winners. Moreover, Spunoutacontrol is a half sister to A.P. Indy stakes winner Spun Silk, the dam of Grade 1 Vosburgh winner Joking. Notable stallions Pulpit, Johannesburg, and Tale of the Cat are also in his Fed Biz’s extended family.

“We think Fed Biz is going to be the big fish in the small pond of Western Canada,” said Munro. “We are already seeing incredible attraction to him. The people who see him fall in love with him. Because of Covid-19, a lot of mares didn’t get bred last year. This is an opportunity to get those mares off the sidelines.”

"This is the right time for a stallion of his caliber to be introduced to the Western Canadian market. We think Alberta is poised for growth, and the team at Highfield looks forward to Fed Biz joining Cape Canaveral at the farm,” said Munro. A perennial leading sire in Western Canada with $17.5 million in progeny earnings, Cape Canaveral is now 25.

“Cape Canaveral is getting old and it was time to look for the next great stallion.” Previously standing at Kentucky’s world-class WinStar Farm, Fed Biz, 12, was named a Gold Value Sire, was the No. 1 Second Crop Sire of 2019 and Top 5 Fourth-Crop sire in North America last year.

Fed Biz has sired 124 winners, with combined progeny earnings in excess of $7.3 million. “He’s a well put-together, well-bred stallion with a good produce record,” said Munro, who also stands War Correspondent. “I’m very impressed with his product. They have great legs, balance and scope.”

Among Fed Biz’s offspring are Inthemidstofbiz, who was a dominant three-length winner of the Grade 2 $200,000 Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes at Keeneland which earned her a spot in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint. Other notable progeny are Zenden, winner of this year’s Pelican stakes and Boerne, winner of last year’s Azalea stakes.

“Fed Biz is phenomenal,” said Munro. “I love him. We all do.” Fed Biz will stand the 2021 season for CA$4,000. He will be available for viewing in the upcoming weeks at Highfield Stock Farm.

As for Captain Deo, Neurauter said he is “bred in the purple” and that’s probably an understatement. Sired by Somebeachsomewhere, who won 20 of 21 starts, tied the world record for a mile at The Red Mile with a time of 1:46.4 and earned $3,221,299, Somebeachsomewhere sired the winners of $84.6m and was the leading sire in 2016 and 2017. In the latter year, Somewheresomebeach set a record for standardbred stallions with his progeny earning $23.7m.

Furthermore, Captain Deo is out of Worldly Beauty, a multiple award-winning performer who banked over $2.1 million with victories in numerous major stakes from the ages of two-to-four and took a mark of 1:49 3/5. Moreover, Worldly Beauty is a full sister to Worldly Treasure, making Captain Deo a full brother in blood to the very talented Captaintreacherous, who won $3.1 million and paced in 1:47.1.

"I think it's everybody's dream to have a Somebeachsomewhere, and with his pedigree, I think (Captain Deo) is going to do well out west," Neurauter told Trot Insider. "He'll cross with everything out here. I don't think there's been a better bred horse out west, so hopefully, fingers crossed, he'll prove himself.” Neurauter told Horse Racing Alberta that Captain Deo will be the only son of Somebeachsomewhere standing in Western Canada.

“Somebeachsomewhere has been the best sire last couple of decades so to get a Somebeachsomewhere stallion out here is really special. And, Captaintreacherous is the hottest stud in the game right now. I've always been a big Captaintreacherous fan," Neurauter said of the horse who ranked first among among three-year-old pacing money sires ($5,726,072) and second among two-year-old money winning sires ($2,817,516) in 2020.

"I thought if you go back right through his family, you can't go too wrong.” Neurauter said he first got interested in Captain Deo back in 2019. “He was withdrawn from the Harrisburg Sale that year - I understand he fractured a back leg. They tried to qualify him back but he wasn’t going to make it back to his standards so I was able to make a private purchase,” he said of the horse who won 12 races, $182,468 and paced in 1:50 2/5.

Captain Deo has two important half brothers: Rock n Roll World and World of RocknRoll. Rock n Roll World won 18 times and took a mark of 1:47 3/5; World of RocknRoll paced in 1:50. Both have been very successful stallions. Now it’s Captain Deo’s time to shine.

“He’s a nice big horse. You don’t have to worry about conformation size with horses that are purchased by Tony Alagna, a top trainer who initially bought Captain Deo in Lexington for $90,000. “Captain Deo, who is six, steps up the game a little bit. Custard the Dragon turned 13 this year,” he said of his other sensational stallion, a world champion, who is the sire of four Alberta Super Finals winners and three British Columbia Breeders stakes victors.

“In this business you can’t sit on your success or you get behind. Custard the Dragon has been the best stallion out west for the last several years. But as he gets older we decided to take steps to replace him which is why we bought Captain Deo,” said Neurauter of the first-year sire.

“Fingers crossed with his pedigree he should make a good sire out here. He has all the attributes. He raced against some real heavyweights who set world records. He’s a good, big horse, good manners and is fertility is perfect. He wore no boots; he was very well gaited,” said Neurauter, who bought his first horse in 1984 with Ed Tracey and later had horses with Keith Clark.

“We’re getting lots of attention which, this early in the season, is a good sign. He’s the real package.” Captain Deo will stand for $1,750 with a multiple-mare discount.

Horse Racing Hall of Fame Announces 2021 Ballot

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 20:02:36 GMT

The Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame 2021 ballot has some strong ties to Alberta!

Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame 2021 Finalists and Alberta Connections

On the Thoroughbred Builder ballot, Edmonton born Charles E. Fipke is nominated after involvement in the Canadian Thoroughbred industry for almost forty years. He is one of the most successful Canadians campaigning in major races in the U.S and has bred and owned many highly successful racehorses including the three Sovereign Award winners, Not Bourbon, Impossible Time and Perfect Soul. In addition, he has bred and owned Grade 1 winners Perfect Shirl, Forever Unbridled, Bee Jersey, Lemons Forever, Seeking the Soul, Jersey Town, Tale of Ekati and Lady Speightspeare.

On the Thoroughbred Male Horse ballot, both Fatal Bullet and Heart to Heart are nominated. Fatal Bullet is owned by Albertan Danny Dion and his Bear Stables. Fatal Bullet was one of Canada’s fastest sprinters and was voted Canada’s Horse of the Year in 2008. The Red Bullet son placed second in the 2008 Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint and earned a record of the second fastest time in the history of the race. The multiple graded stakes winning gelding earned $1.377 Million in his race career with wins in five stakes.

The English Channel stallion, Heart to Heart, was bred by Albertan Darrell Bauder of Cochrane and his Red Hawk Ranch. The multiple grades stakes winner is owned by Lethbridge resident, Terry Hamilton. Heart to Heart was a $25,000 CTHS sale purchase and went on to be named a Sovereign Award champion as a three year old. His career spanned seven seasons with wins in the Grade 1 Maker’s 46 Mile Stakes and the Grade 1 Gulfstream Park Turf Stakes earn over $2 Million as a seven year old. Heart to Heart is now retired to stud at Crestwood Farm in Kentucky where his first reported foal was born this January.

The stallion Formal Gold has been nominated to the Thoroughbred Veteran Category. Formal Gold moved from California and stood at stud in western Canada at Esquirol Farms in Ryley, Alberta for a number of years until his passing in 2018. The multiple grades stakes winner is one of the fastest Canadian bred racehorses by speed figures and received an Equibase rating of 136, which is one of the highest in history. At stud, he sired progeny with earnings of nearly 16 Million including 19 stakes winners and was named to the leading sires list numerous times.

A total of 18 people and horses comprised of nine Standardbred and nine Thoroughbred candidates have been selected to appear on the voting ballot. A 20-person Election Committee for each breed will determine the one individual to be inducted in each category, with the results to be announced on Tuesday, April 13th.

Follow the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame to see the results on April 13th!

Now Available - Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society Annual Review of 2020

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 17:45:11 GMT

Click on the photo below or the following link to view the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society Annual Review of 2020

Alberta-Bred Colt is First Foal by Coltimus Prime

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 16:46:43 GMT

The first reported foal was born at Beau Valley Stable where Coltimus Prime stands.

This young colt has big shoes to fill! His sire is the multiple graded stakes winner Coltimus Prime and his dam is the 2014 CTHS Alberta Two Year Old Sales Stake winner, Shanali. Shanali is the daughter of the multiple stakes winner, Shaniah, who won the 1997 Sales Stake and went on to win numerous stakes races including the Bird of Pay Stakes, the Lilac Handicap and the Penny Ridge Handicap.

March 10, 2021 BloodHorse - Eric Mitchell

Alberta-Bred Colt is First Foal by Coltimus Prime

The first reported foal was born at Beau Valley Stable where Coltimus Prime stands.

The first reported foal by graded-placed Canadian classic winner Coltimus Prime is a colt born March 7 at Beau Valley Stable near Didsbury, Alberta, according to the farm.

Anthony Bilotta, the owner of Beau Valley, bred the colt out of the Alydeed stakes winner Shanali, who is a daughter of stakes winner and producer Shaniah and a half sister to two stakes producers.

Click Here

"This colt is very correct, and he is curious and friendly," said Michael Hoffman, manager of Beau Valley where Coltimus Prime stands for CA$2,500.

Coltimus Prime was bred and is owned by Jayson Horner. The 10-year-old stallion is the only active sire son of recently pensioned two-time Santa Anita Handicap (G1) winner Milwaukee Brew.

As a racehorse, Coltimus Prime won or placed in 10 black-type stakes. His biggest wins came in the 2014 Prince of Wales Stakes which he completed in 1:54.58, making it the fastest running in 20 years; the 2017 Clasico Presidente de la Republica, recognized as a grade 1 stakes in Panama; and the Invitational Cup Stakes, which was part of the five-race Clasico Internacional del Caribe program hosted by Gulfstream Park in 2017. He was also second in the 2014 Ontario Derby (G3).

Honored with two Panama titles in 2017 as champion older horse and champion stayer, Coltimus Prime retired with an 8-7-5 record from 38 starts and earned $644,125.

Top Five Alberta Stallions by Eligible Alberta Thoroughbred Progeny

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 22:15:38 GMT

The 2020 Stallion Owner’s Breeding Awards were recently dispersed to eligible stallion owners as part of Horse Racing Alberta’s Breed Improvement Program. The Stallion Owners' Breeding support for 2020 totalled $55,000 and was distributed through the Thoroughbred Breed Improvement Program.

The percentage for the 2020 Stallion Owners' was 3.28% and was based on the following criteria:

"Stallion bonus will be paid proportionately to Stallion owners whose Stallions have Eligible Alberta Thoroughbred progeny with earnings of $10,000 or greater during the Calendar year. Stallions must have stood in the province of Alberta for the entire Calendar year of conception for each year’s crop to be eligible."

The Highfield stallion, Cape Canaveral, led the Alberta stallions with $311,478 total in eligible Alberta Thoroughbred progeny earnings in 2020. The leading runner for the Mr. Prospector son last season was the CTHS Alberta sale graduate, Pearl of Knowledge, bred by Starline Thoroughbreds. The multiple stakes placed filly finished the season with $54, 760 in earnings with a win in the Alberta Oaks and second place finishes in the black type Sonoma Handicap and Chariot Chaser Handicap. The race record for Pearl of Knowledge last season was 6-2-2-1. The stakes winning daughter of Cape Canaveral, Music at Work, was his second leading earner with $43,460 in earnings from a win in the black type Sonoma Handicap and a third place finish in the Chariot Chaser Handicap. Bred by Wes & Jenn Hanson, the race record for Music at Work was 6-2-0-1 in 2020. Triple Power was the third leading eligible Alberta progeny for Cape Canaveral with $33,247 in earnings from a record of 7-4-0-0 and a win in the Grande Prairie Derby. The gelding was bred by Don Danard, Joe Fenrich and Don Knight.

The Awesome Again son, Wilko, took second spot in the leading Alberta stallions with a total of $217,666 in eligible Alberta Thoroughbred progeny earnings. The 2017 Alberta Champion Shimshine led the list for this stallion with $49,389 in earnings last season. Shimshine finished the 2020 meet with a record of 9-2-1-1 including a win in the Alberta Breeders’ Handicap and a third place finish in the black type Century Mile Handicap. Chancee was the next eligible Wilko progeny with $22,280 in earnings from a record of 13-1-2-0 last season. Horseradish was the third leading eligible Alberta progeny in 2020 for Wilko with $20,214 in earnings and a record of 6-1-1-0. All three leading eligible runners for Wilko were bred by Andy Stronach and Wally Pugh. Wilko stood stud at Highfield in 2014 and 2015 when these runners were conceived.

Where’s the Ring finished in third position on the top five Alberta stallion list for 2020 with $195,760 in eligible progeny earnings. The Seeking the Gold son stood at Peaceful Valley Farms in Didsbury for the 2016 year before moving back to Colebrook Farms in Ontario where he was a leading sire last season. Solo Ring led in eligible Alberta progeny for Where’s the Ring with a win in the $50,000 CTHS Alberta Sales Stakes for three and four year old colts & geldings and $47,140 in season earnings from a record of 7-2-3-1. The CTHS Alberta sale graduate was bred by Peaceful Valley Farms. Striders Ring was second for Where’s the Ring with two allowance wins and $44,195 in season earnings from a record of 9-5-0-1. Striders Ring was bred by Running Fawcett Thoroughbreds and sold through the 2017 CTHS Alberta sale. Zicatela rounded out the top three Alberta eligible progeny placings for Where’s the Ring Alberta progeny with a third place finish in the CTHS Sales Stakes in the same race with another Where’s the Ring son, winner Solo Ring. Bred by Dawson Guhle, Zicatela finished the season with $28,645 in season earnings and a record of 9-1-3-2.

The Bar None Ranches Ltd. stallion, Gayego, was fourth on the 2020 Alberta stallion list with eligible progeny earnings of $173,634 last season. Count on It was the leading Alberta runner for the Gilded Time son last season with three stakes placings including a second in the Princess Margaret Stakes, a second place in the two year old CTHS Sales Stakes and a third place finish in the Sturgeon River Stakes. The Bar None Ranches bred filly finished the meet with a record of 6-1-3-1 and $36,060 in earnings. The second placed eligible progeny for Gayego was the Bar None Ranches bred and owned gelding, Trader Lynn. The 2017 gelding earned $17,178 last season with two claiming race wins and a record of 6-2-0-0. Bred by Tod Mtn. Thoroughbreds, Lookout Taylor was the third leading eligible Alberta progeny for Gayego in 2020 with $10,639 in earnings from a claiming race win and a record of 7-1-1-1.

The Storm Cat son, Schramsberg, rounded was fifth on the leading Alberta stallions in 2020 with eligible progeny earnings of $112,795. Lookout Louie was the leading eligible runner for Schramsberg last season with two claiming race wins and $44,400 in earnings from a record of 7-3-0-0. Lookout Louie was bred by Jim Moroz and Dave McDougall. Bar None Ranches bred and owned runner, Chatty Gal, was the second leading Alberta progeny for Schramsberg with $10,275 in earnings from a claiming race win and a record of 6-1-2-0 last season. The Bar None Ranches bred runner, Remarkable Vintage, rounded out the top three runners for Gayego with two claiming wins and earnings of $9,797 from a record of 7-3-0-0.

2020 Alberta Stallion Owners' Breeding Support

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 19:14:04 GMT

Horse Racing Alberta's Stallion Owners' Breeding support for 2020 totalled $55,000 and is being distributed through the Thoroughbred Breed Improvement Program. Cheques have now been mailed out to qualifying recipients of the program.

The percentage for the 2020 Stallion Owners' is 3.28% and is based on the following criteria:

P lease note that it is a requirement that recipients of the Breed Improvement Program - Thoroughbred Breeders' Bonus be members in good standing of the C.T.H.S. (Full or Associate Member designation) in order to receive the Breeders' Bonus.

Giant's Causeway Son to Stand at Highfield

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 16:26:11 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, January 11, 2021

Multiple Graded Stakes winner, multiple New Track Record setter and multiple Grade 1 performer FED

BIZ to stand at Highfield Stock Farm in Calgary, Alberta Canada.

The son of leading sire Giant’s Causeway, Fed Biz showcased his exceptional ability as a racehorse from 2

to 5 with 6 wins and over $770,000 in earnings. He was bred to excel on the track and had tremendous

range with wins from 7 furlongs to 1 1/16 on dirt. His racing ability is matched by his impressive

pedigree from the direct family of sire of sires Pulpit, Tale of the Cat, and Johannesburg.

“Fed Biz was an incredibly talented racehorse,” said Adrian Munro, President of Highfield, “and with his

outstanding pedigree and stunning looks we are thrilled to welcome him to Alberta. This is the right time

for a stallion of his calibre to be introduced to the Western Canadian market. We think Alberta is poised

for growth and the team at Highfield look forward to Fed Biz joining Cape Canaveral at the farm.”

Fed Biz previously stood at WinStar Farm in Kentucky and was named a Gold Value Sire of his crop, was

#1 Second Crop Sire of 2019 by BTWs and BTHs and Top 5 Third-Crop sire in 2020. Fed Biz’s

Inthemidstofbiz was a dominant winner of the G2 Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes at Keeneland

and earned a berth in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint.

“We wish Fed Biz and Highfield Stock Farm the best of success in Western C

anada. He has gotten runners on all surfaces and distances and he is so well bred. I see him being a top Stallion in that region

for years to come”, says Elliott Walden, WinStar Farm.

Fed Biz had speed and versatility and has the pedigree of a leading sire for Alberta. Fed Biz will stand the

2021 season for $4,000 CDN (LFSN). Fed Biz will be available for viewing in the upcoming weeks at

Highfield Stock Farm.

Contact Jennifer Buck at Highfield Stock Farm at 403-660-6859 or jbuck@highfieldstockfarm.ca

About Highfield Stock Farm: With a primary focus on thoroughbred horse breeding, Highfield Stock Farm

is one of the leading consignors in Alberta and represents many clients throughout the province. In

addition to thoroughbred breeding and boarding, Highfield has a strong racing stable and partners with

horses racing all across North America and a select few in Europe. Highfield showcases two other

leading stallions – Cape Canaveral and War Correspondent.

###

Alberta Horseman Ken Anderson Passes Away

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 01:28:11 GMT

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.

Obituary of Ken Anderson - Sunset Funeral Service

'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

To plant a tree in memory of Ken Anderson, please visit Tribute Store

Services for Ken Anderson

There are no events scheduled. You can still show your support by planting a tree in memory of Ken Anderson.

https://sunsetltd.ca/tribute/details/355/Ken-Anderson/obituary.html?fbclid=IwAR0l4M8V3p99pY9nq99-Rr2p3KfSul6EWLecijJNUoBk8rohHlpoMejXCSk

ARPISTA to Stand at Beau Valley Stable

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 18:29:59 GMT

Only Son of Quality Road to Stand Stud in Canada

The Quality Road son, ARPISTA, will stand at Beau Valley Stable in Didsbury, Alberta for the 2021 season.

Quality Road has 11 Grade One winners from 6 crops of racing age and stands for a $150,000 stud fee at Lane’s End Farm in Kentucky. Quality Road is rated as one of the top three sires in North America and his progeny include the Grade One winners, City of Light ($5,662,670) Roadster ($852,700).

The dam of Arpista, Harpia, is a graded stakes winner and black type producer. The Danzig mare won the G3 Shirley Jones Handicap and finished second in four G2 stakes, completing her race career with a record of winning or placing in ten of her thirteen starts. Harpia is the dam of stakes placed winner First Word ($281,000).

Arpista is the only son of Quality Road standing at stud in Canada.

He will stand for a $1500 stud fee with a $250.00 booking fee.

For more information, contact Mike Hoffman at Beau Valley Stable at 403-586-7223.

2020 Breeders' Breeding Support

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 17:17:09 GMT

Horse Racing Alberta's Breeder's Breeding Support for 2020 totals $422,836 and is being distributed through the Thoroughbred Breed Improvement Program. Due to an increase in slot revenue, the Breeders' Breeding Support for 2020 is higher than originally published. Breeders will share in a total of $367,836 in bonus support funds.

CTHS Ontario Online Listing of Horses for Sale

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 20:41:04 GMT

The CTHS Ontario has developed a sale listing page of online horses using a "Submit A Bid" program. Buyers can express their interest to purchase with the sellers on the listing posted online. The seller's opening price and/or reserve is noted beside the Submit A Bid option.
Click on the picture below or this link to go to the CTHS Ontario Online Horses for Sale LISTING
Read the full news release by clicking on the following link: CTHS Ontario: ONLINE HORSES FOR SALE NEWS RELEASE

Highlights of the Alberta Breds in the Open Stakes Season at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 21:40:55 GMT

The stakes season in Alberta got off to a late start due to the impact of Covid-19 and as a result, the live Thoroughbred race meet was moved to Century Mile for the 2020 season. Opening day was June 21 and the first open stakes race was the $40,000 RedTail Landing Handicap on July 17.

The stakes season in Alberta got off to a late start due to the impact of Covid-19 and as a result, the entire live Thoroughbred race meet was moved to Century Mile for the 2020 season. Opening day was June 21 and the first open stakes race was the $40,000 RedTail Landing Handicap on July 17.

