Horse Racing Alberta (HRA) has released its 2026–2028 Business Plan, outlining a clear and strategic roadmap to strengthen, modernize and grow Alberta’s horse racing and breeding industry over the next three years.
The plan reinforces HRA’s commitment to building a sustainable and progressive horse racing industry grounded in integrity, accountability, collaboration, respect and excellence. Through four strategic thrusts — Values-Based Culture, Organizational Alignment and Effectiveness, Technology-Driven Resilience, and Responsible Growth — HRA will focus on enhancing equine welfare and the safety of racing participants, modernizing regulation, strengthening stakeholder relationships, and generating long-term economic stability.
“Our focus is on ensuring Alberta’s horse racing industry remains competitive, responsible and positioned for the future,” said Diana McQueen, Chair of the Board. “This plan reflects our commitment to collaboration with industry stakeholders while maintaining strong governance and transparency for Albertans.”
Key initiatives include strengthening the Equine Health and Safety Program, enhancing Backstretch Health Benefits, modernizing Racetrack Licensing Rules, exploring new entertainment offerings and innovative wagering products, diversifying revenue streams to drive long-term industry sustainability, and negotiating multi-year agreements to support purse allocation and breed improvement funding.
“The 2026–2028 Business Plan reflects the evolution of Alberta’s horse racing industry,” said Kent Verlik, Chief Executive Officer of Horse Racing Alberta. “Our priority now is delivering meaningful results by modernizing regulatory oversight and strengthening industry and government collaboration to ensure long-term stability and predictability within a competitive racing environment.”
By 2028, HRA projects steady growth in pari-mutuel handle and continued strong investment in purses and breed improvement, reinforcing the industry’s role in Alberta’s agricultural and gaming economy.
The full 2026–2028 Business Plan can be found here
MEETING: The Track on 2, Lacombe, Alberta, Canada - February 13, 2026
In the opinion of the Board of Judges, OWNER/TRAINER/DRIVER, AUTHORIZED AGENT, KEVIN MICHAEL HILDEBRANDT, PERM. ADD.: ST. MALO, MANITOBA, CANADA, D.O.B. APRIL 17, 1995, did violate HORSE RACING ALBERTA Rule 123(1); Any person responsible for a horse stabled at a Horse Racing Alberta licensed racetrack must provide proof of a negative Equine Infectious Anemia (Coggins test). The test must be dated within the past 12 months (365 days) and submitted at least 48 hours before admittance to the racetrack. Proof of the negative test must be reported to Horse Racing Alberta Security. For full requirements, refer to Policy RLP012 Equine Infectious Anemia Policy; for having a horse on the grounds with expired Coggins at The Track on 2 on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
PENALTY: Kevin Hildebrandt is hereby FINED THE SUM OF ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($100.00).
In accordance with HORSE RACING ALBERTA Rule 297(1) fine to be paid within ten (10) days.
MEETING: Century Mile Racetrack & Casino February 13, 2026
In the opinion of the Board of Judges, TRAINER/OWNER, FARRIER/PLATER, AUTHORIZED AGENT, BRENT FRANK BODOR, PERM. ADD.: CALGARY, ALBERTA, CANADA, D.O.B. JUNE 3, 1968 , did violate HORSE RACING ALBERTA Rule 286(a); A person violates these rules who, in the opinion of the judges/stewards board, conducts themselves in a manner prejudicial to the best interest of horse racing; for performing duties as a trainer while under suspension as per HORSE RACING ALBERTA Ruling 2026 - 4.
PENALTY: BRENT BODOR is hereby FINED THE SUM OF TWO THOUSAND, FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($2,500.00) AND SUSPENDED AND DENIED THE PRIVILEGES OF THE GROUNDS (INCLUDING GRANDSTAND) OF ALL RACETRACKS IN ALBERTA THAT COME UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF HORSE RACING ALBERTA FOR A PERIOD OF SIXTY (60) CALENDAR DAYS FEBRUARY 15 – APRIL 15, 2026 (INCLUSIVE).
Any owner or trainer transfers must be approved by the Board of Judges as per HORSE RACING ALBERTA Rule 67g and Rule 68g.
Fine must be paid and Mr. Bodor must appear before the Director, Regulatory and Supervisor of Racing before reinstatement.
MEETING: Century Mile Racetrack & Casino - February 13, 2026
In the opinion of the Board of Judges, TRAINER/OWNER, MARGARET SUSAN WHITE, PERM. ADD. SURREY, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA, D.O.B. NOVEMBER 23, 1958 , did violate HORSE RACING ALBERTA Rule 286(a); A person violates these rules who, in the opinion of the judges/stewards board, conducts themselves in a manner prejudicial to the best interest of horse racing; for allowing another trainer while under suspension to perform her duties as a trainer.
