It’s great to be an Albertan - especially if you’re a horse running at the Rocky Mountain Turf Club this Saturday.
That’s right, it the annual Alberta-Bred Stakes at Whoop-Up Downs.
There’ll be seven, $9,000 plus races for those horses fortunate enough to be bred in this province.
“We have the Alberta-Bred Stakes for three year olds and upwards, one covering five and a half furlongs the other over seven furlongs,” says RMTC CEO Max Gibb. “As well, there’s a five furlong Stake for two year olds.
“There’ll be a pair of Fillies and Mares Stakes for three and upwards, one five and half furlongs, the other seven furlongs. We have a six furlong run for Alberta-Bred Stake for three year old fillies and finally a six furlong Stake for three year olds.
“This day is a celebration of Alberta breeders and the horses they are putting on Alberta’s race tracks. It’s a celebration all our own.”
Along with the Alberta-Bred races there’ll be three other Thoroughbred races Saturday.
Along with this super Saturday line up it will be a huge Sunday for Quarter Horses three years of age. There’ll be two trials for the Canada Quarter Horse Derby, covering 400 yards, with 15 horses involved.
The top eight horses out of the trials will run in the $15,000 or more Derby Finals September 27.
A total of nine races are on the card, the final seven Thoroughbred runs.
Among the top trainers you’ll see the likes of Pete Dubois, Nellie Pigeau, Randy Cunningham, Les Adams, Kevin Oberholtzer, Calvin Strandquist, Angelle Carter and Michael Braun.
Among the top horses look for Excess Baggage, Zoar, Real Foxy Lady, Pipestone Flyer and Mack’s Gold Bullet.
The RMTC Dixieland Jazz Band will be playing during the opening weekend and the kiddies attractions will all be there, including the petting zoo and candy toss. And don’t forget Bullys, with its Vegas-style slot, beverages and meals as well as the huge buyer’s market each day under the grandstand.
After the first weekend of racing jockey Trevor Simpson is on top of the leader’s board with five wins, with four riders knotted at two wins apiece.
The leading trainers, with three wins apiece, are Leonard Bourne and Michael Braun.
Post time this Saturday and Sunday is 1:15 p.m.