The Alberta breds first appeared in the winner’s circle in the $40,000 Western Canada Handicap on July 26 with MASKWECIS, DUNE D’ORO and BARE BACK JACK finishing one, two and three respectively. Maskwecis followed up the Western Canada win with a showing in the black type $40,000 Count Lathum Handicap on August 16. His win in the restricted $40,000 Beaufort Stakes increased the earnings for the Jimmy Creed runner to US$76,225 with a record of 8-4-1-1-1. Maskwecis was bred by Doug Oberg and sold through the 2018 CTHS Alberta sale graduate for $5,781 to R.K. Smith. The three year old is currently owned by Jim & Carole Barker and Red Ron Farms.

MUSIC AT WORK was the next Alberta bred to claim victory in an open stakes race in the $40,000 Sonoma Handicap on August 14th. Alberta breds placed first and second with the three year old Music at Work ahead of second place finisher PEARL OF KNOWLEDGE to win the seven furlong black type race. Music at Work added the Sonoma Handicap to an earlier third place finish in the black type Chariot Chaser Handicap on July 24th to help increase her earnings to US$61,355 and a record of 6-2-0-1. The stakes winning filly was bred and consigned to the 2018 CTHS Alberta Sale by Wes & Jenn Hanson and purchased by Dr. Steven Smith. She is currently owned by Indyrock Racing. Music at Work is by the leading Alberta sire, Cape Canaveral out of the Bluegrass Cat dam, Las Olas Azur.

The Alberta bred two year olds BANG ON and SHOTTHRUTHEHEART shut out the other runners in the $60,000 black type Birdcatcher Stakes on September 25th when the CTHS Sale graduates placed one and two in the field of seven. This was the first stakes win for the two year old Bang On who added black type to his record of 5-2-1-1 and career earnings of US$44,530 for owner True North Stables. The Commissioner gelding was bred by Running Fawcett Thoroughbreds out of the Forest Wildcat mare Next Big Nothin and consigned to the 2019 CTHS Alberta sale where he sold for $19,679 to True North Stables.

The 2020 Western Canada Handicap, the Sonoma Handicap and the Birdcatcher Stakes titles are held by the CTHS Alberta sale graduates Maskwecis, Music at Work and Bang On. Congratulations to all the connections of these runners and also to all the Alberta bred runners who finished place and show in the entire open stakes season at Century Mile.

The 2020 Century Mile Racetrack and Casino live Thoroughbred meet wrapped up on November 8th with the unfortunate weather related cancellation of the Cash on the Run Stakes and Blue Dancer Stakes.

All race records and earnings in this article are in US$ taken from Equibase.

Beau Valley Stable Unveils 2021 Stud Fees

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 17:02:54 GMT

Beau Valley Stable
November 4, 2021

Didsbury, Alberta

Beau Valley Stable unveils 2021 stud fees, tap into the great Milwaukee Brew!

Beau Valley Stable is pleased to announce the 2021 stud fees for its five stallion line up. Last year, Coltimus Prime a classic winner on two continents was added to the roster and he is now the sole representative at stud of the Milwaukee Brew legacy. On October 30, 2020 it was announced that Milwaukee Brew arrived at Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm near Georgetown, KY.

The complete 2021 line up and fees include Singing Saint who will stand for $3,000; Coltimus Prime and Gotcha Gold each at $2,500; Big Lightning and Omega Code each at $2,000.

https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/244537/beau-valley-stable-releases-2021-stud-fees

Contact Beau Valley Stable at (403) 586-7223

or send a message to beauvalleystable@outlook.com

CTHS Sales Stake Races Wrap Up!

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 20:52:45 GMT

Alberta Breds and CTHS Alberta Sale Graduates Grandma Jo and Common Knowledge Win the Two Year Old Sales Stakes

Congratulations to the connections of Alberta bred COMMON KNOWLEDGE .

The Mank gelding was the winner of the Two Year Old Sales Stakes at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino on October 25 ^th . This 2019 CTHS Alberta sale graduate is out of the Kafwain mare, Lil Missknowitall and is a half-sister to Two Year Old Champion Pearl of Knowledge. Common Knowledge was bred by Starline Thoroughbreds and is owned by Don Danard.

Congratulations to all the connections of Alberta bred GRANDMA JO , winner of the 2020 CTHS Alberta Sales Stakes for Two Year Old Fillies on October 23rd. The CTHS Alberta sale graduate was bred by Highfield Investment Group Inc. and is owned by Westana Ranches Inc. & Highfield Investment Group Inc. Grandma Jo is by Exhi out of the Speightstown mare, Ennis Lady.

Photo credit to Ryan Haynes of Coady Photo Ltd.

Alberta Bred CTHS Alberta Sale Gradute SOLO RING Wins the Three and Four Year Old Sales Stake for Colts & Geldings

The Alberta breds swept the leader board on Sunday, October 18th in the 2020 running of the $50,000 Sales Stakes for Colts and Geldings at Century Mile. Congratulations to the connections of Alberta bred CTHS Sale graduate SOLO RING who led the field the entire race and held off his challengers to claim the victory.

Solo Ring was Hip# 48 at the 2017 CTHS Alberta Thoroughbred Sale and was bought by Hurley Racing Stable for $13,000. The Where’s the Ring gelding was bred by Peaceful Valley Farm and is owned by Hurley Racing Stable. This win brings the lifetime earnings for the four year old to $51,392 with a record of 10-3-4-1.

Dune d’Oro placed second for breeder Doug Oberg and owners Gary & Janet Kropp and Bill Dory. Alberta bred Zicatela took third place for owner Crystal Meadows Farm and breeder Dawson Guhle.

Congratulations to the connections of Manitoba bred HIDDEN GRACE , winner of the $50,000 2020 CTHS Alberta Sales Stakes for Fillies and Mares on Friday, October 16th.

This four year old Going Commando sired filly is bred and owned by Cam Ziprick, Barry Arnason and Charles Fouillard. This is a repeat victory in the sales stake for the Going Commando sired filly and brings her lifetime record to 16-12-2-2 with earnings of $190,369.

In second place was BC bred NU LEGACY, owned by Paul Caravetta and bred by White House Stables. Alberta bred PEARL OF KNOWLEDGE finished in third position for owners Don Danard & Jim Juris and breeder Starline Thoroughbreds.

Photo credits to Ryan Haynes of Coady Photo Ltd.

New Paragraph

Tiznow Son TOUR DE FORCE to Stand at Workwize Stables for 2021

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 17:03:15 GMT

The graded stakes placed runner TOUR DE FORCE will stand the 2021 season at Workwize Ent. Stables in Acme, Alberta.

Celebrating Alberta Breds on Canadian Derby Weekend

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 20:09:53 GMT

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.

Positive News from the 2020 CTHS Alberta Sale

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 20:48:02 GMT

The CTHS Alberta Thoroughbred Sale held on Friday, September 18th at Westerner Park in Red Deer had a strong start with an announcement from Horse Racing Alberta CEO, Kent Verlik, who offered positive news on the state of the industry going forward.

Photo credit to Orianna Scheck

Verlik emphasized that the record handle and slot machine revenue numbers since the re-opening of horse racing and the racing entertainment centres have surpassed the expectations of Horse Racing Alberta and provided a stable financial position from which to grow the industry.

“Over the course of our 2021-2023 business plan, we are planning to make significant investment in our Horsepersons. Next year, increases in both breed improvement and purse funding will be increased by more than 16% over what was planned BEFORE the Covid-19 pandemic struck. Similar increases are being planned for in 2022 and 2023.

We want to encourage horse owners, trainers and others that may have either left the industry or wish to join it, to look at making horse racing in Alberta a part of your future. We now find ourselves on stable ground, rejuvenated and brimming with optimism for an even stronger 2021 and beyond.”

65 yearlings were offered in the 2020 catalogue with 39 selling for total gross sales of $327,400. The yearling book was somewhat smaller than normal this year due to the general uncertainty created by Covid-19 but overall results were extremely positive showing an increase in both the average and median. The average yearling price this year was $8,395 which represents a 25% increase over the previous 2019 sale average of $6,736. The 2020 median sale price of $4,500 is an impressive 67% higher than the 2019 median of $2,700.

The high seller at the 2020 sale was Hip #53, an Alberta bred yearling that sold for $44,000. This lovely filly by the stakes winning sire Exhi was consigned by Highfield Investment Group Inc., Agent and sold to Greg Tracy, Agent. Exhi is a stakes winning racehorse who has sired 30 winners including Alberta runners Pacioretty ($112,440), Victory Day ($78,398) and Norm’s Big Bucks ($53,201). The dam of the high seller is the stakes winning Forestry mare, Eustacia, who earned $189,540 in her race career with an impressive record of seven firsts, three seconds and one third from fourteen starts. The stakes wins for Eustacia included races such as the Freedom of the City Stakes, the Bird of Pay Stakes, the R.K. (Red) Smith Handicap, the Wild Rose Handicap and the Chariot Chaser Handicap. This yearling is her second foal as her first foal is a two year old of 2020.

The second highest selling yearling was Hip #60, a Laoban filly consigned by Stone Ranches Ltd. and purchased by True North Stable for $26,500. Laoban is a stakes winning son of leading sire Uncle Mo and his first foals are just two year olds of 2020. This yearling is out of the Bernardini mare, Kimono ($97,050).

Third of the top selling yearlings was Hip #27, a War Correspondent filly consigned by Highfield Investment Group, Agent and purchased for $22,000 by Greg Tracy, Agent. This yearling is from the first group of foals for War Correspondent who is a son of leading sire War Front. This filly is the first foal for her dam, Swaying, a Stormy Atlantic daughter.

Hip #30, Wild Runnin Maggie, brought the fourth highest price in the sale for consignor, Barb Saunders after she was purchased by P.J. Schaffer for $20,000. The sire, Cape Canaveral, is among the leading sires in Canada with progeny earnings of over $17 Million with current runners that include Alberta Two Year Old champion, Pearl of Knowledge. The dam of this yearling is the multiple stakes winning mare, Wild Bender ($170,583).

The fifth highest selling yearling was Hip #17, an Upstart gelding consigned by Stone Ranches Ltd. and purchased by DHA Thoroughbreds for $18,500. The first foals for the son of Flatter are two year olds of 2020. The dam of this gelding, Ron’s Girl, is a half-sister to stakes winner Mindy Sue ($208,612).

Highfield Investment Group Inc., Agent was the leading consignor by gross sales and average with three yearlings selling for a total of $62,000 or an average of $20,667. The top seller in the sale was from this consignment. The leading purchaser by gross sales and average was Greg Tracy, Agent with two purchases for a total of $66,000 or an average of $33,000. The purchases included the top selling Exhi filly and the War Correspondent filly.

Four of the top five selling yearlings were Alberta bred yearlings giving their purchasers the opportunity to participate in the Thoroughbred Breed Improvement Program which in 2020 paid to owners of horses foaled in Alberta a bonus of greater than 20% on eligible earnings.

This province will be an exciting place to breed and own Thoroughbreds in the years ahead. Your best bet is an Alberta bred!

For further details and full sale results, visit the CTHS Alberta website at www.cthsalta.com under Sales

CTHS Alberta Official Sale Results

Sat, 19 Sep 2020 00:52:07 GMT

Hip 53 Chestnut filly by Exhi out of the Forestry mare, Eustacia, tops the CTHS Alberta sale at $44,000. Consigned by Highfield Investment Group, Agent and sold to Greg Tracy, Agent.

Photo credit to Orianna Scheck

CTHS Alberta Sale Live Viewing

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 17:36:43 GMT

LIVE FEED:

Want to watch the CTHS(Alberta Sale)? Live stream of the sale will be done through the DLMS website .

You will need to sign up for an account in order to watch the live stream of the sale.

If you have signed up to bid online you are able to test your bidding on the DLMS website. https://dlms.ca/AuctionInfo?AuctionId=93846

View the sale catalogue and sale entries by Hip Number, Consignor, Dam or Sire at https://www.cthsalta.com/2020-cths-alberta-sale

VIEWING OF CONSIGNMENTS:

Thursday, September 17th from 9 AM until 10 PM and Friday, September 18th prior to the sale are available for on-site viewing.

Attendees are asked to follow COVID-19 guidelines listed below. Purchasers who are not able to attend viewing days will be able to view consignments through online videos, photos and pedigrees posted on both CTHS (Alberta) and DLMS websites.

A list of agents who are available to view consignments on your behalf are available through the CTHS (Alberta Division) office.

Please email cthsweb@cthsalta.com for further information.

Use Your Breeders' Bonus at the 2020 CTHS Sale

Sat, 12 Sep 2020 02:28:43 GMT

The 2020 Owners' Bonus may be used at the CTHS Alberta Sale!
In cooperation with the HBPA, the CTHS is able to offer owners of AB Bred TBs who have bonuses from races run from June – August the ability to access their 2020 Owners’ Bonus and put it towards any yearling at the upcoming Alberta CTHS Thoroughbred sale.

In cooperation with the HBPA, the CTHS is able to offer owners of AB Bred TBs who have bonuses from races run from June – August the ability to access their 2020 Owners’ Bonus and put it towards any yearling at the upcoming Alberta CTHS Thoroughbred sale.

The CTHS will let interested owners’ know what their available funds are based on the bonus being paid at 20%. The owner will indicate the amount they wish to access and at the time of the sale those funds would be deducted from the sale price and the balance paid by the purchaser. Owners do not have to access the full bonus amount if they do not choose to do so.

The CTHS will submit the request for the Owners’ bonus funds to the HBPA with an accounting of each owner and the amount of the 2020 Owners’ Bonus they have requested to access.

Call (403-229-3609) or email the CTHS office (cthsweb@cthsalta.com) to find out what your 2020 Owners’ Bonus is!

2020 Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic Winners

Sun, 06 Sep 2020 18:09:56 GMT

Winners photos post from the 2020 Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic

Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic and Sale Connections

Thu, 03 Sep 2020 20:11:05 GMT

The Alberta Breeders’ Fall Classic day is fast approaching with a total of $210,000 available to Alberta breds over seven races to be held at Century Mile on Sunday, September 6 starting at 5:15 pm. The CTHS Alberta Thoroughbred sale will follow on Friday, September 18th offering a selection of quality yearlings to buyers. The sale starts at 3:00 pm in the Agricentre East building at Westerner Park in Red Deer. More information may be found on the CTHS Alberta web site at www.cthsalta.com.

Five runners are entered in the Alberta Breeders’ Handicap for three year olds and up Alberta breds including past sale graduates REGAL MAX, ZICATELA and MISTER MACHO MAN. A yearling by the same sire as Mister Macho Man is on offer in the sale as Hip 62. Both are sired by Breeders’ Cup Classic winner, Mucho Macho Man, who has 58 winners with progeny earnings of over $7.5 Million.

The Alberta Oaks for three year old Alberta bred fillies has five CTHS Sale grads among the six entries. The 2019 Champion Two Year Old filly, PEARL OF KNOWLEDGE ($91,754) will be a horse to watch as the winner of both the Sturgeon River Stakes and the CTHS Sales Stakes in 2019. This season, Pearl of Knowledge has placed second in both the black type Sonoma Handicap and the Chariot Chaser Handicap. Hip 5 in the upcoming sale is a half-sister to Pearl of Knowledge, out of the Kafwain mare, Lil Missknowitall ($142,568).

The successful Cape Canaveral sired stakes winner MUSIC AT WORK ($58,798) is entered following her recent win in the black type Sonoma Handicap. This three year old has placed in seven of her ten starts to date. Another Cape Canaveral sired nominated runner, SALSA TANGO, placed third in the Sturgeon River Handicap in 2019.

There is opportunity to purchase a Cape Canaveral sired yearling in the CTHS Alberta sale from four offered as Hips 30, 47, 54 and 58. Cape Canaveral is a leading Canadian sire with progeny that includes 37 stakes winners and over $17 Million in earnings.

The CTHS Sale graduate and Omega Code runner, JEANIE DEANS, is nominated to the Alberta Oaks. An Omega Code yearling is on offer as Hip 34 in the sale out of the Include mare, All the Toys. The Elusive Quality son, Omega Code, has 188 winners, 12 stakes winners

(including 2 champions) and total progeny earnings of $8.6 Million.

The Red Diamond Express Handicap for three year olds and up has seven entries including three CTHS Sale graduates.

A half sibling to STRIDERS RING out of the Black Minnaloushe mare, Doctor MJ, is consigned as Hip 52. Striders Ring was a 2017 CTHS Alberta sale purchase and placed second in the Alberta Derby with a total of 4 wins at 3 and 4 for earnings of $57,119 to date.

The six year old runner BAR NO Q is the defending Red Diamond Express Handicap champion after capturing the title last season along with a win in the Harvest Plate Stakes. This gelding is by the multiple graded stakes runner Gayego who is also the sire of Hip 39 in the sale. Gayego has progeny that includes six stakes winners, among them Alberta champion Bar No Q ($163,569).

A half-brother to the runner and 2015 CTHS Sale graduate, PACIORETTY, out of the Statue of Liberty mare, Americas Dreaming (IRE) is available as Hip 35. This dam has produced four foals to race including Alberta runner Pacioretty who has $121,652 in earnings to date and was second in the CTHS Sales Stake and third in the Beaufort Stakes.

The Sturgeon River Stakes

Seven past CTHS Sale graduates are among the field of eight runners entered for the Sturgeon River Stakes for two year old Alberta bred fillies.

A full sibling to IT’S NO HOLIDAY is available in the sale as Hip 7 sired by the Distorted Humor stallion, It’s No Joke. This stallion has sired 64 winners with progeny earnings of $5.8 Million. The dam is the Harlan’s Holiday mare, My Lady’s Holiday ($70,690) who is a half-sister to Candy Con ($28,863).

A half-sister to entry, BOUND TO BE SMART, is consigned as Hip 40 out of the Bellamy Road mare, Boundary Creek. Bound to be Smart is the second foal for Boundary Creek who is also the dam of Bluebellejam ($15,358).

The runner COUNT ON IT is sired by the multiple graded stakes runner Gayego who is the sire of Hip 39 on offer in the sale. Gayego is the sire of six stakes winners including Alberta champion Bar No Q ($163,569).

A half-sister to LIGHT FAST FEET is on offer as Hip 32 out of the Wilko mare Wilko Rose. Hip 32 is by the Bernardini stallion, Car Talk (IRE) who has sired nine winners including the Count Lathum and Western Canada Handicap winner, Sharp Dressed Beau ($77,863).

The Beaufort Stakes for three year old Alberta breds has nine entries with seven of the field made up of CTHS Sale graduates. These graduates include such successful Alberta runners as 2019 black type Birdcatcher stakes winner BARE BACK JACK ($49,953); 2019 Alberta Premier’s Futurity winner, DUNE D’ORO ($73,856); second place finisher in the Canadian Juvenile Stakes and the CTHS Sales Stakes, GREEK GEEK ($31,671); and Western Canada Handicap and City of Leduc Stakes winner MASKWECIS ($57,895).

A yearling sired by the Distorted Humor stallion, Jimmy Creed, is on offer as Hip 65. Jimmy Creed sired MASKWECIS and has 13 stakes winners with progeny earnings of $9.9 Million. RYANWATER, is out of the mare, Americas Dreaming (IRE). This dam has produced four foals to race including Alberta runner Pacioretty who has $121,652 in earnings to date and was second in the CTHS Sales Stake and third in the Beaufort Stakes.

TRADER LYNN, is by the multiple graded stakes runner Gayego who is the sire of Hip 39 on offer in the sale. Gayego is the sire of six stakes winners including Alberta champion Bar No Q ($163,569). TRIPLE POWER offers the opportunity to watch a Cape Canaveral sired runner and potentially bid on one of the four Cape Canaveral sired yearlings at the sale.

The Alberta Premier’s Futurity for two year old Alberta breds has nine entries of which eight are past CTHS Sale graduates. The runner OLD DOUBLE DIAMOND, has a half sibling available as Hip 47 in the sale out of the Ministers Wild Cat mare, Cinderella Brite ($62,787). Old Double Diamond is the first foal for this dam and has already placed second and third in his only two starts to date as a two year old.

Both SIR MIEZIE and WEDGE POND are sired by successful stallion Cape Canaveral who is among the leading sires in Canada with progeny that includes 37 stakes winners and over $17 Million in earnings. Four Cape Canaveral yearlings are offered in the CTHS Alberta sale as Hips 30, 47, 54 and 58.

Eight entries are competing in the Alberta Fall Classic Distaff for three year old fillies and mares including six CTHS Sale alumni.

Three yearlings with the same sire as the successful No Hesitation runner, MISS HESI, are available in the sale as Hips 6, 12 and 21. The four year old won both the 2019 Alberta Oaks and the 2018 Sturgeon River Stakes and has earnings to date of $62,015. The stakes winning son of Siberian Summer, No Hesitation, is well known for having captured races such as the Canadian Derby, the Ky Alta Handicap, and the Count Lathum Handicap.

2020 Sale Consignor Highlights

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 21:30:05 GMT

2020 Sale Consignor Highlights

The 2020 CTHS Alberta sale will take place at 3 PM on Friday, September 18 at Westerner Park in Red Deer. 65 yearling entries are in the catalogue and 1 two year old.

