The deadline for Registration for the Olds College Racetrack Programs is approaching
Get the skills you need to be a Professional Groom or Exercise Rider – Employment Guaranteed!
The Olds College Racetrack Programs have a tradition of excellence in horse racing in Alberta. Graduates from the Olds College Racetrack Programs are skilled and confident and can be found grooming, riding, driving and training in the sport of racing in Canada and the United States and Internationally.
The Olds College Racetrack Programs have two course streams: Professional Racetrack Groom and Professional Exercise Rider. Students in both courses learn the fundamentals of horse management and the racing industry.
Both courses provide a solid horsemanship foundation for students. Core modules include:
- Horse care and management
- Barn safety and cleanliness
- Regular horse health and emergency care
- Anatomy and Conformation
- Exercise physiology
- Nutrition
- Lameness, Stable and Exercise bandages
- Personal bookkeeping and financial management
Students have classroom sessions as well as hands-on learning with horses at the Olds College and at Century Mile Racetrack. Students work with retired and active racehorses and the hands-on experience sets them up for success when they move to the racetrack and begin working in racing stables.
Groom and Exercise Rider students are required to complete a practicum at a racetrack, training facility or breeding farm. They are then placed into work experience stables and are paid employees while they complete their mandatory courses and training hours.
Registration is still open!
Century Downs (CDR) and Century Mile (CMR) Industry Updates
Project Updates:
- Century Downs Re-sloping/Grading of Racetrack.
- Status update: Completed. Track has been land surveyed and reset to the original design with GPS heavy equipment
- Century Downs installing insulation, heat, accessible wash racks, 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 racetracklights. Scheduled to be completed by April 1, 2025, or sooner.
- Status update: Initial drawings of light fixtures received. Light fixture and electrical infrastructure fit-up quoting underway
Racing and Backstretch Updates:
- CDR and CMR focusing on best practices to ensure safe racing conditions for the Thoroughbreds, Standardbreds and Quarter Horses. In collaboration with the horsemen and HRA, and prior to each race meet CDR and CMR:
- Horse Racing Alberta (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 race on interchangeably
- Ensure a suitable and safe racing surface supervised by a dedicated and experienced Track Superintendent for each breed
- HRA and industry are 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.
- We are excited to announce that Kendall Sheets has accepted the Track Superintendent position alongside of Senior Track Superintendent Doug Love. Kendall brings years of experience working both Harness and Thoroughbred tracks. Congratulations Kendall!
Fun Facts – Did You Know?
Century Mile and ASHA will be hosting the Santa (Chris Brown) vs Grinch (Phil Giesbrecht) Race Dec 22, 2023 after the first race.
Download the PDF version with the link below.
Exciting News: Introducing the Backstretch Benefits Program Launching January 1, 2024, for Horse Racing Alberta Licensees!
We are excited to announce the upcoming launch of the HRA Backstretch Benefits Program, taking effect on January 1, 2024! This initiative aims to elevate your well-being and provide invaluable support for you and your family, at no cost to our licensees. As a testament to our commitment to your safety and welfare, this program encompasses Accidental Death and dismemberment, Specific Loss Indemnity, Critical Illness coverage, and a Licensee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP).
Key Benefits and Eligibility:
- Accidental Death & Dismemberment and Specific Loss Indemnity: In the event of accidental death, dismemberment, or specific loss, the program offers financial protection to ensure peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
- Critical Illness Coverage: Receive financial support in the face of major illnesses, allowing you to focus on your recovery without added financial strain.
- Weekly Indemnity: Gain reassurance with weekly indemnity benefits, providing financial support in the event of an unforeseen injury that prevents you from working.
- Licensee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP): Short-term assistance for licensees and their family members. Access to programs such as Disability Support Services, Chronic Disease Management and Eldercare management. As well as 24/7 access to short-term therapy/counselling, trauma/crisis management and intervention services, financial, legal, family and stress-related services, caregiving, and care support for age-related illnesses with support for the entire family (such as elderly parents), with care transitions and community support.
Eligible Licence Types:
- Apprentice Jockey
- Assistant Trainer
- Driver
- Exercise Person
- Groom
- Jockey
- Pony Person
- Pony Rider
- Trainer/Driver
- Trainer/Driver/Open Claim
Eligibility Criteria:
- Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Under the age of 70
Enrollment Information:
Enrollment in the Backstretch Benefits Program is automatic for all eligible licensees. More detailed information, including specifics and contact details, will be provided via email and through information sessions.
Information Sessions:
Stay tuned for detailed communication regarding enrollment specifics and comprehensive coverage details. Information sessions will be available to provide in-depth insights into the program, and we highly encourage all licensees to attend these sessions.
The HRA Backstretch Benefits Program is our commitment to your well-being, recognizing the vital role you play in Alberta's horse racing community.
For any inquiries about the program, kindly direct them to
HORSE RACING ALBERTA LICENSING OFFICE
NISKU / CENTURY MILE
Tuesday to Saturday in December | 8 am to 4 pm
Extended Office Hours - Race Days Only
December 8 to 31 - 8 am to 6 pm
HORSE RACING ALBERTA LICENSING
BALZAC / CENTURY DOWNS
Sunday, December 3 | 8 am to 2 pm
Every Friday and Saturday to February 3 | 8 am to 2 pm
For more information about our operational hours or urgent matters and inquiries, please contact Licensing Clerk Melissa Braun at