Highlights of the Alberta Breds in the Open Stakes Season at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino
Admin • November 17, 2020
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.
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NEWS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 29, 2025 Calgary, AB – Racing, Rewards & Celebration: Don’t Miss the 2025 Sales Stakes Festival The Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (CTHS) – Alberta Division is excited to announce that the 2025 Sales Stakes Festival will take place on Saturday, October 4th at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino , with the first post at 4:45 PM . This annual showcase has become one of the most exciting days of the year for Alberta’s racing community, highlighting the quality and strength of CTHS Sales Stake graduates. Owners: Bigger and Better Rewards Owners of Alberta-breds will once again enjoy the benefit of a 25% bonus paid to the owners of Alberta-bred horses finishing win, place, or show in the Sales Stakes races. This program ensures that investing in Alberta-bred horses continues to deliver unmatched value, living up to the motto: “Owners of Alberta-breds earn more.” Trainers: Pride and Bragging Rights on the Line Trainers will also be chasing a unique prize. In 2025, the leading Sales Stakes trainer will be awarded a custom champion belt buckle – a one-of-a-kind award that symbolizes the best of Alberta racing and provides lasting bragging rights for the winning connections. Purse Money and Race Schedule This year’s Festival will feature four $50,000 sales stakes races , offering a total of $200,000 in total purse money . These races will feature graduates of the CTHS Alberta Yearling Sales, with divisions for: Two-Year-Old Colts & Geldings (6 furlongs) Two-Year-Old Fillies (6 furlongs) Three & Four-Year-Old Colts & Geldings (7 furlongs) Three & Four-Year-Old Fillies (7 furlongs) Festival Atmosphere: A Celebration for Everyone The Sales Stakes Festival is more than a day of racing – it’s a celebration of Alberta’s breeders, owners, and horses. Fans will enjoy great racing, food, and community spirit throughout the day. Adding to the excitement, Balzac Craft Brewing Company will be on-site pouring free samples, giving racegoers a chance to enjoy local flavors while taking in the action on the track. Campus Derby Day Scholarship Giveaway The Festival also coincides with Campus Derby Day , providing a special opportunity for students. Post-secondary students in attendance can enter a draw to win one of two $1,000 scholarships , making the event an even more memorable experience for Alberta’s next generation. Eligibility and Canadian Sales Stakes Series The CTHS Alberta Sales Stakes are part of the Canadian Sales Stakes Series , established in 2018. Yearlings that meet eligibility requirements through their respective CTHS Provincial Sales are eligible to run in Sales Stakes races across Canada. In Alberta, horses must have passed through the CTHS Alberta Yearling Sale , with full commissions and fees paid to the CTHS, to qualify for the Series. The 2025 Sales Stakes Festival is shaping up to be one of the premier events of the season. With exciting competition, valuable incentives, and a festival atmosphere, it’s a day that celebrates the very best of Alberta horse racing. Bring your friends, cheer on your favorites, and be part of the excitement as we crown the champions of this year’s Festival. For more information, visit the CTHS Alberta website at www.cthsalta.com . - 30 -
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