The C.T.H.S. Alberta is excited to announce that Direct Livestock Marketing Systems (DLMS) will be providing online bidding for all of the 2020 CTHS Sales. DLMS offers instant bidding, streaming live audio and video; creating a live auction experience from the safety of purchasers' computer, tablet or mobile devices.

Purchasers may establish an account through the DLMS website at http://dlms.ca/Account/Register or by contacting our office at 403-229-3609. Account holders, with established credit, will be eligible to view and purchase online.

The CTHS (Alberta Division) would like to thank its sponsors, CTHS National, Highfield Investment Group and Westana Ranches for their generous support. Their assistance in providing funding so that the C.T.H.S is able to deliver this service through DLMS is greatly appreciated.

The following offers a summary and review of the highlights offered in the 2020 sale by consignor. For further details and the complete pedigree page on any of the yearlings, please visit the CTHS Alberta website at www.cthsalta.com under Sales.

GORDON ALGER

Gordon Alger has a Mighty Vow colt on offer in his consignment. This sire is a multiple stakes placed son of the multiple stakes winner, BROKEN VOW. Broken Vow has sired 6 champions with over $75 Million in progeny earnings. This yearling colt is the first foal for the Hard Spun mare, Starship Bellagio, a half sister to HOLD THE SALT ($380,830).

KEN ANDERSON

The Anderson consignment has a filly and colt by graded stakes winner O’PRADO AGAIN in addition to a colt by stakes winner OMEGA CODE. O’Prado Again is a son of champion two-year-old in Ireland, EL PRADO (IRE) and has sired ten winners with earnings of $377,454. The O’Prado filly is out of the Pulpit mare, Royal Ride who is the dam of eight winners including the stakes placed Screaming Regal ($188,349) and Speedway Monkey ($195,002). An Omega Code colt is on offer out of the INCLUDE mare, All the Toys, a half sister to DIPPER’S APPEAL ($22,992) and Purring Along ($116,737).

JASMINE CAMERON

A filly by successful local sire CAPE CANAVERAL is on offer out of the Ministers Wild Cat mare, Cinderella Brite ($62,787). Cape Canaveral is one of the leading sires in Canada and has 300 winners including 37 stakes winners and total progeny earnings of over $17 Million. Recent Alberta notable racehorses sired by Cape Canaveral include multiple stakes placed Alberta Champion Two Year Old Pearl of Knowledge ($85,704) and stakes placed Music at Work ($40,649). The first foal for this dam is a two-year-old of 2020.

DIALED IN BLOODSTOCK

A MUCHO MACHO MAN filly in addition to a JIMMY CREED colt and a HIT IT A BOMB colt make up the Dialed in Bloodstock consignment. The Macho Uno son, Mucho Macho Man is a multiple grades stakes winner of $5.6 Million and has sired progeny with earnings to date of over $7.5 Million. The Hit It A Bomb colt is out of the race mare BRIECAT ($683,263) and a stakes winning sire whose first foals are just two year olds of 2020. The stakes winning sire Jimmy Creed has sired 131 winners and progeny with earnings of $9.9 Million. This colt is the second foal for the Yankee Gentleman dam, Gentleman’s Joy, a full sister to E Z’S GENTLEMAN (359,711).

DEL GEHRING

This consignment has a BALMONT colt available out of the Bluegrass Cat mare, CAT WITH A TWIST ($102,781). The stakes winning Stravinsky son has progeny that include 73 winners and over $5.2 Million in earnings with winners that include champion Aprilius and the Australian runners Balmont Girl ($746,884) and Balmont Mast ($682,172). This is the first foal for this dam.

DON GIBB

Don Gibb has the largest consignment in the 2020 sale with 9 yearlings on offer by the sires IT’S NO JOKE, V.E. DAY and IMPERIALISM.

IT'S NO JOKE is a multiple graded stakes winner of $685,612 and has sired 64 winners with earnings of over $5.7 Million including Bear No Joke ($607,501), Mallard's Bro ($342,277) and Mr. Prankster ($306,468). There is an opportunity to purchase an It’s No Joke yearling out of the dam, Fairly Well Tuned ($130,908), who is a half sister to FOUND CODE ($218,011). A second highlight in the It’s No Joke yearlings may be the gelding out of L’Avenue ($116,354). L’Avenue is a half sister to stakes placed Dancing Doris ($317,183) and has produced Flash Hands ($107,105).

A gelding and a filly by the leading Alberta sire, IMPERIALISM, are also on offer in the Gibb consignment. The Langfuhr son has sired 127 winners with 8 stakes winners and earnings of $9.8 Million including the multiple graded stakes winner IMPERIAL HINT ($2.2. Million).

An interesting opportunity to purchase a yearling filly by the new sire, V.E.DAY is available. The English Channel son earned over $1 Million on the track and his first foals are just two-year olds of 2020. The dam of this filly, Light Up the Lane is a stakes placed mare who is a half sister to SHOPTON LANE ($289,560) and STREET PRANCER ($143,059).

HIGHFIELD INVESTMENT GROUP, INC.

Highfield Investment Group, Inc. has three yearlings on offer by the stallions WAR CORRESPONDENT. The three 2020 War Correspondent yearlings are from the first crop of yearlings for this multiple graded stakes winning son of WAR FRONT. War Correspondent is out of a half sister to leading sire, UNION RAGS and is a full brother to champion, DECLARATION OF WAR ($1,847,489). The yearling out of Lady Glacken may be of particular interest as this Smoke Glacken dam has produced five winners to date including stakes winners BEARS ARTISTE ($226,427), BODGITS LADY ($96,462), LADY AMELIA ($91,586) and BET ON SOUP ($67,936).

Highfield Investment Group, Inc. as Agent has an EXHI filly and a filly and colt by CAPE CANAVERAL available. The filly sired by multiple grades stakes winner EXHI is out of the proven FORESTRY race mare EUSTACIA ($189,540) whose first foal is just a two year old of 2020. A filly out of the successful race mare EXPECT THE END ($229,904) is also on offer; this dam has produced two winners to date including Totally Unexpected ($77,456).

JUG HANDLE RANCH

Two BALMONT yearlings are on offer through Jug Handle Ranch. The stakes winning Stravinsky son has progeny that include 73 winners and over $5.2 Million in earnings with winners that include champion Aprilius and the Australian runners Balmont Girl ($746,884) and Balmont Mast ($682,172). A filly out of the Grey West mare, Peeps, is available in addition to a colt out of the Double Dewars mare, Stopthekandence.

JUG HANDLE RANCH AND DEL GEHRING

A BALMONT (see above) colt is on offer through the partnership of Jug Handle Ranch and Del Gehring. This colt is the first foal for the Slew City Slew mare, Abby’s Slew ($106,001).

KELLY LEVANG AND HIGHFIELD INVESTMENT GROUP INC.

A colt by the stakes winning Maria’s Mon son, EXHI is available in this offering. Exhi has sired 30 winners with progeny earnings of $1.1 Million. Successful Exhi sired Alberta runners include VICTORY DAY ($78,398), NORMS BIG BUCKS ($53,201) and PACIORETTY ($112,440). The dam of this colt is the Rebmec daughter, Darling Delila, a full sister to stakes placed Bronze Barbarian ($82,203).

MAR-LEE STABLES LTD.

The only yearlings in the sale by the sires DANZA and COURT VISION are available through this consignment. The Street Boss son, Danza, is a graded stakes winner of $866,428 whose first foals are just three year olds of 2020 but already has 21 winners and progeny earnings of $912,190. The second colt is out of the stakes winning Gulch son, Court Vision ($3.7 Million), winner of the Breeders’ Cup Mile. Court Vision is a proven sire of 8 stakes winners and progeny with earnings of over $13 Million including the champion Storm the Court ($1.285 Million). The dam of the Court Vision colt is a stakes placed Freud daughter, Freuds on Holidays ($129,167) who has produced two winners to date.

C.W. MATIER

This consignment offers two geldings by the sires VALUE PLUS and ITS NO JOKE. The Unbridled’s Song son, Value Plus, has progeny that include 227 winners and earnings of $13.6 Million; among them Long on Value ($1.1 Million) and All Due Respect ($468,880). This Value Plus gelding is the first foal for the stakes winning mare HOLIDAY MAKER ($152,992) who is a half sister to ADORE ($500,924).

IT'S NO JOKE is a multiple graded stakes winner of $685,612 and has sired 64 winners with earnings of over $5.7 Million including Bear No Joke ($607,501), Mallard's Bro ($342,277) and Mr. Prankster ($306,468). The It’s No Joke gelding on offer is out of the Salt Lake daughter, Real Dilemma ($179,561) who is a full sister to Admiral Perry ($141,384). Real Dilemma is the dam of Alberta stakes winner HIGH DOLLAR GAL ($32,081) who was a winner at two in the black type filly sales stake.

MCCLINTOCK THOROUGHBREDS

The McClintock consignment offers three yearlings by the sires CHARMING ASSASSIN, SINGING SAINT and TEEMAN. Charming Assassin is a son of the stakes winner Van Nistelrooy who sold as a yearling for $6.4 Million. This yearling is out of the Lemon Drop Kid mare, Precious Lemon, who produced the stakes winning Alberta runner TEEMANS KID ($57,768). Singing Saint is an El Prado (IRE) son who has sired 38 winners and total progeny earnings of $2.7 Million. Teeman is a stakes placed sire who has sired progeny with earnings of $322,004 and includes 13 winners; among them the above mentioned stakes winner Teemans Kid, winner of the Sturgeon River Stakes. This is the first foal for the dam of the Teeman yearling, Charm’s Baby Blue, a half sister to Gilded Eagle ($56,197).

RED MCKENZIE

Red McKenzie has a MIGHTY VOW filly available out of the stakes winning mare, CHATAHOOCHIE ($228,411). Mighty Vow is a stakes placed son of Broken Vow and the dam is a daughter of Temptor whose wins include the Alberta Sales Fillies Stakes and the Dating Game Stakes. This is the first foal for Chatahoochie who is a half sister to stakes placed Handy Sandy.

KAREN MCKOEN

A gelding by the stakes winner DECLASSIFY is on offer in the McKoen consignment. Declassify is a son of the champion sprinter Orientate who sired Alberta champion TANIKA ($486,300). The first foals for Declassify are just three year olds of 2020 and include Tucker Time ($15,669), winner of 3 races. The dam of this yearling is the Hat Trick mare, Prouts Neck, a half sister to GARY D ($122,360) who has produced two winners.

BARB SAUNDERS

Barb Saunders has three yearling fillies in her 2020 consignment with a rare opportunity to purchase two fillies from the well known ‘Wild’ line of runners. A Cape Canaveral filly is on offer out of the Stephanotis mare, WILD BENDER ($188,108), a daughter of the Champion Two Year Old Alberta filly and multiple stakes winning mare, WILD CREEK ($189,674). Wild Creek has also produced the stakes winning runners WILD CRUSH ($222,617) and WILD LEGEND ($168,051). The second filly representing the ‘Wild’ line is an O’Prado Again out of Wild Intent ($80,668). Wild Intent is a half sister to Wild Crush, Wild Bender and Wild Legend out of the foundation mare, Wild Creek. Wild Intent has produced 2 foals to race including the stakes placed Go Wild ($113,241) while her third foal is just a two year old of 2020. A grey Cross Traffic filly out of a Lookin At Lucky mare, Lucky Switch ($82,350), completes this consignment. This yearling is the first foal for this mare.

DOUG OBERG

Doug Oberg has two yearlings on offer, a Declassify gelding and a Car Talk filly. The gelding by Graded Stakes winner Declassify is out of the graded stakes placed VICTORY ROMANCE ($389,941). Victory Romance was a winner of the Two Year Old Sales Stake and the Fall Classic Distaff as well as a placing in the $175,000 Mazarine Breeders’ Cup Stakes at Woodbine. The filly is by the Bernardini stallion, Car Talk, whose top progeny in Alberta is the stakes winner, SHARP DRESSED BEAU ($76,142). The four-year-old gelding won both the black type Count Lathum Handicap and the Western Canada Handicap last season and already has a showing in the 2020 black type Journal Handicap.

SYBIL PALMER

A gelding by the Pulpit son, SKY MESA out of the proven dam, Carmen’s Kiss, is on offer by Sybil Palmer. Sky Mesa is a Pulpit son who won the Grade 1 Hopeful Stakes before siring 78 stakes winners including 5 champions and progeny earnings of an impressive $60 Million. Sky Mesa is the sire of multiple grades stakes winner and Canadian Derby champion, SKY PROMISE ($458,389). The Macho Uno mare, Carmen’s Kiss, is the dam of Alberta runners MAKEALITTLENOISE ($76,987) and Only One Kiss ($23,678).

RUNNING FAWCETT THOROUGHBREDS

This consignment offers a KENTUCKY BEAR gelding and an IMPERIALISM filly in addition to a two-year-old GIROLAMO filly.

Kentucky Bear is a stakes placed runner who has sired 42 winners with total progeny earnings of $3.4 Million including DOUBLE BEAR ($164,644), winner of the Canadian Derby. This yearling is the first foal for the Forestry mare, Divergent Lady.

IMPERIALISM is a Langfuhr son who has sired 127 winners with 8 stakes winners and earnings of $9.8 Million including the multiple graded stakes winner IMPERIAL HINT ($2.2. Million). The Imperialism filly is out of the Black Minnaloushe mare, Doctor M J, who has produced the stakes placed runner Striders Ring ($66,021).

The A.P. Indy son, GIROLAMO, has sired 14 stakes winners and progeny with earnings of over $13 Million including Alberta Champion Rail Hugger ($63,174).

RUNNING FAWCETT THORUGHBREDS, AGENT

As Agent, Running Fawcett Thoroughbreds is offering an IT’S NO JOKE gelding out of the Tiger Trap mare, Bengal Bonnie. IT'S NO JOKE is a multiple graded stakes winner of $685,612 and has sired 64 winners with earnings of over $5.7 Million including Bear No Joke ($607,501), Mallard's Bro ($342,277) and Mr. Prankster ($306,468). Bengal Bonnie has produced 2 winners; Bonnies Lil Rascal ($13,389) and Desperate Bonnie ($47,862).

SIDE MANAGEMENT

Three NO HESITATION yearlings are available in the Side Management consignment. The stakes winning sire had wins in the Canadian Derby, the Ky Alta Handicap, the Count Lathum Handicap and the Western Canada Handicap. No Hesitation has sired 3 winners to date including MISS HESI, winner of the Sturgeon River and the Alberta Oaks. A filly is on offer is the first foal for the stakes winning Tempered Appeal mare, LYNN’S FOXIE LADY ($74,779). A second No Hesitation filly is available out of the Stevie Wonderboy mare, Pretty Wonder, a half sister to QUANTAM MISS ($251,950), Tonasah ($196,660) and Kelwynne ($154,014). The No Hesitation gelding is the first foal for the Silent Name (JPN) mare, Silent Streak ($80,237), a half sister to SOLITAIRE ($125,435) and PROUD OF MY ROOTS ($160,072).

STARLINE THOROUGHBREDS

An exciting opportunity to obtain a half sister to stakes placed Alberta two-year-old champion PEARL OF KNOWLEDGE is available in this consignment. This filly is sired by the stakes winner READY INTAGLIO whose first foals are just yearlings of 2020. The Indygo Shiner son is a graded stakes winner with wins in the G3 Canadian Derby, the Ky Alta Handicap, the Count Lathum Handicap and the Spangled Jimmy Handicap. The dam is the Kalwain daughter, LIL MISSKNOWITALL ($188,536), a half sister to HONEYMOON CRUISE ($109,012).

BOE AND JANET STONE

Boe and Janet Stone have a gelding consigned by the Speightstown son and graded stakes winner, Tamarkuz who earned over $1.8 Million and completed his career in 2016 with a win in the Grade 1 Las Vegas Breeders’ Dirt Cup Mile. This yearling is out of the Bertrando mare, Shy Contessa, who is a full sister to the multiple graded stakes winner SMOOTH PLAYER ($760,496). Smooth Player has produced IMAGINE ($267,059) and SMOOTH PERFORMER ($247,900).

STONE RANCHES

Stone Ranches Ltd. Has five yearlings in their consignment by the stakes winning sires DECLASSIFY, UPSTART, MSHAWISH, SILENT NAME (JPN) and LAOBAN. Three of these yearlings, by Upstart, Mshawish and Laoban, offer an exciting opportunity to obtain a prospect by a sire whose first foals are just two year olds of 2020.

The gelding by multiple grades stakes winner and Flatter son, UPSTART ($1,732,780), is out of the Lawyer Ron mare, Ron’s Girl; a half sister to MINDY SUE ($208,612) and Our Dark Knight ($302,845). A filly by the Uncle Mo son, LAOBAN ($526,250) is available in this group, out of the stakes placed Bernardini mare, Kimono ($97,050). Uncle Mo was a champion two year old and is a leading sire of 59 stakes winners and 3 champions.

A gelding is on offer by the leading Canadian stallion, Silent Name (JPN), a proven sire of 32 stakes winners including champion, SUMMER SUNDAY. This Silent Name yearling is out of the proven runner, DANCE FOR US ($235,532). The Monashee Mountain mare won the $250,000 Bison City Stakes as a three year old and has produced two winners to date, Sheztenthehardway ($87,467) and Windance ($34,455).

KENNITH TINGLE AND JENNIFER CRERAR

This consignment offers a BOADINI gelding who is the first foal for the Cache In mare, Sallyinthealley ($74,674). Boadini is a son of the champion Canadian sprinter and leading sire, Langfuhr. Boadini has sired 2 winners of 5 races to date including Beardini ($59,066). Langfuhr has sired 98 stakes winners and 5 champions including Lawyer Ron ($2.7 Million) and Wando ($2.5 Million).

JOHN WALSH

A GAYEGO colt is available in the John Walsh consignment out of a Cat Thief mare, Blumin Cat. Gayego is a stakes winner of $1.7 Million and has sired 6 stakes winners including Alberta champion BAR NO Q ($161,675). Total progeny earnings to date for the Gilded Time son are $851,046). The dam of this colt is a half sister to UNDER SERVICED ($230,872) and Don’t Mind Me ($93,874).

LIBERTY WILLARD AND DAVID CHAREST

A BENCH THE JUDGE colt is on offer out of the Gilded Time mare, Small N’ Big. The Benchmark son is a stakes winner of 6 races with $228,816 in earnings. Benchmark is a sire of 44 stakes winners including champion Points Offthebench ($514,940) and multiple graded stakes winner, Brother Derek ($1,6 Million).

WINSOME ACRES

The Winsome Acres consignment offers four TEEMAN yearlings and a SINGING SAINT filly.

Teeman is a stakes placed sire who has sired 13 winners with total progeny earnings of $322,004 including the stakes winner stakes winning Alberta runner TEEMANS KID ($57,768), winner of the Sturgeon River Stakes, Teeplay ($23,503), My Fine Lady ($64,058) and Classytee ($39,192).

A highlight of the Teeman yearling group is the filly out of the Ide dam, Summer Theatre. This mare has produced 6 winners including the graded stakes winner DEAN’S KITTEN ($802,590), Classicperformance ($123,938) and Mr O’Prado ($72,783). Another highlight may be the Teeman colt that is the first foal out of the unraced Lost Canyon (GB) mare, Blinkanshesgone. This dam is a full sister to CLEVER SPEED ($150,092) and a half sister to BLINKANHESGONE ($82,037), CLEVER FELLOW ($43,530) and Elusive Storm ($38,779).

Singing Saint is an El Prado (IRE) son who has sired 38 winners and total progeny earnings of $2.7 Million. The Singing Saint filly on offer is out of the Northern Afleet mare, Northern Swallow ($44,473). This dam is a half sister to Air Academy ($272,493), Capistrano ($195,685) and Batten ($144,664). This is her second foal; she is the dam of Prince Afleet who was a winner at 2 ($21,647) and placed 3rd in the Alberta Premier’s Futurity.

KENNEDY WRUBLESKI

A filly by the stakes winning sire EXHI ($807,917) is available in this consignment. Exhi has sired 30 winners with progeny earnings of $1.1 Million. Successful Exhi sired Alberta runners include VICTORY DAY ($78,398), NORMS BIG BUCKS ($53,201) and PACIORETTY ($112,440). The filly is out of the Dehere mare, Diner’s Diva ($62,505) whose first foal is a 3 year old of 2020.

2020 CTHS Alberta Sale catalogue available online

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 18:54:09 GMT

View the CTHS Alberta Sales page under 2020 CTHS Alberta Sale to view the full PDF of the sale catalogue in addition to individual catalogue pages by Hip number, Consignor, Dam or Sire under https://www.cthsalta.com/2020-cths-alberta-sale

2020 On Line Bidding Offered at CTHS Sales

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 17:06:40 GMT

ATTENTION: CTHS (Alberta) SALES PURCHASERS

ONLINE BIDDING:

Direct Livestock Marketing Systems (DLMS) will be providing online bidding for all of the 2020 CTHS Sales. DLMS offers instant bidding, streaming live audio and video; creating a live auction experience from the safety of purchasers' computer, tablet or mobile devices.

