Horse Racing Hall of Fame Announces 2021 Ballot
Admin • March 30, 2021
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.
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Understanding where Thoroughbreds go after their racing and breeding careers will advance the entire industry’s aftercare efforts and support welfare, accountability, and public trust in the sport.
The closing date for entries is November 12, 2025 and entry forms are available at cthsnational.com
NEWS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 29, 2025 Calgary, AB – Racing, Rewards & Celebration: Don’t Miss the 2025 Sales Stakes Festival The Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (CTHS) – Alberta Division is excited to announce that the 2025 Sales Stakes Festival will take place on Saturday, October 4th at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino , with the first post at 4:45 PM . This annual showcase has become one of the most exciting days of the year for Alberta’s racing community, highlighting the quality and strength of CTHS Sales Stake graduates. Owners: Bigger and Better Rewards Owners of Alberta-breds will once again enjoy the benefit of a 25% bonus paid to the owners of Alberta-bred horses finishing win, place, or show in the Sales Stakes races. This program ensures that investing in Alberta-bred horses continues to deliver unmatched value, living up to the motto: “Owners of Alberta-breds earn more.” Trainers: Pride and Bragging Rights on the Line Trainers will also be chasing a unique prize. In 2025, the leading Sales Stakes trainer will be awarded a custom champion belt buckle – a one-of-a-kind award that symbolizes the best of Alberta racing and provides lasting bragging rights for the winning connections. Purse Money and Race Schedule This year’s Festival will feature four $50,000 sales stakes races , offering a total of $200,000 in total purse money . These races will feature graduates of the CTHS Alberta Yearling Sales, with divisions for: Two-Year-Old Colts & Geldings (6 furlongs) Two-Year-Old Fillies (6 furlongs) Three & Four-Year-Old Colts & Geldings (7 furlongs) Three & Four-Year-Old Fillies (7 furlongs) Festival Atmosphere: A Celebration for Everyone The Sales Stakes Festival is more than a day of racing – it’s a celebration of Alberta’s breeders, owners, and horses. Fans will enjoy great racing, food, and community spirit throughout the day. Adding to the excitement, Balzac Craft Brewing Company will be on-site pouring free samples, giving racegoers a chance to enjoy local flavors while taking in the action on the track. Campus Derby Day Scholarship Giveaway The Festival also coincides with Campus Derby Day , providing a special opportunity for students. Post-secondary students in attendance can enter a draw to win one of two $1,000 scholarships , making the event an even more memorable experience for Alberta’s next generation. Eligibility and Canadian Sales Stakes Series The CTHS Alberta Sales Stakes are part of the Canadian Sales Stakes Series , established in 2018. Yearlings that meet eligibility requirements through their respective CTHS Provincial Sales are eligible to run in Sales Stakes races across Canada. In Alberta, horses must have passed through the CTHS Alberta Yearling Sale , with full commissions and fees paid to the CTHS, to qualify for the Series. The 2025 Sales Stakes Festival is shaping up to be one of the premier events of the season. With exciting competition, valuable incentives, and a festival atmosphere, it’s a day that celebrates the very best of Alberta horse racing. Bring your friends, cheer on your favorites, and be part of the excitement as we crown the champions of this year’s Festival. For more information, visit the CTHS Alberta website at www.cthsalta.com . - 30 -
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
September 22, 2025
Alberta Yearling Market Soars 47%
Red Deer, AB – The 2025 CTHS Alberta Thoroughbred sale delivered one of its strongest results in nearly two decades, with competitive bidding throughout the day and significant increases over recent years.
The CTHS Alberta is prou
September 15, 2025 News Release
Sale connections to the Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic nominees!
The 2025 CTHS Alberta Thoroughbred sale online catalogue is now live on the website at https://www.cthsalta.com/2025-cths-alberta-sale
Join us for the annual Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (Alberta Division) Yearling Sale — taking place on Friday, September 19th at 3:00 PM in the Agricentre East at Westerner Park,
On Tuesday August 12th, Thoroughbred OwnerView hosted the webinar "Buying at the Sales and Digital Sales". The webinar included some excellent discussions about both the in-person sales and the newest trend in digital sales. Please use the link to access the recorded version of the webinar.'
If you’re looking to responsibly retire your Thoroughbred, The Jockey Club provides a list of resources and programs to help you do so.
OTTB Profile is the first Equineline report centered on Thoroughbreds retiring from the track or enjoying their second careers.