WATCH KENTUCKY DERBY AT THE WILD HORSE
Canadian racing fans will no doubt be cheering for Canadian-born Messier when the 20 horses leave the starting gate at 4:57 p.m. in the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, but local fans will also be paying attention to some racing at Century Mile in Edmonton.
Messier is hoping to become the third Canadian-born to win the Derby and the largest portion of the $3,000,000 in purse money at the Derby.
You can watch and bet on all the races on Derby Day from Churchill Downs and the Saturday races at Century Mile at the Wild Horse Casino & Lounge. Doors open at 9 a.m. for the $4.95 breakfast (until 11 am.) and then racing and slots gets underway at 10 a.m.
Century Mile first post is at 3:45 p.m. and there is some local interest there, including veteran owner/trainer Tom Rycroft. He is running Lucy Treasure in Race 1, Bambito in Race 4 and Hungarian Joe in Race 6.
Deltin Stable (Ed Welsh & Ken Drysdale) has Unusual Account in Race 2 and Deltin Stable (Ed Welsh) has Cozy Bear (photo right) battling in Race No. 7.
Programs are available at the Wild Horse for all races on the screens and there are two betting stations. Anyone needing any help in regards to the racing can ask one of the friendly staff for assistance.
HORSE RACING SEASON STARTS ON JULY 9
The Horses at Evergreen Park return for a summer run in July and August at J.D.A. Raceway.
The only live pari-mutuel horse racing north of Edmonton kicks off Saturday, July 9 and continues every Saturday and Sunday until August 28. Post time each race day is 1:15 p.m.
The return of the Alberta Derby is one of the highlight race days of the year.
It goes Sunday, July 31 and will include a Derby Brunch, best-dressed contests and other fun stuff. The Horses will be running for over $50,000 in purse money.
Also back are the Wiener Dog Derby and the Dino Derby.
The dogs hit the track at J.D.A. on Sunday, July 17 while the dino races go the final day of racing on Sunday, August 28 – same day as the Mr. Mike’s Paint The Park Purple – Race For The Cure and the Grande Prairie Derby.
Bacon Fest returns this year. It goes Sunday, August 7.
Pioneer Appreciation Day will be held on Saturday, July 16. A special Memorial Weekend is planned for August 13-14 to honor those who are no longer with us who were important for the sport of horse racing in the area. A Family Day will be held on Sunday, August 14.
The Evergreen Park Racing Club, after a two-year absence, is also back. The Club purchases several race horses that compete at The Horses At Evergreen Park. Membership fee for the year is just $250 to become a horse “owner”.
CAMPING FOR HORSE RACING
Those involved in the horse racing program at Evergreen Park can pre-book campground spots through the Park campground manager.
If you are a horseperson and needing a camping spot for the summer phone campground manager Owen Terry at 780-933-1464.
JOIN THE EVERGREEN PARK RACING CLUB
The Evergreen Park Racing Club 2022 has started taking memberships.
Cost is just $250 and the Club is expected to race at least two horses.
Club members, who become owners of the Club horses, will be kept abreast of Club activities through emails, on the Club Facebook page and through this website.
Membership forms are available at the front entrance at MNP Concourse in Gordon Badger Stadium at J.D. A Raceway, by phoning 780-532-3279 or going online and signing up HERE.