VIEWING OF CONSIGNMENTS:

Thursday, September 17th and Friday, September 18th prior to the sale are available for on-site viewing. Attendees are asked to follow COVID-19 guidelines listed below. Purchasers who are not able to attend viewing days will be able to view consignments through online videos, photos and pedigrees posted on both CTHS (Alberta) and DLMS websites. A list of agents who are available to view consignments on your behalf are available through the CTHS (Alberta Division) office. Please call 403-229-3609 or email cthsweb@cthsalta.com for further information.

On-Site Bidding:

Due to attendance limitations, only individuals that have established credit or are known annual buyers will be permitted on the sales site. Agents are also available to purchase on an individual's behalf.

Please pre-register through the CTHS office at 403-229-3609 prior to Monday, September 14, 2020 if you are planning on attending the sale in person on Friday, September 18, 2020 at 3:00 p.m.

Safety Protocols for Westerner Park for All On-Site Attendees:

The following additional COVID-19 protocols will be in place for the 2020 Alberta Thoroughbred Sale:

• Screening measures, including health screening questions, will be in place to gain admittance to the sales grounds for all staff, participants and attendees;

• Face masks are required in accordance with Municipality recommendations;

• Participants will not be allowed to congregate. At least six feet of distance must be maintained between people;

• Attendance is limited to 100 people in the sales pavilion;

• No food service will be available in the Agricentre;

• Increased cleaning and disinfection procedures will be implemented with regular sanitation of high touch surfaces;

• Frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is recommended for all attendees;

The health and safety of sale participants is of paramount importance. These guidelines are intended as a supplement to assist with safe operations during the COVID-19 pandemic and are subject to change.

CTHS Press Release August 2020

jkruse@cthsalta.com (Jean Kruse) — Fri, 07 Aug 2020 18:53:46 GMT

Click here to see CTHS Press Release C.T.H.S. PROVIDING ONLINE BIDDING FOR 2020 SALES

CTHS Annual Statistical Review now available on line

Sun, 26 Jul 2020 17:33:41 GMT

Click on the following link to view the 2019 CTHS Annual Statistical Review on line

>> 2019 CTHS Annual Statistical Review

2020 Alberta Breed Improvement Program

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 20:43:13 GMT

Details of Thoroughbred allocation released

Horse Racing Alberta has released the details of the 2020 Alberta Breed Improvement Program.

The total 2020 HRA approved budget is $1,065,700.

Click on the following link to view the details of the 2020 B.I.P.

>> 2020 HRA TB Breed Improvement Program (PDF)

Smart Fix - the come-from-behind artist

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 20:30:18 GMT

Monday, 15 June 2020
Written by Curtis Stock

With a running style that sees Smart Fix come from the clouds it isn’t hard to pick out last year’s Alberta Horse of the Year: she’s the one that will be running last during the early going. “It’s an exciting style to watch but it gives you a heart attack,” said trainer and co-owner Jerri Robertson as she anxiously gets ready for this thoroughbred season to finally get underway this Sunday afternoon at Century Mile - first post 5:15 p.m.

Last. Last. Last. First.

Watching Smart Fix run is like reading the tortoise and the hare fable. You don’t think there’s anyway the turtle can beat the rabbit but, deep down, you know it’s going to happen. “When you’ve got a horse that comes from far off the pace you’re always worried about getting into traffic,” said Robertson, who has been training thoroughbreds since the fall of 1985. “You can’t run her any differently. If you try and lay her closer to the front she just doesn’t fire. If she’s too close too early she just backs up. “Instead, you’ve got to take a hold of her at the beginning. Then she’ll give you a good kick at the end.”

And how.

Smart Fix, now seven-years-old, really came into her own at the close of last year’s season winning her last three races with huge and scintillating come-from-behind efforts - trailing far back early and then zipping past them down the stretch. The trio of wins started with the Northlands Distaff on Aug. 17 at Century Mile. As per usual, Smart Fix didn’t have a horse headed after the first quarter of a mile.

Still only ahead of one horse after half a mile Smart Fix and regular jockey Rigo Sarmiento started to make their move down the backstretch beginning to pick up horses like they were painted to the inside rail. Five wide after being sent away at odds of 14-1, it was like watching a lion eat. With a quarter of a mile still left to run in the mile and an eighth, nine-horse $75,000 stake at the head of the long stretch, Smart Fix already had the lead. She would win by a very easy four lengths.

“She really opened some eyes that day because she beat some really good horses - there were some nice mares that came to Edmonton for that race and she won easy,” said Robertson. “She showed she was legit.” Next was the Fall Classic Distaff at Balzac’s Century Downs on Sept. 15. This time Smart Fix had one horse behind her after the first quarter mile. But this one was over real early. This time at the head of the stretch she was already three lengths in front; this time there was no suspense - no ‘heart attacks.’

Instead, owners Tim Kane, Lesley Hardy, Leanne Chiodo, Judy Frost and Robertson, were already on their feet hugging and yelling and screaming in the clubhouse. Floating down the stretch, Smart Fix won by an eased-up four and three-quarter lengths.

A month later, on Oct. 14, Robertson entered her in the $50,000 Lynn Chouinard Founders Distaff - also at Century Downs. “I was really worried that day,” said Robertson. “The speed had won all day. I kept thinking ‘Oh, God; she’s never going to be able to close any ground.’ As I watched the races I kept pleading for a horse to come from off the pace to give me some hope.” But it didn’t happen. Until, that is, Smart Fix entered the starting gate.

Entered against a full field of 12, once again, as is her wont, Smart Fix started slowly. Ninth after a quarter of a mile she was still eighth - trailing by a full 10 lengths - after half a mile in the mile and a sixteenth affair. But then Smart Fix kicked into gear passing five horses down the backstretch while four-wide to get into third. Even then, though, it didn’t look like Smart Fix was going to win because she was still third with just an eighth of a mile to run.

Smart Fix, however, had other ideas. With resolute determination, Smart Fix kept coming and coming battling against the heavily speed-biased surface. In the final yards Smart Fix got up by three parts of a length over Blues Roar.

“Given the way the track was that was probably her most impressive race of the year,” said Robertson. “She came from a long ways back and she was the only horse all day that made up any ground in the stretch.”

Smart Fix, who, in addition to winning Horse of the Year, also took the trophies for best aged mare and best Alberta-bred - the first time since Cool Ventura in 2009 that a thoroughbred was named both Champion Alberta-bred and Horse of the Year in the same season - nearly made it four straight stakes wins to close out the season. Before the Northlands Distaff, Smart Fix got into the kind of traffic Robertson always worried about. Bottled up, Sarmiento had no where to go at the top of the lane and wound up second - defeated by just a length Daz Lin Dawn.

“If that doesn’t happen - and with any luck at all - she probably wins that race too,” said Robertson of that July 21 $50,000 R.K. ‘Red’ Smith. It hasn’t always been that way though. Two years ago, in seven starts, Smart Fix never won a single race. “Anything that could go wrong, went wrong,” said Robertson. “She got a liver infection and then she kept tying up on me” said Robertson, the latter an ailment when a horse’s muscles - usually the hindquarters - cramp and seize up.

“She’s not a skinny-looking mare or anything but it’s hard to keep weight on her; she’s always been on the lean side. “She would never put on the weight that I thought she should - because she liked to train so hard - so I changed her feed. I put her on a high-sugar feed. I thought I was doing the right thing trying to fatten her up. But it definitely didn’t suit her. It backfired.”

So, last year, Robertson took Smart Fix off the sweet feed and put her on a complete feed. “Once I did that she never looked back,” Robertson said of Smart Fix, who also had a second last year in the June 9 RedTail Landing stake when she missed by just half a length to the the talented Raider while only running seven furlongs. And, in the mud.

“It seems to be the right recipe for her.” One part of Smart Fix’s ‘diet’ that has never changed has been the mare’s desire for mints. “She’ll knock you over trying to get a mint,” said Robertson. “She likes them so much that Tim (Kane) brings her mints in 50-pound boxes.”

Robertson almost never got to train Smart Fix, a mare by Kissin Kris out of the Grindstone mare, Char’s Still Here. Bred by Pierre Esquirol, Smart Fix failed to reach her reserve bid of $5,000 at the 2014 Alberta Yearling Sales. “After the sale was over we went to talk to Pierre and he said he’s sell us Smart Fix for $5,000 if we also took another filly he had consigned to the sale, She Should Be Dancing, for another $5,000.

“I’m so glad we did,” said Robertson. “She Should Be Dancing never broke her maiden but Smart Fix has exceeded all expectations. “She won $138,250 for us last year alone and has career earnings just under $300,000. “I liked her at the sale. The mother, Char’s Still Here, was a good producer and Smart Fix was a pretty correct filly.”

As a two-year-old, Smart Fix’s owners didn’t know what they had gotten. “She bucked off everybody that tried to get on her. She would have made a good rodeo horse,” said Robertson. Fortunately, Smart Fix settled down and made a great race horse. “She just matured and fortunately grew out of it.”

Smart Fix has already made one start this year - running sixth at Assiniboia Downs in Winnipeg. But that was only going six furlongs. At that distance Smart Fix hasn’t even gotten warmed up. “She wants a distance of ground; she’s definitely not a sprinter. I wish there were more mile and an eighth races. For that matter I think she could win going a mile and three-eighths too. “And she likes the one-mile track at Century Downs. The long stretch for a horse like her - with her late-running style - is what she needs.

“Smart Fix gave us a lot of thrills last summer - when she starts moving it’s always exciting. And I think she’ll do it again this summer. She’s always been sound and she loves her job. She’s seven-years-old now but you’d never know it. “She loves to train. She wants to go every day. She’s a bit of a handful to gallop because she’s so strong. But she’s a lovely horse to have in the barn. Anybody can go in the stall with her. “She’s just a really kind, nice mare. She’s the best horse I’ve ever trained,” said Robertson, who always posts a high percentage of winners and has a clever eye for picking out winners - like the day she claimed Smile Again Pheta for just $7,000 and wound up winning the 2015 Mademoiselle stakes by 10 lengths in the mud.

With 20 horses in her stable, Robertson waits impatiently for Sunday’s opening day card to begin. “I think we’ve got a lot of good horses in our barn. Some good young horses too.” One of the young horses she has is a two-year-old half brother to Smile Again Pheta. “He’s by Smarty Jones and coming out of that mare he’s got to be a mud runner.”

Moreover, Robertson also has Smart Fix’s half brother whose name is Lanny Mac, who was named after former Calgary Flames star Lanny McDonald because, like the hockey star, the horse Lanny Mac, used to have a moustache. “Lanny Mac was immature as a two-year-old so he was turned out early. But he’s coming around good and is showing a bit of promise.”

As well as having a champion in her barn, Robertson is just thrilled that racing is finally back in Alberta. “Oh boy, that’s for sure,” said Robertson. “You work your whole life to get a good stable and then the virus comes. For so long nobody knew what was going to happen. Nobody knew when we were going to be able to race again. We were all in the dark. You really have to credit the owners for sticking with us. It hasn’t been easy on them, paying training bills and not knowing what was going on."

“They kept us going and kept us working,” said Robertson, who got an early jump on spring training when she started her preparations on Jan. 23 at an indoor arena south of Calmar. “We trained there for a month and then moved into Century Mile on Feb. 26.

“You also have to give a lot of credit to the owners and management at Century Mile because they did their best to keep us there. We could train five days a week and the track was good all spring. When I started training this winter we were thinking that we’d be racing in April. We got our horses fit and then Covid-19 happened. You couldn’t just stop on them. That’s just asking for trouble. You want to have the horses ready when racing returned. But nobody knew when that would be. Some owners turned out their two-year-old to try and save a bit of money. But how do you know?"

“Nobody knew. People were always asking me when racing was going to return but my answer was always the same: you know as much as I do. We’re all just glad to get racing back. Sunday can’t come soon enough.”

curtisstock@icloud.com
Follow me on Twitter at CurtisJStock

Read 588 timesLast modified on Monday, 15 June 2020 16:50

Published in Thoroughbred

Tagged under

CTHS Alberta Sale Deadline Extension

Sat, 06 Jun 2020 17:59:10 GMT

The C.T.H.S. (Alberta Division) has extended the sales entry deadline from June 12th , 2020 to June 19th , 2020.

The C.T.H.S. (Alberta Division) has extended the sales entry deadline from June 12th , 2020 to June 19th , 2020 .

Payment for all sales entries must be received in the office by July 3rd, 2020 .

For the 2020 C.T.H.S. (Alberta Division) Sale, the C.T.H.S. (Alberta Division) will pay the $100 Sales Stake In fee for all eligible yearlings entered into the 2020 Alberta Thoroughbred Sale.

The $200 Sales Stake fee will be paid by purchasers or by the consignor if the yearling was a no sale, buy back or was RNA'd.

Night of Champions Award Winners

Tue, 26 May 2020 20:20:50 GMT

Celebrating the accomplishments of the Alberta Thoroughbred Industry in 2019.

Scroll down to see all the winner's photos and read the write up!

Night of Champions 2019 Award Winners Congratulations to all the winners of the 2019 Alberta Thoroughbred Awards!

Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 the May 23rd, Night of Champions honouring Breeders’ and Owners’ successes in 2019 had to be cancelled. We are hoping to have an event later in the year in order to acknowledge the 2019 recipients however the date and venue have not been decided at this time. Please follow the CTHS Alberta website and social media for updates.

We would like to congratulate all the winners and nominees on their accomplishments in the Alberta Thoroughbred industry in 2019.

CHAMPION CLAIMER H.B.P.A. TROPHY SUPREME RUSH The Manitoba bred Majestic Warrior daughter, SUPREME RUSH, was awarded the H.B.P.A. Trophy for Champion Claimer title for her success in the 2019 race meet. Supreme Rush earned $70,393 last season and had an outstanding record of 5 wins, 4 seconds, 2 thirds in 12 starts. Owned and trained by Tom Rycroft, the eight year old mare was bred by K 5 Stables of Manitoba.

CHAMPION SPRINTER AND OLDER HORSE The Century Downs Racetrack and Casino Trophy The Century Mile Racetrack and Casino Trophy BAR NO Q* The Alberta bred BAR NO Q earned the Century Downs Racetrack and Casino Trophy for Champion Sprinter as well as the Century Mile Racetrack and Casino Trophy for the title of Champion Older Horse with his impressive performance last season. The Gayego runner had 7 starts with 2 wins, 1 second and 3 thirds including victories in the $100,000 Harvest Plate Stakes on October 14th and the Red Diamond Express Handicap on September 15th at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino. Bar No Q earned $109,450 in his five year old season for owners and breeders, Barrie and Collin Quamme. The gelding was was trained by Ron Grieves and was the top earner in 2019 for the Gilded Time sire, Gayego.

CHAMPION TWO YEAR OLD FILLY The Dwight McLellan Trophy PEARL OF KNOWLEDGE* The two year old Alberta bred, PEARL OF KNOWLEDGE, was awarded the Dwight McLellan Trophy and title of Champion Two Year Old Filly for her impressive debut season. The Cape Canaveral filly started the race meet with a win in her maiden special weight on July 11th and followed it up with a placing on July 28th in the City of Leduc Stakes among open company at Century Mile. Pearl of Knowledge then captured two stakes races at Century Downs, the Sturgeon River Stakes on September 15th and the CTHS Sales Stakes on October 6th. The filly finished her first race meet with a showing in the black type $100,000 Freedom of the City Stakes on October 26th and career earnings of $98,222 with a record of 3 firsts, 1 second and 1 third in 6 starts. The Alberta bred runner was bred by Starline Thoroughbreds and sold through the 2018 CTHS Alberta Yearling Sale to Don Danard and is now owned by Don Danard and Jim Juris. Pearl of Knowledge was the top runner last season for her sire, Alberta stallion Cape Canaveral. The dam of this filly, Lil Missknowitall, by Kafwain was also a successful race mare.

CHAMPION TWO YEAR OLD COLT The Rocky Mountain Turf Club Trophy RAIL HUGGER The two year old Kentucky bred colt, RAIL HUGGER, earned the Rocky Mountain Turf Club trophy and title of Champion Two Year Old Colt. The Girolamo runner captured the $100,000 Canadian Juvenile Stakes in his final start of the season on October 27th at Century Downs. Rail Hugger was also stakes placed in the black type Birdcatcher Stakes at Century Mile on August 25th. The two year old finished his first season with 3 wins and 2 thirds from 6 starts and $79,480 in earnings. Rail Hugger was bred by John Hinkle and consigned to the 2018 Keeneland Yearling Sale where he was purchased by current owner, John Hansen. Rail Hugger was trained last season by Elige Bourne. The sire of Rail Hugger, Girolamo, is a multiple stakes winning son of A.P. Indy.

CHAMPION THREE YEAR OLD FILLY The Dave Kapchinsky Memorial Trophy IM EVIN IM LEAVIN The Dave Kapchinsky Memorial Trophy sponsored by Paddockhurst Stables for Champion Three Year Old Filly was awarded to the Kentucky bred IM EVIN IM LEAVIN. The multiple stakes winner had a stellar season at Century Mile with wins in both the Chariot Chaser Handicap on June 2nd and the $100,000 Century Casino Oaks on August 17th along with a third place finish in the black type Sonoma Handicap on July 1st. The Can the Man daughter earned $130,620 in the 2019 season with a record of 4 wins, 1 second and 1 third in 8 starts for owners Wayne Bakke, Nathan Hoines and Jo Dee Hoovestal. IM EVIN IM LEAVIN is by the Into Mischief sire, Can the Man, out of the Vying Victor mare, Midnight Search. The Greg Tracy trained Kentucky bred filly was bred by David Purvis and consigned to the 2017 Fasig Tipton Kentucky Fall 2017 sale by Brandywine Farm.

CHAMPION THREE YEAR OLD COLT The Galileo Equine Insurance Trophy EXPLODE The Galileo Equine Insurance Trophy for Champion Three Year Old Colt was awarded to the Kentucky bred gelding EXPLODE. The Trappe Shot son earned the title for his outstanding performance last season which included a win at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino in the $250,000 Grade III Canadian Derby on August 18th. The graded stakes winner went on to finish the year with a placing in the B.C. Derby and a showing in the BC Premier’s Handicap. Explode was on the board in all his starts and completed the season with a record of 4 wins, 2 seconds and 1 third from 7starts. Bred by Flaxman Holdings and sold through the 2017 BC C.T.H.S. sale, Explode earned $271,000 in the 2019 season for owner, Canmor Farms.

CHAMPION OLDER MARE The Moore Equine Veterinary Centre Ltd. Trophy ALBERTA BRED The Ted Connor Memorial Trophy HORSE OF THE YEAR The Horse Racing Alberta Trophy SMART FIX* The outstanding Kissin Kris mare, SMART FIX, was awarded three titles including Champion Older Mare, Champion Alberta bred and Horse of the Year. The seven-year-old Alberta bred had her best season ever in her five year race career with 3 wins and 2 seconds from 7 starts with season earnings of $138,250. Smart Fix wins were all in her last 3 starts, all stakes races, including the $50,000 Lynn Chouinard Founders Distaff on October 14th, the $50,000 Fall Classic Distaff on September 15th and the $75,000 Northlands Distaff on August 17th . The Champion was bred by Pierre Esquirol out of the Grindstone mare, Char’s Still Here. The 2014 CTHS Alberta Yearling Sale graduate is owned by Douglas Hardy, Leanne Chiodo, Judy Frost, Jerri Robertson and Tim & Lesley Kane. When interviewed by the CTHS Alberta after the win by Smart Fix in the Lynn Chouinard Founders Distaff Handicap, Tim Kane was thrilled with the mare’s performance over the season stating “It’s been a hell of a ride!” Smart Fix had some health issues prior to the season and her owners kept her to the sidelines because if their horses have “so much as a pimple, they don’t run.” The strategy appears to have been highly successful as Smart Fix now reigns over the Alberta Thoroughbred industry as the Champion Alberta bred and Horse of the Year. It is the first time since Cool Ventura in 2009 that a racehorse has earned both titles of Champion Alberta bred and Horse of the Year in the same season.

LEADING JOCKEY The Lou Davies Memorial RIGO SARMIENTO The Lou Davies Memorial Trophy for Leading Jockey during 2019 went to Rigo Sarmiento for his outstanding season with total earnings of $1,251,619. Sarmiento finished the 2019 season with a record of 78 wins, 57 seconds and 49 thirds in 314 starts. The top ride for Sarmiento last year was the Champion Older Mare, Alberta bred and Horse of the Year, Smart Fix.

LEADING TRAINER The H.B.P.A. Trophy TIM RYCROFT The H.B.P.A. Trophy for Leading Trainer title for the 2019 season went to Tim Rycroft for his impressive results with $979,789 in earnings. Rycroft trained runners had 262 starts and finished the season with 53 wins, 42 seconds and 44 third placed finishes. The best runner for Rycroft in 2019 was the winner of the black type Spangled Jimmy Handicap, Stone Carver.

LEADING OWNER The Jockey Club of Canada Trophy RIVERSEDGE RACING STABLES LTD. Riversedge Racing Stables earned the Jockey Club of Canada trophy and title of 2019 Leading Owner with $841,984 in purse earnings from Riversedge owned runners. Horses owned by Riversedge had 39 wins, 30 seconds and 30 thirds in 205 starts last season. The stables includes well known Alberta runners such as Call It a Wrap, Stone Carver, Trooper John, Bareback Jack, Weekend Wizard, Gem Alta and Proud and Loud.

