Century Downs (CDR) and Century Mile (CMR) Industry Updates
Project Updates:
- Century Downs installing insulation, heat, and hot water in Barn #3, #4, #5, #6. Scheduled to be completed by April 1, 2024, or sooner.
- Status update: Insulation ordered. Contractors quoting on heating/ mechanical/ electrical
- Century Downs installing racetrack lights. Scheduled to be completed by April 1, 2025, or sooner.
- Status update: Initial drawings of light fixtures received. Light fixture and electrical infrastructure fit quoting underway
Racing and Backstretch Updates:
- CDR and CMR focussing on best practices to ensure safe racing conditions for the Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds. In collaboration with the horsemen and HRA, and prior to each race meet CDR and CMR:
- HRA will conduct a racetrack inspection determining and confirming the track’s suitability to conduct safe live racing. Any deficiencies or recommendations identified will be addressed using all reasonable efforts to resolve in a timely manner
- Ensure each racetrack accommodates standardized and consistent sloped turns suitable for each breed to both race on interchangeably
- Ensure a suitable and safe racing surface supervised by a dedicated and experienced Track Superintendent for each breed
- HRA and industry establishing an A-Track Safety and Improvement Subcommittee to monitor and report on the progress and performance of the investments being undertaken at CDR and CMR as indicated above in point 1
Have you seen?
The new Winner’s Circle at CMR launched at the 94th running of the Canadian Derby. Though not actually a circle, but is a fabulous back drop to celebrate and take that memorable 1st place finish photo opportunity!
Fun Facts – Did You Know?
There is enough thoroughbred racing surface sand material on CMR’s 1-Mile track to fill 209,200 sand boxes!
Download the PDF version with the link below.
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.
2024-2026 “A” Track Race Day Calendar
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 races estimated at $7,320 per race.
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 $390,400 based on 50 races estimated at $7,808 per race.
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 June 23rd 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.
Celebrating the top 2 and 3 year old Alberta race speedsters. Super star horses, super star drivers, a super purse of over $350,000. The best this province has to offer - its the Alberta Sire Stakes Super Finals.
Saturday, November 4th, from Century Mile in Edmonton.
The 27th running of the Alberta Breeders Fall Classic is coming to Century Downs in Calgary this Saturday - seven races of the best Alberta bred thoroughbreds.
Quarter Horse sensation Timbersknightryder has a 2nd career as a barrel racer — and shares a special bond with Nicole Groeneveld as she attends North West College in Wyoming on a full scholarship.
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.
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$125,000 Manitoba Derby Assiniboia Downs Monday, August 7, 2023 |
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$200,000 Canadian Derby (G3) Century Mile Racetrack and Casino Saturday, August 26, 2023 |
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$125,000 BC Derby (G3) Hastings Racecourse Saturday, September 16, 2023 |
Download a pdf guide below (Download Attachments:)
NOTICE TO INDUSTRY
RE: Positive case of West Nile Virus at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino
West Nile virus is a disease caused by a mosquito-borne virus that causes encephalomyelitis, a brain and spinal cord infection. There is a positive case at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino and positives in other areas of central Alberta.
It is highly recommended by Official Veterinarian Dr. Dale Gibson to vaccinate your horses for West Nile for the best protection. For prevention, spray or wipe your horses with insect repellent. Note, a 48-hour withdrawal of insecticide is a precautionary measure for horses that are entered to race.
If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Dale Gibson, Official Veterinarian for Horse Racing Alberta, at
Dated at the City of Edmonton
in the Province of Alberta
this 18 day of May 2023.
Kent Verlik, Chief Executive Officer
HORSE RACING ALBERTA
Assiniboia Downs, Century Mile and Hastings Park jointly announce the $550,000 Western Canadian Triple Crown race series.
- The Manitoba Derby - August 7, 2023, $125,000 purse
- The Canadian Derby - August 26, $200,000 purse
- The British Columbia Derby - Sept. 16, $125,000 purse
- Triple Crown Bonus - $100,000
Three Races - Three Provinces - One chance at racing glory!
Horse Racing Alberta is pleased to be offering the Respect in the Workplace course to HRA licensees. Respect is one of our core values, and the training will provide licensees with an awareness of the role we all play in working in a respectful environment. Licensees will be receiving an email with further details, or they can check with the License Clerks at the racetracks to register.
This is your chance to take an online training program that will:
- Provide awareness of the role we play in working in a respectful environment
- Provide clear understanding of what bullying, abuse, harassment, and discrimination mean and how to prevent these behaviours
- Encourage everyone to contribute to a safe, healthy, and respectful workplace
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Respect in the Workplace?
Respect in the Workplace is a comprehensive online training program that addresses the topics of bullying, abuse, harassment, and discrimination in our workplace. Through many vignettes and role play, it describes appropriate strategies for dealing with those behaviours. The training was created by Respect Group and Horse Racing Alberta has endorsed the program.
What is a respectful workplace?
A respectful workplace is one that is healthy, safe, supportive and inclusive, and honours diversity. It is a place where everyone is valued; communication is polite and courteous; people are treated with respect; conflict is addressed in a positive and civil manner; and disrespectful behaviour is not tolerated. If you are licensed by HRA, you are expected to conduct yourself respectfully.
Why implement a training program about respect now?
Respect is an essential part of who we are in horse racing. We strive to provide a safe and healthy work environment for all licensees—one that promotes human rights and personal dignity and is free from any disrespectful behaviour.
Is the training mandatory?
Per the Occupational Health and Safety Code, all employers in Alberta must have employees complete certain training courses, including recognition and the appropriate response to violence and harassment and the procedures for obtaining assistance. By accessing this course through HRA, the training is free.
How long will it take me to complete the training program?
The training takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. You can start and stop as desired, and the program can be completed incrementally and at your own pace. Please try to complete the training within 2 weeks of starting it.
Why should you participate?
We all want to be a part of a workplace where we feel valued, safe, and respected. Respect in the Workplace provides greater awareness of the shared responsibility we all have to help foster such an environment. This training provides standard tools and common understanding to empower everyone to prevent bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination in the workplace.
How do I access the training?
The training is available online. You will be emailed a URL link to register for and access the course. This is an important step to ensure we have an accurate list of licensees who have successfully completed the training.