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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 587.416.5444

Century Downs (CDR) and Century Mile (CMR) Industry Updates

Project Updates:

1. 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
2. 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:

1. 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
2. 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.

	$125,000 Manitoba Derby Assiniboia Downs Monday, August 7, 2023
	$200,000 Canadian Derby (G3) Century Mile Racetrack and Casino Saturday, August 26, 2023
	$125,000 BC Derby (G3) Hastings Racecourse Saturday, September 16, 2023

Download a pdf guide below (Download Attachments:)