LEADING BREEDER The C.T.H.S. Trophy WALLY PUGH AND ANDY STRONACH Wally Pugh and Andy Stronach were awarded the C.T.H.S. Trophy for Leading Breeder last season. Runners bred by Wally Pugh and Andy Stronach had 268 starts with 27 wins, 32 seconds and 31 thirds for a total of $353,176 in earnings. The top runner for the leading Alberta breeder was the Alberta bred, Wilko’s Goldeneye, who had a win, 4 seconds and 4 thirds in 21 starts in 2019.

Congratulations to all the winners of the 2019 Alberta Thoroughbred Awards!

We would like to also congratulate all nominees on their accomplishments in 2019.

Fancy As Passes Away

Tue, 12 May 2020 21:34:20 GMT

Sad news about a racehorse name that many will recognize, the multiple stakes winning FANCY AS. The 2001 Alberta Horse of the Year just passed away at the age of 22.

The Manitoba bred was consigned to the 1999 CTHS Manitoba Yearling by breeder, Ed Pawluk, and purchased by Alberta's Red Ron Farms for $2,148. The Dignitas bred gelding went on to earn $670,092 and win 16 of his 27 career starts. In the year that Fancy As was named Alberta Horse of the Year, he won seven stakes races including the Premier's Stakes, the B.C. Derby, the Canadian Derby, the Ky Alta, the Alberta Derby, the Hoofprint on My Heart and the President's Handicap.

Our condolences go out to all those who had a special connection with Fancy As. He was a special racehorse who will be remembered always in Canadian racing history.

Julie Brewster of Horse Racing Alberta wrote a Throwback Thursday article about Fancy As which is shared below–
2001 Canadian Derby winner Fancy As

2020 CTHS Sale Contract Now Available

Tue, 12 May 2020 18:09:33 GMT

Sale Contracts will also be mailed out this week!

Print off your 2020 CTHS Alberta Sale Contract by visiting the following page:

2020 CTHS Alberta Sale

COVID-19 Impact on Alberta Horse Racing Survey

Fri, 01 May 2020 20:06:12 GMT

We need your help: please respond to this survey (in the link) as soon as possible if you are a racehorse owner or have any racing bloodstock, or own or manage a breeding, boarding or racing farm.

MEMBERS:

The current COVID-19 pandemic is having an unprecedented impact on Alberta’s racing industry stakeholders, and their ability to do business and plan for the future.

In order to effectively advocate on your behalf, HRA needs to understand the impact of the racetrack closures is having on you and your racing business. We need to provide accurate and timely information to our government bodies so they have a proper understanding of our current situation.

We need your help: please respond to this survey (in the link) as soon as possible if you are a racehorse owner or have any racing bloodstock, or own or manage a breeding, boarding or racing farm.

Click on survey here.

2020 CTHS Alberta Sale Update

Thu, 30 Apr 2020 23:35:32 GMT

Notice to Alberta Breeders - April 17, 2020

2020 C.T.H.S. (Alberta Division) Thoroughbred Sale

In response to COVID-19, the CTHS(AB) Board of Directors have discussed and are planning to hold our 2020 C.T.H.S. (Alberta Division) Thoroughbred Sale on Friday, September 18th, 2020. We are moving forward with the intention of conducting the Sale as scheduled. If the unknowns at this time change because of the COVID-19 Pandemic, we will plan and adapt after consultations with our members and prepare to facilitate and focus on new arrangements. The sale is of imperative importance to the Alberta Thoroughbred Breeders and purchasers and our focus is to produce and provide a successful sale.

We will continue to monitor and assess the Pandemic situation, as Health Officials and Government provide updated information, and will keep you advised and updated as circumstances develop. Deadline for entries is June 12th. Contracts will be mailed out by mid - May.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Board of Directors appreciates your patience during these very difficult times.

We would like to remind you that both the CTHS (Alberta Division) and National Office continue to take the necessary precautions to ensure the health and safety of our employees, directors, families and members as a top priority. Our office continues to be closed until further notice.

Our business operations will not be interrupted. We are maintaining regular business hours (8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) during the closure and will continue to serve our members. Our employee is equipped to work from home in order to continue to provide services and support our membership.

This is an extraordinarily difficult time and we wish you, your families, employees and friends all the best in health and well-being. We encourage and wish you continued success in the foaling and breeding season during this difficult time.

Important Notice from CTHS National

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 23:41:15 GMT

The continuing COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated that the CTHS Divisions continue to take decisive action to further safeguard the health and safety of our members, associates and our staff.

April 2, 2020

IMPORTANT NOTICE FROM CTHS NATIONAL

The continuing COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated that the CTHS Divisions continue to take decisive action to further safeguard the health and safety of our members, associates and our staff.

As a result, the CTHS offices will continue to remain closed past the previously expected April 6, 2020 return date, until further notice. We continue to offer and provide services to our members remotely and can still be reached via email and phone.

This decision will enable us to support increased social distancing, in keeping with declared public health state of emergency. By taking this action in a proactive way, we ensure we have the staffing flexibility to meet your needs by way of phone and email. We are committed to provide you with the highest level of service and support possible.

Registrations:

Canadian:

To ensure we receive your Canadian Registration paperwork in a timely manner during this time, please scan/email, picture/email or use the PDF Fillable Canadian Declaration Form and email it to us at info@cthsnational.com . You can pay for your Canadian Registrations online at our store: www.cthsnational.com/store .

***We will still be processing Registrations submitted by mail.

Jockey Club:

If you have Jockey Club Registrations to complete over the next several weeks, please either complete the Registrations through the Jockey Club’s Interactive Registration or mail the paper application directly to The Jockey Club in Kentucky.

***We will still be processing Registrations submitted by mail.

We know that these steps will be an inconvenience for some. However, these are extraordinary times, and we appreciate your understanding and patience. The CTHS wants you to stay safe and help others to do the same as we come together to stop the spread of COVID‑ 19.

Stay Safe Everyone.

Cheers,

CTHS

H.B.P.A - Race Season Announcement

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 16:31:45 GMT

Dear Horsemen,

While we do not know the full extent of how the current COVID-19 pandemic will affect our 2020 race season, we are committed to making the best choices we can for all of our owners, trainers and backstretch personnel.

The HBPA of Alberta have received written notice from Century Mile Racetrack and Casino with regards to some significant changes to the 2020 Thoroughbred racing season.

The Fall meet at Century Downs scheduled from September 5 – October 25 has been moved in its entirety to Century Mile. This means we will race the entire 2020 season at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino.

We have evaluated all of the information and are trying to remain flexible and adaptable to make the best possible decisions. A delayed start to the summer meet might be necessary, and we feel it is in our best interest to have horses and horsemen stay in one location for the entire race season.

We will continue during these uncertain times to adapt to the changing landscape from the state of emergency in Alberta. And we will continue to make the best possible decisions we can for the horses and horsemen who race in Alberta.

Thank you,

Allen Goodsell

Executive Manager

HBPA Notice on Training Days

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 21:09:11 GMT

Review of the 2019 Breed Improvement Program – Thoroughbred

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 20:17:01 GMT

The 2019 Breed Improvement Program – Thoroughbred, has now been paid out in full to all Thoroughbred Breeders and Stallion Owners. In total, $534,952.00 was distributed directly to Alberta breeders and stallion owners with Breeders receiving $455,322.00 and Stallion owners $79,630.00.

Originally, in order for Owners' and Breeders to qualify for the 2019 Breed Improvement Program the criteria was that horses of all ages foaled in Alberta placing win, place and show in all sanctioned races in Alberta having a minimum $8,000 purse and where entered at or above a minimum $8,000 claiming price were eligible for the bonus. Bonuses were not paid for eligible races that had four (4) or less starters.

At the end of September, the HBPA moved to change the Owners' bonus criteria so that horses placing win, place and show in all sanctioned races in Alberta having a minimum, $7,000 purse and where entered at or above a minimum $7,000 claiming price were. In response to this change, the CTHS Board of Directors voted to amend the Breeders' Bonus so that it reflected that same criteria.

The $455,322 in Breeders' Breeding Awards were subsequently paid to Breeders of horses of all ages foaled in Alberta placing win, place and show in all sanctioned races in Alberta having a minimum $7,000 purse and where entered at or above a minimum $7,000 claiming price. Bonuses were not paid for fifteen races that had four (4) or less starters.

The $76,630.00 in Stallion Owner’s Breeding Awards were paid proportionately to Stallion owners whose stallions had eligible Alberta Thoroughbred progeny with earnings of $10,000 or greater during the calendar year. Stallions had to have stood in the province of Alberta for the entire calendar year of conception for each year’s crop to be eligible.

This year, Breeders received a payment of 20% in 2019 and Stallion Owners were paid their bonus at 2.75%. This compares to 2018 where Breeders received 26% of the earnings of all eligible races and Stallion owners received 3.12%. The difference from 2018 to 2019 is due to the change in criteria. In 2018 the criteria for the bonuses was set that horses of all ages foaled in Alberta placing win, place and show in all sanctioned races in Alberta having a minimum $10,000 purse (Northlands); $8,500 purse (Century Downs) and where entered at or above a minimum $8,000 claiming price were eligible for the bonus. Bonuses were not paid for eligible races that had four (4) or less starters.

With the closure of the RECs due to COVID-19 the 2020 Breed Improvement Program-Thoroughbreds has not been finalized at this time. Funding for this program is dependent upon slot revenue and with the closure of RECs this will have a direct impact on the amount of funds available for the 2020 Breed Improvement Program.

COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) - Financial Relief and Support Initiatives

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 21:21:54 GMT

Please share this information as much as possible and print a hard copy to give to those individuals in the Thoroughbred industry who may not have access to the internet!

Click on the link below to view the information links:

Government of Canada and Alberta Government COVID-19 FINANCIAL RELIEF AND SUPPORT INITIATIVES

The Alberta government will provide immediate financial relief to Alberta’s families and vulnerable populations.

Albertans should be focused on their health and not worry about whether they can pay their bills so we have put a number of options in place for those struggling financially.

Contact the CTHS Alberta at 403-229-3609 if you need hard copies to share.

IMPORTANT NOTICE FROM THE CTHS AB

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 21:01:24 GMT

The accelerating pace of the COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated that the CTHS AB take decisive action to further safeguard the health and safety of our members, associates and our staff.

As a result, effective Monday, March 23, 2020, we are temporarily changing the way that we currently provide our services. We will not be providing public access to our office until further notice and our staff has been encouraged to work remotely at this time.
This decision will enable us to support increased social distancing, in keeping with AB's declared public health state of emergency. By taking this action in a proactive way, we ensure we have the staffing flexibility to meet your needs by way of telephone or email. We are committed to provide you with the highest level of service and support possible.
We know that these steps will be an inconvenience for some. However, these are extraordinary times, and we appreciate your understanding and patience. CTHS AB wants you to stay safe and help others to do the same as we come together to stop the spread of COVID 19.
Stay safe, stay healthy!
CTHS (Alberta Division)

Travel Advisory and Covid-19

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 17:01:15 GMT

Information for individuals and their horses currently abroad

News Release from CTHS National
(Download PDF)

March 17, 2020 For Immediate Release Regarding Those Abroad with Horses

Dear CTHS Members & Industry Stakeholders,

Safe Health Practices:
In the wake of Covid-19 and the increasing measures being taken by Governments across Canada and the Globe, we would like to remind individuals to follow the guidelines and recommendations set out by local healthcare authorities, both at home and abroad, as well as those established by the Government of Canada, https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/latest-travel-health-advice.html

Please Register:
Currently individuals are being asked to avoid all non-essential travel outside of Canada and are encouraged to return home to Canada if currently abroad. For those individuals abroad, who have not already done so, they are encouraged to Register with the Government of Canada https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration which will allow individuals to receive important information regarding changes or updates to travel advice and advisories.

Those Abroad with Horses:
The CTHS received notice from Equestrian Canada (EC) that they are working with Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to help with the delays in getting horse(s) health certificates for Canadians trying to return home with their horse(s). Equestrian Canada is asking that individuals who are in the process of transporting their horse(s) from the United States to Canada to fill out the following form at: https://app.cyberimpact.com/clients/23337/subscribe-forms/939BF0BA-F5DB-46AE-AE8D-CF2F333504D9?fbclid=IwAR2kBcQL4VJEMm8_Ijsq0WU64PHcT0J0t43UBWqk_VjnkMhE-0829H1J9vE to help EC and other agencies track out-of-country individuals. Please also subscribe to EC to receive e-mail updates concerning the return transportation of horse(s).

For further information from Equestrian Canada, please visit their website: https://www.equestrian.ca/news/6WF6AvoJSXa4XnQ26/equestrian-canada-statement-on

COVID-19 Statement released from Horse Racing Alberta regarding the temporary suspension of live horse racing in Alberta

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 15:51:16 GMT

March 17, 2020 Statement from Kent Verlik, MBA - Chief Executive Officer, Horse Racing Alberta

https://www.thehorses.com/news/thoroughbred/item/3076-covid-19-novel-coronavirus-statement-from-horse-racing-alberta

With the recent COVID-19 announcement by the Alberta Government, Horse Racing Alberta (HRA) in co-operation with our Stakeholders have been left with no choice but to temporarily suspend racing in the best interest of public safety.

The training and care of our horses at the Alberta racetracks will continue for the near future.

Please continue to monitor the HRA website for further information.

Working together as a collective group while taking these precautions will help protect the sustainability of our industry.

As of 4 pm today, Alberta Government has declared a state of emergency under the Public Health Act . See the link below:

https://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx

New public health measures are now recommended to limit the time Albertans spend in large crowds and crowed spaces. Among other measures, casinos and racing entertainment centres have been ordered close.

As a result, live horse racing has been suspended until further notice. Century Casinos have agreed to allow the Horsemen to continue to stable and train their racehorses at Century Downs and Century for the near future.

Our COVID-19 Response Working Group will be meeting again tomorrow to review the current situation and determine next steps. Supporting the Alberta Government in protecting the health and safety of all Albertans remains our top priority.

We will continue to provide additional information to everyone as it becomes available.

Stallion Bonus Cheques Mailed Out

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 16:38:47 GMT

The percentage for the 2019 Stallion Owners' Bonus is 2.75%

The 2019 Stallion Bonus will be paid proportionately to Stallion owners whose stallions have eligible Alberta Thoroughbred progeny with earnings of $10,000 or greater during the calendar year. Stallions must have stood in the Province of Alberta for the entire calendar year of conception for each year's crop to be eligible.

Horse Identity to be Established through TRPB Digital Tattoo

Wed, 04 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Effective January 1, 2020, any Thoroughbred that has not been previously lip tattooed and is making its first lifetime start in a recognized pari-mutuel race, must have the TRPB Digital Tattoo in order to be correctly identified in the paddock and permitted to race.

REMINDER

Effective January 1, 2020, any Thoroughbred that has not been previously lip tattooed and is making its first lifetime start in a recognized pari-mutuel race, must have the TRPB Digital Tattoo in order to be correctly identified in the paddock and permitted to race.

The transition to the TRPB Digital Tattoo follows the recent requirement by The Jockey Club for a horse to be microchipped as part of the registration process. All foals from 2017 onward have a listed microchip on their Jockey Club papers.

The Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) passed a model rule regarding Digital Tattoos. The model rule states, effective January 1, 2020, the racing secretary shall ensure that the registration certificates for all Thoroughbred horses that were foaled in 2018 or thereafter have a Digital Tattoo prior to entry in a race.

Read the full TRPB Press Release January 7, 2020 Horse Identity established through the TRPB Digital Tattoo

Read the fact sheet on digital tattoos at FAQs on Digital Tattoos

More information may be found at Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau

View the just released 2020 CTHS Alberta Operating and Sale Budgets!

Tue, 03 Mar 2020 17:28:19 GMT

The 2020 CTHS Alberta Operating and Sale Budget have just been released!

View them by clicking on the following links or viewing them on www.cthsalta. com under Member Information - Budgets

2020 CTHS Alberta Operating Budget

2020 CTHS Alberta Sale Budget

The Economic Impacts of Horse Breeding, Raising, and Racing in Alberta (2019)

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 16:56:37 GMT

Horse Racing Alberta releases updated Serecon report

Total Economic Impact

The activities associated with Alberta’s horse racing industry, including breeding, raising, and racing, are greatly beneficial to the provincial economy. Our findings reveal that these benefits amounted to $312 million in 2019. This represents a 7% increase from the impact value from the 2015 analysis.

Positive economic impacts depend on a number of factors including initial expenditures made by horse owners in breeding, raising and racing horses as well as expenditures that are made at horse races.

After accounting for all expenditures related to horse racing, we have concluded that the direct expenditures in the horse racing industry totaled $157 million in 2019. In addition, indirect and induced expenditures further contributed $155 million to the Alberta economy...

Download the full report by clicking on the link below:

The Economic Impacts of Horse Breeding, Raising, and Racing in Alberta (2019)

Night of Champions date announced

Wed, 19 Feb 2020 22:16:13 GMT

Come and celebrate the accomplishments of the Alberta Thoroughbred Industry in 2019! Roaring twenties theme!

Beau Valley Stallion Showcase

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 16:34:43 GMT

It was a gorgeous day at the Beau Valley Stable Open House this past Saturday, February 15. Beau Valley graciously welcomed over 30 guests this Saturday afternoon where they showcased their 2020 Stallion roster. The stars included Coltimus Prime, Singing Saint, Big Lightning, Gottcha Gold and Omega Code.

Watch the following link to see the new stallion COLTIMUS PRIME winning the 2014 Prince of Wales Stake - a Canadian Classic stake. What an impressive finish!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAWS4EKWduI

For more information on all five Beau Valley resident stallions:

Coltimus Prime
Singing Saint
Omega Code
Gottcha Gold
Big Lightning

Contact Manager, Mike Hoffman at 403-586-7223 (RACE) or beauvalleystable@outlook.com for more information.
https://www.facebook.com/Beau-Valley-Stable-1043238292508975/

Graded Stakes Winning DYNAMIC SKY to stand in Alberta for 2020

Thu, 13 Feb 2020 20:14:10 GMT

From the proven sire line of Pulpit, he was precocious, versatile, and sound," added Shannondoe Farm's Arika Everatt-Meeuse. "Dynamic Sky offers breeders the total package as he is a gorgeous individual as well!"

The Sky Mesa stallion DYNAMIC SKY will be standing the 2020 season at Workwize Stables in Acme, Aberta!

Dynamic Sky has stood the last three seasons at the Everatt family's Shannondoe Farm in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada.

The Sovereign Award winning son of the Pulpit stallion Sky Mesa out of the stakes winning Distorted Humor mare, Murani, Dynamic Sky won or placed in a total of 15 black-type races. He retired from his race career with earnings of $1.1 Million.

Dynamic Sky found early success on dirt. At 2, he was second in the Dixiana Breeders’ Futurity (G1) at Keeneland. At 3, he won the Pasco Stakes and was second in the Sam F. Davis Stakes (G3) at Tampa Bay Downs. He would go on to win the Plate Trial Stakes and place in the Queen’s Plate on Woodbine Race Course’s all-weather track.

A switch to turf produced his championship season at 4 when he won the Red Smith Handicap (G3T), finished second in the Northern Dancer Turf Stakes (G1T), and was third in the Pattison Canadian International Stakes (G1T). Dynamic Sky retired to Shannondoe with a 5-6-7 record out of 34 starts and earnings of $1,009,258.

His first foals are two year olds of 2020!

♦Millionaire & Sovereign Award Champion
♦ New York Graded SW & 3x Grade 1-placed; earned $1,099,258
♦ Defeated MG1SW/Eclipse Champion Big Blue Kitten in Red Smith H. (G3)
♦ Stakes winner & Grade 1-placed at 2
♦ Multiple Stakes winner at 3; Classic-placed in Queen’s Plate
♦ Stakes winner on All-Weather, Turf & Dirt
♦ Won or placed in 15 Stakes
♦ By Grade 1-winning juvenile Sky Mesa, a leading son of Pulpit
♦ ‘…explosive burst in Pasco S. hinted he may have Triple Crown potential’ – DRF.com
♦ ‘…he just kept on showing how good he is down the stretch’ – Luis Contreras

More information including pedigree, videos, mating recommendations and article links may be found on the Shannondoe Farm website

Dynamic Sky will stand at Workwize Stables in Acme, Alberta for a stud fee of $3,000.