PENALTY: MARGARET WHITE is hereby FINED THE SUM OF ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,000.00) AND SUSPENDED AND DENIED THE PRIVILEGES OF THE GROUNDS (INCLUDING GRANDSTAND) OF ALL RACETRACKS IN ALBERTA THAT COME UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF HORSE RACING ALBERTA FOR A PERIOD OF 60 CALENDAR DAYS, FEBRUARY 15 – APRIL 15, 2026 (INCLUSIVE) OF WHICH THIRTY (30) DAYS WILL BE STAYED, MARCH 17 – APRIL 15, 2026, (INCLUSIVE) PROVIDED THERE ARE NO FURTHER CONDUCT VIOLATIONS OVER THE NEXT 12 MONTH PERIOD (ENDING APRIL 15, 2027).
Any owner or trainer transfers must be approved by the Board of Judges as per HORSE RACING ALBERTA Rule 67g and Rule 68g
Fine must be paid and Margaret White must appear before the Director, Regulatory and Supervisor of Racing before reinstatement.
MEETING: Century Mile Racetrack & Casino - February 10, 2026
Having PAID his OUTSTANDING FINE and SATISFIED the REQUIREMENTS outlined in HORSE RACING ALBERTA Ruling #2026 – 15 dated February 3, 2026, OWNER/TRAINER/GROOM, CHRISTOPHER GEORGE CURRIE, PERM. ADD.: CALGARY, ALBERTA, CANADA, D.O.B. JULY 11, 1994, is hereby RESTORED TO GOOD STANDING.
MEETING: Century Mile Racetrack & Casino - January 28, 2026
OWNER/TRAINER, FARRIER/PLATER, AUTHORIZED AGENT, BRENT FRANK BODOR, PERM. ADD.: CALGARY, ALBERTA, CANADA, D.O.B. JUNE 3, 1968, having appeared before the Appeal Tribunal on Friday, January 23, 2026, regarding HORSE RACING ALBERTA Rule #4 – 2026 dated January 15, 2026, is hereby AMENDED to read:
BRENT BODOR is hereby FINED THE SUM OF THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS ($350.00) AND SUSPENDED AND DENIED THE PRIVILEGES OF THE GROUNDS OF ALL RACETRACKS IN ALBERTA THAT COME UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF HORSE RACING ALBERTA FOR THIRTY (30) DAYS, JANUARY 12, 2026 TO FEBRUARY 10, 2026 (INCLUSIVE).
The fine of $350.00 and the 30 day suspension and restricted access area of the backstretch are not stayed and will remain in force. The portion of the penalty that denies Mr. Bodor privileges of the grandstand is stayed.
MEETING: Century Mile Racetrack & Casino, Alberta, Canada - January 24, 2026
In the opinion of the Board of Judges, OWNER/TRAINER/DRIVER, LOGAN KEATON GILLIS, PERM. ADD.: CALGARY, ALBERTA, CANADA, D.O.B.: SEPTEMBER 5, 1990, did violate HORSE RACING ALBERTA Rule 287(1)(vii); A person violates these rules who, enters or starts a horse that is ineligible for the horse race in which it is entered or started; by entering the horse “IVY PARK” in a race for which he was not eligible, thereby causing an unnecessary scratch in Race #13 on Saturday, January 24, 2026.
PENALTY: LOGAN GILLIS is hereby FINED THE SUM OF ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($100.00).
In accordance with HORSE RACING ALBERTA Rule 297(1) fine to be paid within ten (10) days.
MEETING: Century Mile Racetrack & Casino, Alberta, Canada - January 21, 2026
TRAINER/OWNER, AUTHORIZED AGENT, ROBERT JOHN PARISH, PERM. ADD.: CALGARY, ALBERTA, CANADA, D.O.B.: FEBRUARY 8, 1957, is hereby FINED THE SUM OF ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($100.00) for failing to notify HORSE RACING ALBERTA Security that the horse “FLAMING HORIZON” would be shipped-in to Century Mile Racetrack on Saturday, January 3, 2026.
In accordance with HORSE RACING ALBERTA Policy No. RPL012 dated August 14, 2024.
In accordance with HORSE RACING ALBERTA Rule 123(1), 286(a), and 296(1)(a)(2)(a).
In accordance with HORSE RACING ALBERTA Rule 297(1) fine to be paid within ten (10) days.
MEETING: Century Mile Racetrack & Casino, Alberta, Canada - January 18, 2026
OWNER/TRAINER/DRIVER, PHILIP SYLVIO GIESBRECHT, PERM. ADD.: FORT SASKATCHEWAN, ALBERTA, CANADA, D.O.B.: DECEMBER 23, 1988, is hereby FINED THE SUM OF ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($100.00) for failing to notify HORSE RACING ALBERTA Security that the horse “CADILLAC RANCH” would be shipped-in to Century Mile Racetrack on Sunday, January 11, 2026.
