They’re at the gate! And they’re off!

Racing fans will be hearing those phrases lots over the next couple of months as The Horses At Evergreen Park kicks off its eight-weekend run on Sunday at J.D.A. Raceway.

The summer fun starts with seven races on Sunday including two major events – The Alberta Community Thoroughbred Racing Association (ACTRA) Alberta Bred Stakes (race No. 4 at 2:30 p.m.)for fillies and mares and the ACTRA Alberta Bred Stakes (race No. 5 at 2:55 p.m.) for colts and geldings.

Both races have a purse of $13,000.

Evergreen Park Racing Club horse Ynotgiveitago, trained by Kathy McNally, is entered in the colts and geldings race. And is the early odds a favorite to finish fourth with Laurina Bugeaud in the saddle. Bare Back Jack is the favorite. He is trained by Colten Mead and owned by Mead, Brady Schultz. Lance Schamber and Matt Erick. Scott Williams is the jockey.

In the fillies and mares trot the favorite is The River Grey. She is trained by Garry Marks and owed by Marks and Gordon Howg. Trevor Simpson is the jockey.

If you can’t make it to the races you can watch them here. And if you want to bet you can do so through HPIBet or Expressbet.

Sunday kicks of the racing season with free hot dogs to the first 500 who visit J.D.A. Raceway at Gordon Badger Stadium. There is no admission fee for racing all season long.

Other special weekend events include the Wiener Dog Derby Presented by Ovintiv July 20; Baconfest July 27; Derby Day August 3; Memorial Weekend August 9-10; Farm To Table August 17; and the finale, the Mr. Mike’s Paint The Park Purple – Race For The Cure, August 24.

Anyone looking to enter a pooch in the Wiener Dog Derby Presented By Ovintiv can register here. A 50/50 is also part of the dog race day. You can purchase a ticket online here. You do not have to be present to win.

A hospitality tent with tables and chairs is set up at all races. There is also a beverage tent and outdoor betting kiosks. Betting kiosks are also available in the MNP Concourse under the grandstand. There are also walk-up manned stations to place bets and ask questions about the betting process.

A large sand pile with toys is located near the grandstand and there are smoking areas on both sides of the Gordon Badger Stadium. Every race day there will be at least two mobile concessions and there are tables with umbrellas and chairs at the front and north side of the grandstand.

If you are looking to enjoy a meal before or after the races the Wild Horse Casino & Lounge is open 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily while the Pines Family Restaurant is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.