Contact Margaret (Maggie) Northcott at 587-998-0466 or workwize.ent@gmail.com

Save the Date! Beau Valley Stable - February 15th at 1 PM Stallion Showcase and Open House

Thu, 06 Feb 2020 22:41:36 GMT

Save the Date!
February 15th at 1PM

Beau Valley Stable in Didsbury is hosting a stallion showcase and open house at their farm on February 15th! Enjoy coffee and lunch while you meet the stallions!
Watch the following link to see the new stallion COLTIMUS PRIME winning the 2014 Prince of Wales Stake - a Canadian Classic stake. What an impressive finish!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAWS4EKWduI
Come and meet all five Beau Valley resident stallions::
Coltimus Prime
Singing Saint
Omega Code
Gottcha Gold
Big Lightning
"There will be also several mares for sale and horses in training. If you are in attendance we will be drawing for a free stud fee to a stallion of your choice!"
Contact Manager, Mike Hoffman at 403-586-7223 (RACE) or beauvalleystable@outlook.com for more information.
https://www.facebook.com/Beau-Valley-Stable-1043238292508975/

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CTHS Alberta Annual General Meeting

Wed, 22 Jan 2020 18:37:53 GMT

Ask you questions and find out what is happening with the Alberta Division of the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society! 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 23rd at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino.

CTHS Alberta

Annual General Meeting

Saturday, May 23rd

11:00 AM

Kentucky Derby Room at

Century Mile Racetrack and Casino

4711 Airport Perimeter Road

Edmonton International Airport

Update - 2019 Breeders' Breeding Support bonus

Thu, 09 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Cheques have now been mailed! Due to unforseen circumstances, the C.T.H.S. Alberta Breeders' Bonus cheques will not be going out until the New Year. Our apologies to all but we want to make sure it's correct. Thank you!

Horse Racing Alberta's Breeding Support for 2019 totals $455,322.00 and is being distributed through the Thoroughbred Breed Improvement Program.

The bonus is based on horses of all ages foaled in Alberta placing win, place and show in all sanctioned races in Alberta having a minimum $7,000 purse and where entered at or above a minimum $7,000 claiming price. The bonus is paid after the conclusion of the Alberta racing season. Bonuses will not be paid for eligible races that have four (4) or less starters.

This year's bonus is 20% of the earnings of all races held in Alberta racetracks in 2019.

As of 2017, recipients of the Breed Improvement Program - Thoroughbred were required to be members in good standing of the C.T.H.S. (Full or Associate member designation) in order to receive the breeders' bonus.

Four new stallions standing in Alberta for the 2020 Season including COLTIMUS PRIME, READY INTAGLIO, SPEEDMEISTER and STREET CRY

Thu, 28 Nov 2019 22:35:39 GMT

Milwaukee Brew son COLTIMUS PRIME acquired by Beau Valley Stable to stand the 2020 season in Didsbury

Mike Hoffman, manager of Beau Valley Stable, told the BloodHorse recently that “Bringing a young sire to the Western Canada market is a fresh change and it aligns with the excitement of the two new world class racing facilities that we have north of Calgary – Century Downs and Century Mile.” Coltimus Prime is a young sire in a market that traditionally attracts older stallions brought in from stud duties elsewhere. The eight year old is a Canadian classic winner, an international champion and a horse that excelled on the dirt at distances over a mile. Century Mile Racetrack and Casino opened this year as the only one mile racetrack in western Canada.

The owner of Beau Valley Stable, Anthony Bilotta, said that the pedigree of the young stallion was outstanding since Milwaukee Brew was a multiple grades stakes winner of over $2.8 Million and “then I look on the female side and the dam’s progeny has won over $1.1 Million and she’s got Ribot on both sides, which I love.”

The grades stakes placed runner finished his race career in 2018 with earnings of $644,125 and wins or placings in ten black type stakes including the fastest time recorded in two decades in the 2014 Prince of Wales Stakes; the 2017 Clasico Presidente de la Republica, a Grade 1 race in Panama and the country’s richest race; and the Invitational Cup Stakes at Gulfstream Park. Coltimus Prime was named Panama’s 2017 champion older horse and champion stayer. Injury forced his retired at the end of last season and presented the opportunity for Beau Valley Stable to acquire the freshman sire.

The stud fee for Coltimus Prime has been set at CDN $2,500.

Canadian Derby Winner READY INTAGLIO Now Standing in Alberta

Champion Alberta Three Year Old and Horse of the Year, Ready Intaglio, will be standing the 2020 season in Alberta at the farm of Eurico and Robbin Martens in Edmonton. The graded stakes winner and 87th Canadian Derby winner won multiple open stakes races including the Ky Alta Handicap, the Count Lathum Handicap, the Canadian Derby and the Spangled Jimmy.

Ready Intaglio is a son of the A.P. Indy sired graded stakes winner Indygo Shiner ($444,066) out of the More than Ready mare, Mama Maxine.

The first foals for Ready Intaglio arrived in 2019 and a complimentary breeding may be offered to qualified mares.

SPEEDMEISTER to stand at Empire Equestrian in Ardrossan

The Bodemeister son SPEEDMEISTER will be added to the stallion roster at Empire Equestrian for the upcoming season. Speedmeister sold for $650,000 as a two year old in training through the 2016 Fasig-Tipton sale in Florida and was a winner at two, three and four with wins at Keeneland, Churchill Downs and Century Downs. The five year old finished his race career in 2018 with six wins and a third place in nineteen starts with career earnings of $108,573.

Bodemeister is a graded stakes winner of $1.3 Million and the sire of a Kentucky Derby winner in his first crop – Always Dreaming ($2,415,860). The dam of Speedmeister, Blossomed, was recently sold at the 2018 Keeneland November Breeding Stock sale for $425,000. The Deputy Minister mare also produced the graded stakes winner Sippican Harbor ($262,650) and the grades takes placed runner Bodacious Babe ($154,259).

Speedmeister will stand for an introductory fee at Empire Equestrian of $1,500 with a Live Foal Guarantee.

Street Cry son to stand at Dunvegan Stud in Alberta

TRUE SENSE, an unraced son of Street Cry (IRE) and full brother to Kentucky Derby and Breeders cup Juvenile Winner Street Sense ($4,383,200), has been relocated to the Dunvegan Stud at Fairview. True Sense was previously among the leading sires in Manitoba.

Street Cry (IRE) had career earnings of over $5 Million and was named the United Arab Emirates Horse of the Year. The graded stakes winner is best known as the sire of Winx (Three times Australia’s Horse of the year and voted Longines 2018 Worlds Best Race horse) and as the sire of America's Horse of the Year 2010 Zenyatta.

True Sense sired four crops in Manitoba including 11 winners of 28 races, 2 stakes winners and earnings of $239,838: Berazzle ($42,011), Truly N Terrific ($40,016), Smart Sense ($25,009), True Louie ($21,794), Sintalena ($20,373), True Kommando ($19,780), Sweet Indulgence ($16,096), Give Me That Wink ($10,486), Trading Game ($9,465).

Spokesperson for Dunvegan Stud, Natalie Nikiforuk said that, with the retirement of their stallion Brunswick, True Sense is a very exciting and welcome addition for stallion duties.

True Sense will be offered at an introductory stud fee of $1500. Visit www.dunveganstud.ca for further information.

Please go to CTHS Alberta Stallion Register to view full stallion listings and contact information.

2020 Thoroughbred A Track Calendar

Wed, 13 Nov 2019 16:54:07 GMT

51 Race Days at Century Mile and 16 Race Days at Century Downs!

Alberta breds in the Century Downs Racetrack and Casino Open Stakes Meet

Wed, 06 Nov 2019 17:22:46 GMT

Century Downs Racetrack and Casino hosted four open stakes races during the Thoroughbred Meet held from September 7 through October 27. The $50,000 Lynn Chouinard Founders Distaff and the $100,000 Harvest Plate were held on Monday, October 14th while the $100,000 Freedom of the City Stakes and the $100,000 Canadian Juvenile were run on the last weekend of the race meet.

Alberta bred runners dominated in the Lynn Chouinard Founders Distaff and the Harvest Plate on Thanksgiving Monday.

Alberta bred BAR NO Q emerged as the winner in the 3rd running of the $100,000 Harvest Plate Stake at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino on Monday, October 14th. Eleven runners contested the seven furlong Harvest Plate including the Alberta bred runners SHIMSHINE, ZIPPITY ZAP, FOR CASH, ZICATELA AND BAR NO Q.

The five-year-old Bar No Q has now won his last two starts, in the Harvest Plate and the Red Diamond Express and has career earnings of $161,587. The Gayego runner was bred by Barrie & Collin Quamme and is owned by Barrie & Collin Quamme and Bar None Ranches Ltd. Gayego is a multiple graded stakes winner and earner of over $1.75 Million who is an Alberta based sire standing at Bar None Ranches in Dewinton, Alberta.

Thank you to the Alberta Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association (ATOBA) for their race sponsorship of the Harvest Plate.

The Alberta bred CTHS Alberta sale graduate SMART FIX won the $50,000 Lynn Chouinard Founders Distaff Handicap on Thanksgiving Monday, October 14. This race was for fillies and mares, three years old and up, over a one and one sixteenth mile track. The six year old mare prevailed over a strong field of twelve runners to take the victory in the seventh race over one and one sixteenth miles at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino. Five Alberta breds were among the runners including EMMA JEAN TOO, SAVEITFORARAINYDAY, SMART FIX, WILKO LOVESONG and PARCAM COWGIRL.

The Kissin Kris runner Smart Fix has had a great season with wins in her last three stakes races including the Lynn Chouinard Founders Distaff, the Northlands Distaff and the Alberta Fall Classic Distaff Handicap bringing her Equibase career earnings to $229,892. The six-year-old CTHS Alberta sale graduate was bred by Pierre Esquirol and is owned by Douglas Hardy, Leanne Chiodo, Judy Frost, Jerri Robertson, Lesley Hardy and Tim Kane.

Tim Kane was thrilled with the win by Smart Fix, “It’s been a hell of a ride!” Kane noted that the mare battled a liver condition last season that kept her to the sidelines and “If they (horses) get so much as a pimple, they don’t run!” Smart Fix has made up for lost time this season with three wins and two seconds in seven starts to earn $104,430 in 2019.

The Lynn Chouinard Founders Distaff Handicap was named after Albertan Lynn Chouinard who passed away on December 7, 2017. Mr. Chouinard was an influential breeder, owner and builder in the industry for three decades through his racing and breeding farm, Bar None Ranches. Mr. Chouinard and his family built Bar None Ranches into a world class facility which bred and raced numerous stakes winners and champions including such familiar names as Code Name Fred, Silver Baubles, Fuhr Ore and Gone in a Flash.

The $100,000 Freedom of the City Stakes for Two Year Old Fillies took place on a cold and windy Saturday on the final weekend of the Century Downs Racetrack and Casino race meet. The Alberta bred PEARL OF KNOWLEDGE finished in third place behind Kentucky bred Enchanted Lady and the BC bred winner, Sangria. The Cape Canaveral filly earned her first black type stakes placing to add to her wins in the CTHS Sales Stake and the Sturgeon River Stakes. Bred by Starline Thoroughbreds, Pearl of Knowledge finished her two year old season with $74,282 in earnings for owners Don Danard and Jim Juris.

The $100,000 Canadian Juvenile Stakes was narrowly captured by the Kentucky bred Rail Hugger. The Alberta breds made him fight for the win however with GREEK GEEK racing three wide into the stretch alongside DUNE d’ORO to challenge Rail Hugger to the wire. The CTHS Sale graduate Greek Geek was sired by Misremembered and bred by Moonshine Meadow Ranch. He finished his two year old season with $27,572 in lifetime earnings for owner Riversedge Racing Stables Ltd. Dune d’Oro earned $48,774 in his debut season for owners Gary and Janet Kropp. The Atreides gelding was bred by Doug Oberg.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: CHANGE TO 2019 BREEDERS’ SUPPORT

Tue, 29 Oct 2019 17:34:13 GMT

The CTHS Alberta Board of Directors approves change to the Breeders’ Breeding Support criteria

The CTHS Alberta Board of Directors has recently approved a change to the Breeders’ Breeding Support criteria in Clause 10 of the 2019 Thoroughbred Breed Improvement Program.

This adjustment aligns the Breeders’ Breeding Support with the retroactive changes to the Owners’ Breeding Support announced by the HBPA of Alberta on October 15, 2019.

The new criteria will be as follows:

Breeders of horses of all ages foaled in Alberta placing win, place and show in all sanctioned races in Alberta having a minimum $7,000 purse and where entered at or above a minimum $7,000 Claiming price will be paid a bonus after the conclusion of the Alberta racing season (invoiced by CTHS). Bonuses will not be paid for eligible races that have four (4) or less starters. The CTHS acknowledges that the Breeders Bonus will be evaluated at the end of the 2019 racing season and that the CTHS reserves the right to alter the minimum standards for the bonus payouts if additional funds become available.

The 2019 Breed Improvement Program may be viewed on the CTHS Alberta website at www.cthsalta.com

Please contact the CTHS Alberta at 403-229-3609 or email at cthsweb@cthsalta.com with any questions.

Street Cry son to stand at Dunvegan Stud

Wed, 23 Oct 2019 17:54:54 GMT

Spokesperson for Dunvegan Stud, Natalie Nikiforuk said that, with the retirement of their stallion Brunswick, True Sense is a very exciting and welcome addition for stallion duties.

TRUE SENSE , son of Street Cry and full brother to Kentucky Derby and Breeders cup Juvenile Winner Street Sense, has relocated to Alberta. One of Manitoba's leading sires has been moved to the Dunvegan Stud at Fairview, Alberta Canada.

His sire, Street Cry United Arab Emirates Horse of the Year, is best known as Sire of: Winx (Three times Australia’s Horse of the year and voted Longines 2018 Worlds Best Race horse) and as the sire of America's Horse of the Year 2010 Zenyatta.

True Sense sired four crops in Manitoba including 29 foals, 20 starters, 11 winners of 28 races, 2 stakes winners and earnings of $239,838, Berazzle ($42,011), Truly N Terrific ($40,016), Smart Sense ($25,009), True Louie ($21,794), Sintalena ($20,373), True Kommando ($19,780), Sweet Indulgence ($16,096), Give Me That Wink ($10,486), Trading Game ($9,465).

Spokesperson for Dunvegan Stud, Natalie Nikiforuk said that, with the retirement of their stallion Brunswick, True Sense is a very exciting and welcome addition for stallion duties.

True Sense will be standing at Dunvegan Stud in Fairview, Alberta for an introductory stud fee of $1500.

Inquiries to Ray Nikiforuk 780-835-4890 or rnikiforuk@gmail.com.

Alberta Breds dominate on Thanksgiving Monday!

Tue, 15 Oct 2019 19:56:58 GMT

Bar No Q and Smart Fix have big wins at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino

Alberta bred BAR NO Q emerged as the winner in the 3rd running of the $100,000 Harvest Plate Stake at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino on Monday, October 14th! Eleven runners contested the seven furlong Harvest Plate including the Alberta bred runners SHIMSHINE, ZIPPITY ZAP, FOR CASH, ZICATELA AND BAR NO Q.

The five-year-old Bar No Q has won his last two starts, in the Harvest Plate and the Red Diamond Express and now has career earnings of $161,587. The Gayego runner was bred by Barrie & Collin Quamme and is owned by Barrie & Collin Quamme and Bar None Ranches Ltd.

Thank you to the Alberta Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association (ATOBA) for their race sponsorship of the Harvest Plate.

The Lynn Chouinard Founders Distaff Handicap was named after Albertan Lynn Chouinard who passed away on December 7, 2017 .
Mr. Chouinard was an influential breeder, owner and builder in the industry for three decades through his racing and breeding farm, Bar None Ranches. Mr. Chouinard and his family built Bar None Ranches into a world class facility which bred and raced numerous stakes winners and champions including such familiar names as Code Name Fred, Silver Baubles, Fuhr Ore and Gone in a Flash.

Coltimus Prime Entering Stud in 2020 in Alberta

Mon, 14 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Beau Valley Stable has acquired a majority interest in the Canadian classic winner

Coltimus Prime Entering Stud in 2020 in Alberta

Update - Stud Fee Set for Coltimus Prime

Beau Valley Stable has set the stud fee for its entering sire and Canadian classic winner, Coltimus Prime , at CA$2,500, the farm announced Oct. 4.

Coltimus Prime is an 8-year-old son of Milwaukee Brew , whom Adena Springs recently decided to pension.

"We are thrilled to have Coltimus Prime, the heir to Milwaukee Brew, standing at stud and representing western Canada," said Michael Hoffman, trainer and manager of Beau Valley Stable located near Didsbury, Alberta. "Bringing a young sire to the western Canada market is a fresh change, and it aligns with the excitement of the two new world-class racing facilities that we have north of Calgary—Century Downs and Century Mile."

Coltimus Prime won the 2014 Prince of Wales Stakes at Fort Erie and was named Panama's 2017 champion older horse and champion stayer after winning the Clasico Presidente de la Republica (G1). He also won the 2017 Invitational Cup Stakes at Gulfstream Park as part of the Clasico del Caribe program. Coltimus Prime was retired with an 8-7-5 record out of 38 starts and earned US$644,125.

BloodHorse October 1, 2019

Son of Milwaukee Brew will stand at Beau Valley Stable near Didsbury, Alberta

Beau Valley Stable has acquired a majority interest in Canadian classic winner and Panamanian champion Beau Valley Stable has acquired a majority interest in Canadian classic winner and Panamanian champion Beau Valley Stable has acquired a majority interest in Canadian classic winner and Panamanian champion Beau Valley Stable has acquired a majority interest in Canadian classic winner and Panamanian champion Beau Valley Stable has acquired a majority interest in Canadian classic winner and Panamanian champion

The pitch went like this: Coltimus Prime would be a young sire in a market that traditionally attracts older stallions that started their careers elsewhere, he is a Canadian classic winner, an international champion, and a horse that thrived at distances over a mile on the dirt. Alberta welcomed the opening in Edmonton this year of Century Mile Racetrack, Western Canada's first one-mile dirt racetrack.

"Bringing a young sire to the Western Canada market is a fresh change and it aligns with the excitement of the two new world-class racing facilities that we have north of Calgary—Century Downs and Century Mile," Hoffman said. Century Downs, which opened in 2017, brought Thoroughbred racing back to the Calgary area after a nine-year hiatus, set off by the closing of Stampede Park in June 2008. Both Century Downs and Century Mile are owned by Colorado-based Century Casinos.

Coltimus Prime won or placed in 10 black-type stakes, of which seven were graded. His biggest wins came in the 2014 Prince of Wales Stakes, with a final time of 1:54.58, making it the fastest running in 20 years; the 2017 Clasico Presidente de la Republica, recognized as a grade 1 stakes in Panama and the country's richest race; and the Invitational Cup Stakes, which was part of the five-race Clasico Internacional del Caribe program hosted by Gulfstream Park for the first time in 2017.

Honored with two Panama titles in 2017 as champion older horse and champion stayer, Coltimus Prime retired with an 8-7-5 record from 38 starts and earned $644,125.

Bilotta said Coltimus Prime's pedigree also sold him on the stallion's potential.

First, Bilotta had horses stabled with Tino Attard when the trainer raced Milwaukee Brew in 2000. He watched the son of Wild Again win the Marine Stakes (G3) at Woodbine and go on to win the Ohio Derby (G2), finish a close third in the Haskell Invitational Handicap (G1), and be runner-up in the Durham Cup Handicap (G3) back at Woodbine that year. Milwaukee Brew would later wind up with Hall of Fame trainer Bobby Frankel and win the Santa Anita Handicap (G1) in 2002.

"Then I look on the female side and the dam's progeny has won over $1.1 million and she's got Ribot on both sides, which I love," Bilotta said, referring to Certainly Special, a daughter of Distorted Humor. "His pedigree is rich with many of the great horses of the past. All that foundation is like concrete. It's all there."

Coltimus Prime is the first stallion venture for Horner, who is co-founder and CEO of CanDeal, which operates an electronic trading platform for the institutional bond market.

A 2020 stud fee for the stallion is expected to be announced soon, according to Hoffman.

C Cup Classic a Success!

Thu, 10 Oct 2019 21:59:31 GMT

Amateur jockeys ran the C Cup Classic on Saturday, October 5th at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino and raised over $4400 for brain tumour research and the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.

When the dust settled, the 2019 running of the C Cup Classic raised a total of $4428.80 towards brain tumour research in support of the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada. This annual event raises funds for cancer research and this year, the C Cup Classic raised funds for the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.

A field of seven racehorses partnered with amateur jockeys competed in the charity horse race which took place on Saturday, October 5th at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino. Jockey Stephan Heiler flew in especially from Toronto to partake in the six furlong race and took the win aboard his mount, Feisty Forester. Fesity Forester was bred by Denny Andrews and is owned by Glen Scarlett. The seven year old Old Forester gelding has lifetime earnings of $72,653 and ten wins.

The amateur jockeys that took part included Twylla Bensmiller on five year old Witt Stamp, Ryan Bott on four year old Jax On, Stephan Heiler on Feisty Forester, Oscar Martinez on four year old Flash the Cash, Kate Pendergast on four year old Respect the Shot, Roy Ramirez on four year old Run Away Lane and Gordie Smith on seven year old Never Lose Hope. These riders are licensed and regulated under the Canadian Amateur Jockeys Association (CAJA) and do not make their living riding races. They must be a minimum of 135 pounds and are only permitted to ride in designated races.