In accordance with HORSE RACING ALBERTA Policy No. RPL012 dated August 14, 2024.
In accordance with HORSE RACING ALBERTA Rule 123(1), 286(a), and 296(1)(a)(2)(a).
In accordance with HORSE RACING ALBERTA Rule 297(1) fine to be paid within ten (10) days.
MEETING: Century Mile Racetrack & Casino - January 15, 2026
In the opinion of the Board of Judges, OWNER/TRAINER, FARRIER/PLATER, AUTHORIZED AGENT, BRENT FRANK BODOR, PERM. ADD.: CALGARY, ALBERTA, CANADA, D.O.B. JUNE 3, 1968, did violate HORSE RACING ALBERTA Rule 300(1)(c).
In accordance with HORSE RACING ALBERTA Drug and Alcohol Policy dated September 1, 2019, and HORSE RACING ALBERTA Rule 296 (1)(a)(2)(a)(b) and 300(1)(b)(c)(2)(c) after supplying an ORAL FLUID SAMPLE on December 4, 2025, that resulted in a POSITIVE sample test for an ILLICIT DRUG confirmed by Dynacare Laboratories on December 8, 2025 and provided to the Board of Judges on December 9, 2025.
FACTORS CONSIDERED: On December 6, 2025, Harness Ruling #125 was issued against Mr. Bodor in connection with a positive test for an illicit substance. In accordance with the Horse Racing Alberta Drug and Alcohol Policy and the Penalty Matrix, Mr. Bodor received a penalty for this offence.
On December 9, 2025, Mr. Bodor appealed Harness Ruling #125 to the Alberta Horse Racing Appeal Tribunal and sought a stay of the ruling. A stay of Harness Ruling #125 was granted on December 12, 2025 for the suspension but specifically not for the fine, which ordered by the Appeal Tribunal to be paid. No date for the appeal has been set.
Mr. Bodor requested a split sample re-test of the sample collected on December 4, 2025. This sample was sent to Omega Laboratories, requesting a re-test; proper continuity of evidence procedure between the laboratories was in effect.
On January 10, 2026, the Board of Judges held a hearing with Mr. Bodor, informing him that the split sample re-test confirmed the positive finding of the sample collected on December 4, 2025, the presence of the same illicit drug as initially found. The Board of Judges informed him it considered this to be the third such positive test in 12 months and provided him an opportunity to make submissions, including on penalty.
PENALTY:
The Horse Racing Alberta Penalty Matrix states:
What follows is not an exhaustive list of the penalties but rather a list of the most common violations. These guidelines provide recommended penalties only. Each violation has its own set of circumstances, which may lead to different penalties than those shown below. When considering penalties, the Board of Stewards and/or the Board of Judges will take into account the licensee’s horse racing rule and licensee violation penalty history. All other penalties will be at the discretion of the Board of Stewards and/or the Board of Judges.
Regarding human drug violations, the Penalty Matrix outlines the following for a third positive test:
Immediate removal from all mounts or drives; Denied the privileges of all grounds, including the grandstand; and Revocation of the licence. Will not be considered for reinstatement until at least three (3) years after 1st Offence.
The Board of Judges reserve the right to treat the December 4, 2025 offence as a third offence, possibly increasing this penalty, pending the outcome of the appeal of Harness Ruling #125.
As a result, BRENT BODOR is hereby FINED THE SUM OF THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS ($350.00) AND SUSPENDED AND DENIED THE PRIVILEDGES OF THE GROUNDS (INCLUDING GRANDSTAND) OF ALL RACETRACKS IN ALBERTA THAT COME UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF HORSE RACING ALBERTA FOR THIRTY (30) CALENDAR DAYS JANUARY 12, 2026, TO FEBRUARY 10, 2026 (INCLUSIVE).
In addition to the foregoing, as the December 4, 2025 offence might constitute a third such offence, giving rise to concerns regarding the safety of Mr. Bodor and other racing participants, following his suspension, and pursuant to Rule 308 of the Rules Governing Horse Racing in Alberta, Mr. Bodor is to submit to initial screen drug testing (Drager) every day he attends a racetrack in Alberta for the purposes of carrying out any licenced activity. As pursuant to Rule 298 of the Rules Governing Horse Racing in Alberta and the Horse Racing Alcohol and Drug Policy, any further positive Drager tests will result in additional penalties and/or suspensions.
Mr. Bodor may continue in his capacity as Owner (financial only) during his thirty (30) day suspension.
In accordance with HORSE RACING ALBERTA Rule 67, all horses trained by Brent Bodor will be denied entry, pending their transfer to a trainer satisfactory to the Board of Judges.