Twylla Bensmiller was the top fundraiser in the C Cup Classic with $816.55, second place fundraiser was Gord Smith with $730.35 and Roy Ramirez took third spot with $630.25 raised. The top three fundraisers were awarded a belt buckle and gift certificate sponsored by Century Downs Racetrack and Casino. The total jockey fundraising donations came to $3528.80 and with the addition of $900.00 in generous C Cup race sponsor donations, total funds raised came to a grand total of $4,428.80. All funds raised were matched by an anonymous donor and went directly to the Canadian Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.

A group of eight guests were able to attend the C Cup Classic from the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada. This group was new to racing and a special thank you goes to trainer, Rod Cone, for helping these visitors understand their track experience and including them in his win picture for race nine.

Gift certificates were sponsored by the C.T.H.S. Alberta to the best dressed pony people at the C Cup Classic. The placings were decided upon by the Brain Institute of Canada guests with Robin Cook awarded first place, second went to Devon Sted and third place was given to Jill Kluby.

Thank you to all the sponsors and supporters that made the 2019 C Cup Classic a success including Bar None Ranches Ltd., sponsor of the buckle and gift card to the winning jockey; the H.B.P.A. of Alberta, sponsor of the C Cup Classic cooler to the winning racehorse; Century Downs Racetrack and Casino, sponsor of the saddle cloths and buckles and gift cards to the top fundraisers. Thank you also to Theresa Sealy and the riders with the Canadian Amateur Jockey Association for their fundraising and participation in the C Cup Classic. Thank you also to all the donors who were so generous in their support of the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada and brain tumour research.

Digital Tattoo System Soon to be a Reality

Wed, 25 Sep 2019 17:03:01 GMT

The new system is scheduled for full implementation by January 1, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Emma Smith, TRPB Agent, 410-398-2261, Ext. 248

TRPB DIGITAL TATTOO PROJECT PROGRESSING SMOOTHLY
FAIR HILL, MD (Thursday, September 19, 2019)

With the introduction of a digital tattoo system now less than four months away, the Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau (TRPB) announced today that it has conducted technician training in 25 states and five Canadian provinces, and that more than 900 Thoroughbreds have already received their digital tattoos.

The new system is scheduled for full implementation by January 1, 2020.

“Effective January 1, 2020, all Thoroughbred horses that have not previously been TRPB lip tattooed must have a Digital Tattoo for race day identification,” said J. Curtis Linnell, executive vice president of the TRPB. “This Digital Tattoo indicates that the Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau has confirmed the identity of the horse and uploaded updated digital photographs to the breed registry database at The Jockey Club.”

The TRPB provides authentication of identity for every Thoroughbred racing jurisdiction in the United States and Canada.

The transition to the TRPB Digital Tattoo was preceded by a requirement by The Jockey Club which calls for any Thoroughbred foaled in 2017 or after to be microchipped prior to being registered.

In essence, the digital tattoo is an electronic validation of the identity of a horse performed by a TRPB Technician. The technician uses a scanner to read the horse’s microchip and that microchip number hyperlinks to electronic registration information consisting of high-resolution digital photos of the horse and its markings.

The Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) passed a model rule regarding digital tattoos. The model rule states, effective January 1, 2020, the racing secretary shall ensure that the registration certificates for all Thoroughbred horses that were foaled in 2017 or thereafter have a digital tattoo prior to entry in a race.

Linnell stressed the importance of regulatory commissions and racing associations being familiar with the impending change.

“With racing commissions, we want to make sure that they have rules in place that specifically reference the Digital Tattoo for identification to avoid scratching horses from a race come January 1,” he said. “As for racing associations, we are encouraging all of them to make sure racing office personnel understand the digital tattoo certification and are planning and preparing to incorporate digital tattoos for horse identification.”

Linnell said the current practice of branding horses on the inside lip will be discontinued at the end of 2019.

He also said that the new system has received encouraging responses when TRPB personnel and TRPB technicians have met with racing officials, regulators, horse identification employees and other industry officials over the course of the past two years.

“For the most part, they seem excited about Digital Tattoos,” he said. “They realize it will provide a more efficient and effective system of identification.”

The technician training has been held in: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming.

The training has also been conducted in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan.

The TRPB, based in Fair Hill, Maryland, is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Thoroughbred Racing Associations of North America and serves as a national investigative agency in the horse racing industry with the goal of maintaining public confidence in the sport of Thoroughbred racing.

Additional information about TRPB and the Digital Tattoo is available at trpb.com.

CTHS Alberta Sale Review

Thu, 19 Sep 2019 20:54:15 GMT

High seller was an Alberta bred Oxbow colt out of Samara Street

2019 CTHS Alberta Thoroughbred Yearling Sale Review

$48,000 was the top price paid for a yearling during the annual Alberta Thoroughbred Sale on Friday, September 13th at Westerner Park in Red Deer, Alberta. 111 quality yearlings were on offer with 67 selling for total gross sales of $451,300. The top five highest priced yearlings were all Alberta bred yearlings.

The high seller was Hip #66, an Alberta bred Oxbow colt out of Samara Street, consigned by Highfield Investment Group, Inc. and sold to 1140021 Alberta Ltd. Oxbow is by Canadian Hall of Fame racehorse and elite sire, Awesome Again. Oxbow is a Grade One winner of the Preakness Stakes and has progeny with over $3 Million in earnings to date. Samara Street ($155,220) is a stakes placed daughter of Street Cry (IRE) who has produced the stakes placed Choteau ($99,450).

The second highest selling yearling was Hip #62, a Cape Canaveral gelding, consigned by Highfield Investment Group and purchased by Greg Tracy, Agent for $30,000. This yearling is out of the Deputy Minister mare, Renaissance Woman, who produced the successful Alberta runner, Alywyn ($261,194).

Third was Hip #45, a Commissioner colt out of the stakes placed Next Big Nothin’ by Forest Wildcat that sold for $26,000. This colt was consigned by Running Fawcett Thoroughbreds and purchased by True North Stable.

Hip #11, a Giant Gizmo filly consigned by Highfield Investment Group sold for $25,000 to Greg Tracy, Agent and brought the fourth highest price in the sale. This filly is out of the stakes winning Golden Made ($372,225), a dam who has produced 10 winners including the well-known Alberta runners, Tell Me Lies ($273,650), Centrefire ($145,777) and Golden Cup ($48,920).

Rounding out the top five high sellers was Hip #30, a Mank colt out of the stakes winning mare Lil Missknowitall ($142,568) by Kafwain. This yearling was consigned by Starline Thoroughbreds and purchased by Don & Sue Danard for $21,000.

Highfield Investment Group was the leading consignor by gross sales with seven yearlings selling for a gross total of $143,200. Three of the top five highest priced yearlings in the sale came from the Highfield Investment Group consignment. The leading purchaser by gross sales was Greg Tracy, Agent who purchased four yearlings for a total amount of $78,000. This group included a Giant Gizmo, an Exhi and two Cape Canaveral yearlings.

The total gross sales for the yearling portion of sale totalled $451,300 with an average of $6,736 and a median of $2,700. The 2019 sales average declined 31% from the 2018 average of $9,658 while the median amount declined 34% from the 2018 median of $4,100. As CTHS Alberta Manager, Jean Kruse, commented, “It was a buyer’s sale.” Consignors faced a challenging market but purchasers had exceptional opportunities to find affordable yearlings from a quality offering that Alberta breeders have worked hard to produce.

Purchasers and owners of Alberta bred yearlings have the opportunity to participate in the Thoroughbred Breed Improvement Program which in 2019 offered over $950,000 to owners of horses foaled in Alberta. Owners of horses of all ages foaled in Alberta placing win, place and show in all sanctioned races in Alberta having a minimum $8,000 claiming price will be paid a bonus amount of 23%.

The CTHS anticipates that;

· Overnight and stakes purses will remain the same in 2020 as they were in 2019. More importantly we expect tangible growth in our Purse Pools in 2021.

· The Breed Improvement Pool will remain the same in 2020 as it was in 2019 offering a minimum 23% bonus to Owners of Alberta Breeds and a minimum 25% bonus to the Breeders of Alberta Breds placing win, place and show in all sanctioned races in Alberta having a minimum $8,000 claiming price .

· Alberta will offer a similar number of “A” Track race dates in 2020 versus 2019.

In addition, a new CTHS Canadian Sales Stakes Series with annual purses totaling over $1 Million has recently been implemented across Canada. This program is open to all Canadian-Bred yearling graduates of CTHS Provincial Sales that have met the eligibility requirements within their respective provinces. The program is intended to truly celebrate the Canadian-Bred and provide increased incentives for buyers to attend and buy at all the Canadian sales. In addition, it is anticipated that the series should increase prices at future Canadian sales which will be beneficial for all consignors.

Alberta is now home to two beautiful ‘A’ Thoroughbred tracks, the one mile Century Mile in Nisku on the outskirts of Edmonton and Century Downs in Balzac on the outskirts of Calgary, offering the promise of exciting live Thoroughbred racing for years to come. These tracks and stakes series offer CTHS yearling sale purchasers many opportunities to become involved in the industry and race their prospects.

Thank you to all the consignors and purchasers who participated in the CTHS Alberta yearling sale for their continued support of the industry and best of luck with your future racing plans.

For full sale results, visit the CTHS Alberta website at www.cthsalta.com .

Save the Date for the C Cup Classic!

Wed, 18 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMT

All funds raised by the C Cup Classic will go towards Brain Tumor research. Donations will be matched through the generosity of a private donor! Visit the C Cup Event website at the Brain Tumor foundation to sign up as a donor or participant.

Once again we’re On Track to Beat Cancer and this year will be supporting the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada with the third annual C Cup Classic to be held on Saturday, October 5th at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino.

We’re thrilled to be partnering once again with the Canadian Amateur Jockey Association as we raise funds for the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.

Visit the C Cup Classic website to donate or sponsor a rider!

We hope you will join us for the C Cup Classic Series and help support this very worthwhile cause! https://secure2.convio.net/btfc/site/TR?fr_id=1670&pg=entry

#Cancercanbebeaten

2019 Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic!

Tue, 10 Sep 2019 19:33:34 GMT

$350,000 in purse money for Alberta Breds on the richest day in Alberta racing. Don't miss the action at Century Downs on Sunday, September 15th! Check out the nominations on Equibase at http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbHorsemenAreaSNHW.cfm?trk=CTD

Celebration of Life for Lorne Dupont

Thu, 29 Aug 2019 21:30:24 GMT

On Sunday, September 15th, there will be a memorial service celebrating the life of Lorne Dupont. This event will take place at Century Downs in the Paddock Room at 1 to 3 pm.

There will be shared stories, photos and a power point presentation as well refreshments, all to celebrate the life of Lorne Dupont.

'I am so grateful to all the amazing people in different Alberta Thoroughbred Racing organizations and the race track community for being Dad’s strong support network and family for also many years.' - daughter, Laura Dupont

We hope to see you there!

https://www.remembering.ca/obituary/lorne-dupont-1070902992

2019 Canadian Yearlings Sales Supplement

Wed, 28 Aug 2019 17:52:00 GMT

Click on the picture below to browse the supplement guide!

2019 CTHS Alberta Sale Video!

Wed, 28 Aug 2019 15:25:54 GMT

2019 CTHS Alberta Thoroughbred Sale Video

Horses, Hats and Hope event cancelled

Thu, 08 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Important notice! Due to circumstances beyond our control, we have unfortunately had to cancel the Horse, Hats and Hope event scheduled for this Sunday, August 11th at Century Mile. Thank you all for your interest and hope to see you for a great event next year!

Important notice!
Due to circumstances beyond our control, we have unfortunately had to cancel the Horse, Hats and Hope event scheduled for this Sunday, August 11th at Century Mile.
Thank you all for your interest and hope to see you for a great event next year!

Get your tickets for this special event!

As part of the annual C Cup Classic the C.T.H.S. (Alberta Division) is hosting a Horses, Hats and Hope event on Sunday, August 11th at Century Mile racetrack. This year the C Cup will be racing to support brain tumour research. Horses, Hats and Hope is a fundraiser in support of the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.

Please join us for an afternoon at the races and enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbly, appetizers, fashion show and some swag in support of this very worthwhile cause. (All in time for the Canadian Derby.) Tickets for this fun filled event are $75.00 with the proceeds donated to the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.

Contact the CTHS office at 403-229-3609 for further information and to purchase your tickets.

2019 CTHS Alberta Sale catalogue on line! Find your future star at the CTHS Alberta sale on September 13th!

Wed, 07 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Find Your Future Star!

The 2019 CTHS Alberta Sale catalogue has been posted on line and hard copies will be available after Tuesday, August 13. Please call or email the CTHS Alberta office at 403-229-3609 or cthsweb@cthsalta.com to have a hard copy mailed out.

CTHS Alberta Sale! Find Your Future Star!

Mon, 05 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Exceptional opportunity to choose from an extensive variety of sire lines among the yearlings on offer.

The 2019 CTHS Alberta Thoroughbred Sale will be held at Westerner Park in Red Deer on Friday, September 13th. 129 quality horses including 119 Alberta bred yearlings were catalogued at press time.

The sale will take place between the end of the inaugural Century Mile Thoroughbred meet just south of Edmonton and the opening of the Century Downs Thoroughbred meet in Balzac with the Alberta Breeders’ Fall Classic following on Sunday, September 15th.

Buyers will have an exceptional opportunity to choose from an extensive variety of sire lines among the yearlings on offer. Alberta sires include Bench the Judge, Cape Canaveral, Charming Assassin, Declassify, Exhi, Gayego, Gotcha Gold, Heavenly Chorus, Imperialism, It’s No Joke, Mank, Omega Code, O’Prado Again, Schramsberg and Teeman. Other sire lines available include Awesome Again, Bodemeister, Can The Man, Commissioner, Creative Cause, Daredevil, Day of Destiny, Fed Biz, Finality, Flat Out, Gemologist, Giant Gizmo, Gio Ponti, Girolamo, Graydar, Hit I a Bomb, Jimmy Creed, Justin Phillip, Liaison, Medal Count, Milwaukee Brew, Mineshaft, Noble Mission, Overanalyze, Oxbow, Palace, Paynter, Reload, Revolutionary, Run Away and Hide, Shackleford, Shakin It Up, Silver Max, Smarty Jones, Tale of the Cat, Temple City, Texas Red, Tizbud, Tizway, Vancouver (AUS), Verrazano and Wicked Strong.

Buyers have an opportunity to purchase a colt by O’Prado Again, sire of the 2018 CTHS Alberta $53,000 selling yearling from this leading consignor. A half-brother to the successful Alberta runner Smart Fix ($134,095) is on offer out of Char’s Still Here. A selection of yearlings by the Langfuhr son, Imperialism, are catalogued. Imperialism currently sits in seventh spot on the 2019 Bloodhorse Leading Canadian Sire List, the only stallion in western Canada in the top ten. Two yearlings are consigned by the Storm Cat son, Schramsberg, sire of Canadian Juvenile winner Remarkable Vintage and Fall Classic Distaff winner, Our Sammi. A two year old gelding is on offer by the Eclipse award winning Elusive Quality son, Smarty Jones in addition to a two year old filly by the proven Grade 1 sire and Storm Cat son, Tale of the Cat.

Come and select your future star from this strong line up of Thoroughbreds entered in this annual sale!

Owners of Alberta bred runners have the opportunity to participate in the Thoroughbred Breed Improvement Program which offers over $950,000 in Owners Breeding Support to owners of horses foaled in Alberta.

The Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (CTHS) recently announced the expansion of the Western Sales Stakes series to include Ontario thus making the series a truly Canadian initiative. This new CTHS Canadian Sales Stakes Series has annual purses totaling over $1 Million. As a result of this program, any Canadian-Bred yearling passing through any CTHS yearling sale as of 2018 will now be eligible for the Sales Stakes in any Province. The expansion of the series was ratified by the CTHS boards in the Provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario. The program is intended to truly celebrate the Canadian-Bred and provide increased incentives for buyers to attend and buy at all the Canadian sales. In addition, it is anticipated that the series should increase prices at Canadian sales which will be beneficial for all consignors. More importantly, the CTHS believes that the field sizes in the Sales Stakes will improve as a result of the increased eligibility. The new Sales Stakes program is designed to build a Canadian Series and promote the Canadian-Bred Thoroughbred.

View the CTHS Alberta web site at www.cthsalta.com for more details on the sale and catalogue.

Alberta Bred Runners Finish One - Two in City of Leduc Stakes

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 21:45:59 GMT

Both are Alberta CTHS Sale graduates!

With the first running of the City of Leduc Stakes under wraps at Century Mile in Nisku, Alberta this past Sunday, it’s exciting to recognize both the winner and the second-place finisher as Alberta-bred runners. What’s more, both of these talented athletes are recent graduates of the CTHS Alberta Sale as yearlings, just last fall!

The inaugural champion of this two-year-old stakes race, Maskwecis, is a son of Jimmy Creed and out of the mare Maidstone, by Aptitude ($1,965,410). In just the second start of his career, Maskwecis now has a first and second place finish as well as earnings of $30, 691 to show for his efforts. The gelding’s sire, Jimmy Creed, is a graded stakes winner himself of $439,250. Consigned by breeder Doug Oberg as a yearling in the 2018 CTHS Alberta Sale, Maskwecis is owned now by Red Ron Farms, trained by Ron Smith and was piloted to victory in his first stakes race by jockey Anastasios Chalaris.

Mindful of the success of Maskwecis in just his first two starts, it is inspiring to make note of the Jimmy Creed offspring up for offer in the CTHS Alberta Sale this year. Another gelding, this time a chestnut yearling out of Flashy n’ Sheikh (by Sheikh Albadou) is consigned from Esquirol Farms. The first dam was a winner of $44,304 in her three-year-old year and the second dam, Flashy Chestnut (by Briartic) an earner of $73,771 with five wins from ages two through four. Hip No. 6 will be one to watch for anyone looking to find their future stakes champion.

If it makes us proud to declare an Alberta-bred as a stakes winner, then count us thrilled to recognize that the runner-up was bred within the province as well! Holding her own as the only filly among tough company, Pearl of Knowledge came second to Maskwecis in an exciting finish that was only decided in the final moments of the City of Leduc Stakes. A daughter of the stakes winner, Cape Canaveral ($128,640) and out of Lil Missknowitall ($142,568), this young filly has earnings to date of $19,759 on just two starts with a first and second place finish.

Cape Canaveral is among the leading sires in Canada with 287 winners in his progeny—35 of them stakes winners—for cumulative earnings near $17 million. Originally consigned to the 2018 CTHS Alberta Sale by Starline Thoroughbreds, Pearl of Knowledge is now owned by Don Danard and Jim Juris. For her success in racing action last weekend, she was trained by Greg Tracy and jockeyed by Dane Nelson.

Fans of the beautiful and talented Pearl of Knowledge will be pleased to learn that there are a number of offspring by her sire, Cape Canaveral, consigned to the CTHS Alberta Sale in September. Going one step further, Hip No. 30 is a dark bay or brown colt out of the same dam, Lil Missknowitall. Again consigned by Starline Thoroughbreds, this year’s offering is sired by Mank ($29,470), a half-brother to stakes winner, Conquest Mo Money ($510,580) and a son of another stakes winner, Pulpit ($728,200).

It is plain to see the talent in our Alberta-bred thoroughbreds and the results of the City of Leduc Stakes last weekend have served to emphasize this fact. The CTHS Alberta Sale serves to showcase this each year!

Scheduled for September 13, 2019 at Westerner Park in Red Deer, more details are available on the CTHS Alberta website: www.cthsalta.com . If the recent success of our sale graduates is any indication, there will be many future champions up for offer again in the auction this year. See you in September!

Century Downs Charity Golf Tournament in support of the Children's Cottage Society

Thu, 18 Jul 2019 21:02:31 GMT

Spots still available for the Century Downs Charity Golf Tournament in support of the Children's Cottage Society!

Spots still available in the Century Downs Racetrack and Casino Charity Golf Tournament in support of the Children's Cottage Society. The tournament is on Thursday, August 1 at 1:00 pm.

The registration forms may be downloaded here at: Calgary Racing Festival Charity Golf Tournament (PDF)

Contact Century Downs at info.centurydowns@cnty.com for more information.

C Cup Classic Series News

Thu, 04 Jul 2019 21:25:42 GMT

This event will be a three part series for the first time!

Once again we’re On Track to Beat Cancer and this year will be supporting the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada with the third annual C Cup Classic!

For the first time the C Cup Classic will be a three part series with races taking place at Evergreen Park in Grande Prairie on August 2nd at Rocky Mountain Turf Club in Lethbridge on September 1st. The final race of the series will be held on Saturday, October 5th at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino.

We’re thrilled to be partnering once again with the Canadian Amateur Jockey Association as we raise funds for the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.

We hope you will join us for the C Cup Classic Series and help support this very worthwhile cause. #Cancercanbebeaten

Race Sponsorship Program increases purses by over $1 Million!

Tue, 25 Jun 2019 19:59:33 GMT

The upcoming stakes races this Canada Day long weekend are supported through the Race Sponsorship Program! This program was founded by the CTHS Alberta and the Alberta Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association in 2017 as a means to supplement purses and promote Alberta racing. Over $1 Million has been raised to supplement purses since inception of the program and the Canadian Derby now boasts a purse of $250,000, an increase of $100,000 from 2017.

Advertise in the CTHS Sale catalogue!

lindsay@cthsalta.com (Lindsay Ward) — Wed, 05 Jun 2019 17:38:26 GMT

Great rates available! Reach a wide audience of Thoroughbred owners, breeders, trainers and fans!

Click on the following link to go to the CTHS Alberta Sale catalogue advertising page!

CTHS Alberta Sale catalogue advertising

Night of Champions Celebration Video

Tue, 21 May 2019 16:51:53 GMT

CTHS Alberta 'Celebrating our Champions of 2018'

Watch this wonderful video with the highlights of 2018 from Alberta A Track Thoroughbred racing presented at the 2019 Night of Champions .

Produced by Orianna Scheck.

View all our videos on the CTHS Alberta You Tube channel.

Champions of the Alberta Thoroughbred Industry Announced

Wed, 01 May 2019 17:54:09 GMT

Alberta Thoroughbred Award Winners

Night of Champions

May 11th, 2019

Alberta Thoroughbred Industry Award Winners

Huge opening day at Century Mile

Tue, 30 Apr 2019 21:01:07 GMT

Only one mile racetrack in western Canada opens

By Curtis Stock for Horse Racing Alberta - April 28, 2019

Century Mile, awash in colour and freshly minted brightness, buzzed with electricity long before the first race went under the wire at the new racetrack and casino which opened Sunday afternoon. An hour before first post and still a good kilometre from the track’s entrance near the Edmonton International Airport, traffic already growled to a stop.

With both the main and auxiliary parking lots full, traffic was directed to the nearby Premium Outlet Collection mall where shuttle busses collected racing fans. “We started with eight buses and we ended up with 14,” said Century Mile casino manager Kevan Schell. “They went non-stop.” Inside, a crowd estimated at 5,000, stood, sat and walked shoulder to shoulder.

“Everybody wanted to see what it looked like,” said Schell. “For the most part I think they were pleased with what they saw.”

“The place was packed; it was a great crowd and they all seemed happy,” echoed racing manager Matt Jukich. “People couldn’t find a place to park; they were lined up as far as you could see. It would have been nice if the weather would have been better but all in all it went pretty smoothly. This is the start of a new day.”

“The mood is definitely upbeat,” concurred Alberta Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association vice president Brian Bygrave. “It was a long struggle to get to this point but we’ve finally arrived. I’ve talked to a lot of trainers and jockeys and they all like what they are seeing. We’re working with people - Century Casinos - that want to be in the business of horse racing. Sure, there’s a casino as well as the racetrack but they know racing is important to them. Without racing they wouldn’t be here.”

Paul Ryneveld, general manager of both Century Mile and Century Downs just north of Calgary, left little doubt about that when he said “We’re a racetrack with a casino. Not the other way around. I think horse racing will be very healthy in Alberta.”

Ryneveld, like many others, believe Century Mile’s one-mile circumference - the only one-mile track outside of Ontario - is going to be a game changer. “I saw some horsemen (Sunday) from B.C. who came here because they just had to see it. They told me there is no reason for them not to send a horse out here now. I think now we’ll be able to attract horses from Ontario as well as from the U.S. to our bigger races like the Canadian Derby.”

The Canadian Derby has an advertised purse of $150,000 but Ryneveld said Century Casinos has already committed to another $50,000 making the August 18 race a $200,000 event. And that’s only the beginning. “The Derby needs to be more than $200,000. A $200,000 race is still a $150,000 race in the U.S. because of the dollar exchange.”

Maybe the happiest guy in attendance for Sunday’s curtain opener was veteran trainer Tom Rycroft - especially after he took the day’s first race - a $25,000 allowance with Born in a Breeze. “This is the race I really wanted to win,” grinned Rycroft, who also won another race on the nine-race card. “First race at Century Mile. That’s a feather in the cap. And what a horse to do it with.”

Born in a Breeze hadn’t been seen in Alberta since he won last June’s $50,000 Spangled Jimmy. “He showed how big of a heart he has when he won that race because he needed surgery to remove a chip out of his left knee shortly after that race. It was a real good operation. “He showed that when he won his first race back after the operation this winter in Phoenix. He beat some really nice horses that day.”

On Sunday he beat some really nice horses again including runner-up and former Alberta Horse of the Year Trooper John, who is trained by Tom’s son, Tim. Sixth and last during the early going - and still ahead of only one horse with three-eighths of a mile to run - Born in a Breeze turned on the after-burners under jockey Rigo Sarmiento down the long stretch.

“I knew Trooper John was the horse to beat and we got him,” said Tom. “I’m just glad that the stretch at Century Mile is as long as it is because it took a while for him to get past Trooper John. But I knew he had him at the sixteenths pole. He’s a horse that never quits,” he said after the three-quarters of a length victory. There was lots of speed in the race and I told Rigo not to worry. I just told him to stay close because I figured the speed would come back to him and it did. Rigo rode him perfectly but then he knows the horse so well. He rode him when he won in Phoenix and he galloped him all winter in Phoenix. “Galloped him for nothing too because he liked him so much and he wanted to ride him.”

Tom Rycroft is one of Century Mile’s biggest boosters. “Century Mile is doing a helluva job. This track is going to make horse racing in Alberta. It’s going to be good for everyone especially the breeders because there is some stability in horse racing here now. It’s something now we know will last which we haven’t known for the last several years.”

STOCK REPORT - Racing continues this weekend on both Saturday and Sunday. Post time both days is 1:45 p.m.

curtisstock@icloud.com
Follow me on Twitter: CurtisJStock.

Our Future is Bright!!

Tue, 23 Apr 2019 22:04:42 GMT

The CTHS Alberta will be at the Mane Event Expo at Westerner Park in Red Deer this April 26 through 28th. Stop by to see us and get your free sunglasses, lip balm and CTHS bag!!

Albertan Named in Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 15:19:37 GMT

Bory Margolus named to the Builder Category in the Class of 2019

Representing Thoroughbreds in the Class of 2019 is Builder Bory Margolus , Jockey Mickey Walls, Trainer Josie Carroll, as well as Female Horse Lexie Lou, and Veteran Horse All Along (FR)

Bory Margolus

Based in Alberta, the late Bory Margolus was a successful business executive who would also become a leading force in Western Canada’s thoroughbred racing industry. From the time he purchased his first horse in 1952 until his retirement from the industry in 1986, Mr. Margolus and his Elmbrook Farm near Edmonton were dominant in Alberta as leading money-winning owner for nine consecutive years. Elmbrook’s racing success channelled into its breeding operation, leading all Alberta breeders from 1980-1983 inclusive. His contribution was recognized nationally in the form of two Sovereign Awards – in 1975 as Canada’s Oustanding Owner and in 1977 as Outstanding Breeder. Margolus won every major stakes race in Alberta including the Alberta Derby, and also frequently raced his horses in British Columbia. He later partnered with CHRHF member Jim Wright in the ownership of Winnipeg’s Assiniboia Downs. Bory Margolus’ was known as a consummate gentleman who treated his horses and those he employed the same way, he spoiled them.

CTHS Alberta Sale Date Released

Wed, 20 Mar 2019 16:00:49 GMT

We are pleased to announce that the 2019 CTHS Alberta Thoroughbred Sale will be held at Western Park in Red Deer on Friday, September 13th!

Western Canada's Event Centre... Your Home for Celebration!

The mission of Westerner Park is to provide exceptional guest experiences through premier facilities and services for agriculture and trade, sports and entertainment, conferences and meetings, generating economic benefits for Central Alberta.

Follow the CTHS Alberta 2019 Sale page for news and updates!

Century Mile Racetrack and Casino Opening Announcement

Wed, 13 Mar 2019 21:38:59 GMT

New Press Release from Century Casino confirming details!

Colorado Springs, Colorado, February 28, 2019 – Century Casinos, Inc. (Nasdaq Capital Market®: CNTY) announced today that Century Mile Racetrack and Casino in South Edmonton, Alberta, Canada will be opening its racing entertainment centre, restaurant, sports bar and off-track betting lounge on April 1, 2019. The horse racing season is scheduled to start with Thoroughbred racing on the one-mile racetrack for the first time on April 28th. A grand opening gala is planned for the evening of April 27th.

The main racing events at Century Mile throughout 2019 will be the Oaks and Derby Preview on Canada Day, July 1, the prestigious Packwood Grand event on August 17, the $150,000 Grade 3 Canadian Derby on August 18, followed by the $130,000 Western Canadian Pacing Derby, the $130,000 Don Byrne Memorial on September 15 and wrapping up with the $350,000 Alberta Superfinals on November 2.

Read the entire Century Casinos Press Release>> Century Mile Racetrack and Casino Opening Announcement

May 11th - Save the Date!

Thu, 21 Feb 2019 22:10:51 GMT

The 2019 Night of Champions will be held on Saturday, May 11th at the new Century Mile Racetrack & Casino! More information to come soon.

Follow the CTHS Alberta Events page for further information and ticket sales!
Nominations will be posted soon for the horse categories...come and help celebrate all the achievements of the Alberta Thoroughbred Industry in the 2018 season!

2019 Fact Book Available Online

Tue, 19 Feb 2019 17:11:13 GMT

The Jockey Club announced today that the 2019 edition of the Fact Book is available in the Resources section of its website at jockeyclub.com.

Jockey Club News Release - Thursday, February 14, 2019

The Fact Book is a statistical and informational guide to Thoroughbred breeding, racing and auction sales in North America. It also features a directory of Canadian, international, national, and state organizations.

The 2019 Alberta Fact Book

Links to the Breeding Statistics report that is released by The Jockey Club each September and the Report of Mares Bred information that is published by The Jockey Club each October can be found in the Breeding section of the Fact Book. Starting this year, the Fact Book will be updated quarterly, and additional statistics will be made available in the coming months to provide additional insight into overall trends in Thoroughbred breeding, sales, and racing.

The 2019 editions of State Fact Books, which feature detailed breeding, racing and auction sales information specific to numerous states, Canadian provinces, and Puerto Rico, are also available on The Jockey Club website. The State Fact Books are updated monthly.

The Jockey Club, founded in 1894 and dedicated to the improvement of Thoroughbred breeding and racing, is the breed registry for North American Thoroughbreds. In fulfillment of its mission, The Jockey Club, directly or through subsidiaries, provides support and leadership on a wide range of important industry initiatives, and it serves the information and technology needs of owners, breeders, media, fans and farms. It is the sole funding source for America’s Best Racing, the broad-based fan development initiative for Thoroughbred racing. You can follow America’s Best Racing at americasbestracing.net .

Additional information is available at jockeyclub.com .

#HorsesChangedMyLife

Thu, 07 Feb 2019 22:10:56 GMT

Horses changed my life right when I needed them. Horses changed my life right when I needed them.

Ten years ago, I loaded up my one true love and sent him six hours north for his next adventure. He was my childhood horse, and he was a beautiful bay Thoroughbred.

I gave him away as a last minute Hail Mary at repairing my relationship with my father, as he sat hooked up to at IV, chemotherapy dripping into his central line in Pittsburgh, PA. Because the one thing that my father and I fought about was the one thing I loved above all else: my horse.

R ead the entire story #HorsesChangedMyLife written by Carleigh Fedork and posted on the www.thehorsenetwork.com

Open House at Beau Valley Stable

Wed, 06 Feb 2019 17:49:31 GMT

Come and preview the stallions at the Beau Valley Open House this Saturday from 1 -3!

Bear’s Kid now standing at Beau Valley Stable in Alberta

Bear’s Kid has moved from Colebrook Farm in Ontario to stand at Beau Valley Stable in Didsbury, Alberta. The Grade II winning son of Lemon Drop Kid has first foals that were two year olds of 2013 and his progeny include the $125,000 Woodbine Marine Stakes Winner, Asserting Bear ($460,951) and the 2018 $100,000 Woodbine Classy N’Smart stakes winner, Bear Paw ($123,150).

Bred in Kentucky by Adena Springs, Bear’s Kid is out of the mare, Tap to Music, the winner of the Grade I 1998 Gazelle Handicap. Tap to Music by Pleasant Tap is a multiple grades stakes earner of over $1 Million and a half-sister to sire, Northern Afleet.

As a two year old, Bear’s Kid won the Grade II Summer Stakes and was third in the Labeeb Stakes as a four year old. He completed his race career in 2008 with $287,073 in earnings.

The sire of Bear’s Kid, Lemon Drop Kid by Kingmambo, is a top 20 lifetime active sire with progeny that has over $85,000,000 in combined earnings, 45 graded stakes winners and 99 stakes winners. Lemon Drop Kid is the sire of the Grade I stakes winners Beach Patrol and Romantic Vision, and broodmare sire of Grade I winners including Finest City, Tamarkuz, Yellow Agate, Forever Unbridled, etc. His 2018 yearling sales are to $310,000.

The sires Big Lightning and Singing Saint have also moved from within Alberta to Beau Valley Stable for the 2019 season. The Bernardini son, Big Lightning, has first foals that were two year olds of 2017 and already include the 2017 Princess Margaret Stakes winner, Emma Jean Too ($53,477). The El Prado son, Singing Saint, has progeny with average earnings per start of $50,000 and is the sire of blacktype winners, Harp N Halo ($177,170) and Songs and Laughter ($148,377) as well as the stakes placed Tairneach ($288,076).

The 2019 stallion roster at Beau Valley Stable now includes Bear’s Kid, Big Lightning, Gottcha Gold, Omega Code and Singing Saint.

2019 CTHS BC Horses of Racing Age Sale

Wed, 30 Jan 2019 22:49:12 GMT

Entries close on Thursday, February 7th, 2019

Saturday, March 16, 2019 at 12:00 noon
Sale Preview on Saturday, March 9, 2019
Hastings Racecourse
ENTRIES CLOSE THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7TH, 2019
www.cthsbc.org

2019 'A' Track Stakes Calendar

lindsay@cthsalta.com (Lindsay Ward) — Thu, 24 Jan 2019 21:40:04 GMT

Century Mile and Century Downs Stakes Schedule

Century Mile and Century Downs will be the location of 'A' Track racing in Alberta from 2019 onward.
The season will start at the new one mile track at Century Mile on April 28th!

Storm Cat Son Moves from Bar None Ranches

Thu, 24 Jan 2019 18:13:30 GMT

Storm Cat Son purchased by new interests to stand 2019 season

Schramsberg Acquired from Bar None Ranches

Congratulations to Alison Clapton of Lethbridge on her recent acquisition of the Storm Cat sire, Schramsberg, from Bar None Ranches.

Schramsberg is a stakes winner of 6 races at 4 and 5 earning $394,626, with wins that included the Grade 3 John B. Connally Turf Cup. The Storm Cat son is the sire of 4 crops of racing age and 26 winners of 44 races and earnings of $413,168. His progeny include REMARKABLE VINTAGE, winner of the $60,000 Black Type Canadian Juvenile in his second start; Totally Suave, 3 wins, Future S., etc.; Ava’s Angel, Bullys Futurity; stakes placed Hippie, 4 wins, $53,731, 3rd BC Cup Debutante S.; Mosquito Creek, 2nd Bullys Futurity and Three Point Cash, 3rd Bullys Futurity etc.

The son of Sire of Sires’ Storm Cat is amongst the leading third crop sires in Canada and is out of Hall of Fame inductee Serena’s Song. Serena’s Song was named to the 2002 Hall of Fame and was the Eclipse Award 1995 Champion Three Year Old Filly. She was 2nd in the 1996 Breeders’ Cup Distaff and 2nd in the 1994 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies. The Rahy daughter won 17 graded stakes races, including 11 Grade 1 wins, in 3 seasons for total career earnings of over $3 Million.

Serena’s Song has produced 10 winenrs from 12 foals to race including Group 1 winner Sophisticat, Grade II winners, Harlington and Grand Reward and Serena’s Tune, her first foal who was a multiple stakes winner.

Schramsberg is standing at the farm of Alison Clapton’s in Lethbridge for the 2019 fee of $750 LF guarantee which includes $250 booking fee.

cthsalta

Alberta Stallion Owners Earn Big Rewards!

Counterforce Offers Exciting Opportunities to Alberta Breeders

Apprehend Standing in BC

The Arrogate son, Apprehend, is a G3 winner in British Columbia and a new track record setter in 2025 in the Century Mile Handicap

The Jockey Club Releases ID My Thoroughbred App

The Jockey Club of Canada Announces 2025 Sovereign Award Finalists

Alberta Bred BIG HUG Finalist in Champion Older Main Track Female

Go Hug Your Horse

A Legacy of Care

Alberta Bred Thoroughbreds Drive Owner Incentive Earnings

Four Key Incentive Program for 2026

Four key incentive programs designed to encourage breeding, foaling, purchasing, and developing horses right here in Alberta!

Thank you for a successful 2025 Season!

Breeders of Alberta Bred Thoroughbreds Earn Big Rewards!

A total of $721,495 was distributed through the 2025 Breeders’ Bonus as part of the Horse Racing Alberta Thoroughbred Breed Improvement Program!

Thoroughbred percentage of the horses competing at the WNFR

2025 WNFR Pedigree Analysis ... one thing remains constant – all the timed-event horses at the WNFR have Thoroughbred ancestry. The most prolific of those ancestors is the Thoroughbred stallion Three Bars .

Read more at: 2025 WNFR Pedigree Analysis

Credit to The Western Thoroughbred for the article.

Highlights of Alberta breds in the Open Stakes Season

The 2025 Alberta Thoroughbred racing season unfolded as a showcase of consistency and rising homegrown talent across both northern and southern meets.

Cambridge Park is happy to announce multiple GSW Joey Freshwater - G3 will be standing in Alberta for the 2026 season.

Albertans Active at the 2025 Keeneland Breeding Stock Sale

From Alberta to the Breeders Cup

MAJESTIC OOPS, bred by Albertans Bill & Sandy Dory and Gary & Janet Kropp, is set to take on the best fillies and mares in the world in the $2 Million Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff (Grade 1)!

The Jockey Club Launches Traceability Survey

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.

SAVE THE DATE 2025 CTHS National Digital Sale

The closing date for entries is November 12, 2025 and entry forms are available at cthsnational.com

Racing, Rewards & Celebration: Don't Miss the 2025 Sales Stakes Festival

Alberta Yearling Market Soars 47%

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.

CTHS Alberta Sale Graduates Rule Fall Classic, Setting Stage for 2025 Sale

Sale Connections to the Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic Nominees

Sale connections to the Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic nominees!

2025 CTHS Alberta Thoroughbred sale live!

Click on the image below to go to the sale page and view catalogue!

OwnerView: Panel 6 Buying at the Sales and Digital Sales

The Jockey Club List of Resources and Programs to Responsibly Retire Your Off Track Thoroughbred

A smooth transition into a second career for OTTBs after their racing or breeding careers is paramount

OTTB Profile OTTB Profile is the first Equineline report centered on Thoroughbreds retiring from the track or enjoying their second careers.

Learn About Your Off Track Thoroughbred!

CTHS Alberta Launches $60,000 Incentive Program for Alberta-Bred Two-Year-Olds

Digital Certificate Information

How to Transfer Jockey Club Digital Certificates

In Memory of Golden Made

Highfield Stock Farm Loses Blue Hen Mare - Golden Made

2024 Alberta Thoroughbred Industry Award Winners Celebrated

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.

$3,400 Bargain Becomes Alberta’s Best: Big Hug Honoured as Horse of the Year

The Western Canadian Derby Series is back and better than ever!

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

Canadian Tariff Countermeasures Update

Alberta bred He's Crimson Code : From Racetrack to Show Jumping

Breeding is both an art and a science, and it’s always rewarding to see these horses thrive—not just in racing but in their lives beyond it. The best breeders take pride in ensuring their horses have a good future, whether that’s on the track, in the breeding shed, or in second careers.

Alberta Stallion Owners Celebrate Outstanding Breeders Awards

Alberta’s breeding industry is thriving, with qualifying stallion owners sharing in an impressive $85,000 in breeding awards for the 2024 season!

Anne Kursinski Still Loves A Good Thoroughbred

Two older Alberta OTTBs Silver Essence and Mint having fun!

Moonshine Now Standing at Copper Kettle Performance Horses

2025 CTHS (Alberta) Programs

Horse Racing Alberta Boosts Breed Improvement Programs for 2025

Celebrating Alberta-Bred Success and Breeders' Bonuses

Horse Racing Alberta Approves 2025 Budget

Significant Increases in Purses and Horsemen's Programs Across All Breeds

Albertans at the November Keeneland Breeding Stock Sale

Celebrating Alberta-Bred Success

Highlights from the 2024 Open Season at Century Mile and Century Downs

Tapiture to Stand at Highfield Farm in Okotoks for 2025

Smart Strike son, Counterforce, to move to Empire Equestrian for 2025

Alberta Bred BIG HUG wins again!

The four year old filly wins the Lynn Chouinard Founders Distaff Handicap at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino on Saturday, October 12th, 2024.

Alberta Breds Win on Sales Stake Festival Day

2024 CTHS Alberta Thoroughbred Sale Highlights

Media Release - October 3, 2024

Celebrate Oktoberfest Weekend

Celebrate Oktoberfest Weekend at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino

2024 CTHS Alberta Sale Yearling Consignment Review

(1994 - 2003)

2024-2026 “A” Track Race Day Calendar