Nominations for the 97th running of the $200,000 Grade 3 Canadian Derby closed with 17 horses, 16 colts and geldings, and one filly. The nominations feature a strong group of three-year-olds from across Western Canada, including BC Champion Two-Year-Old Debrusk, Alberta Champion Two-Year-Old Relaxgodoitramone, Western Canada Stakes winner Javier, as well as Count Lathum winner Tisum and runner-up, Big Curl. Former Hastings Racecourse trainer Dino Condilenios leads all trainers with three nominations, including recent 2026 Manitoba Derby winner Western Warrior, who has established himself as one of the leading contenders for the 1 1/4-mile Canadian Derby (G3). Five-time Canadian Derby winning trainer Robertino Diodoro will look for his sixth victory with Need The Purse, while Manitoba-based trainers Jerry Gourneau, Monique Goulet and Cindy Krasner also look to ship multiple contenders for the Derby and stakes undercard.
Among the nominations to both the Canadian Derby and the $100,000 Century Casino Oaks is Gonzalo Anderson trainee, Playful. The three-year-old filly by Violence is undefeated at Century Mile in 2026, coming off wins in both the Sonoma Stakes and Chariot Chaser Stakes for owner Newtown Anner Stud Farm. The Century Casino Oaks closed with 12 nominations, including Alberta Champion Two-Year-Old Filly, Hiway Fortynine, Chantilly Stakes winner, What a Force, and Manitoba Oaks winner, Bartender.
The $75,000 Northlands Distaff for older mares garnered 8 nominations where undefeated Chi Chi Time will take on the local phenom, Big Hug. Rounding out the four featured stakes is the $100,000 Dale “the Colonel” Saunders Speed to Spare Championship for the older horses with an outstanding 23 nominations.
Horseplayers will also have plenty to look forward to on Canadian Derby, with a $25,000 Guaranteed Late Pick-5 and a $50,000 Guaranteed Late Pick-4 on the wagering menu. Fans unable to make it to the races in person can visit one of the many Off-Track Betting locations throughout Alberta, including select Canadian Brewhouse locations.
Canadian Derby week festivities kick off on Saturday, August 15, with an 8:00 am morning preview of select stakes nominees and $5 breakfast offering in the Finish Line Restaurant. Post position draws and celebration will follow on Monday, August 17, at 6:00 pm in the second-floor Paddock Room at Century Mile and will also be broadcast live on the Century Mile YouTube page. On Thursday, August 20, the annual Canadian Derby Golf Tournament will take place at Red Tail Landing Golf Course, with proceeds benefiting the Horse Racing Alberta Backstretch Foundation. The action continues Friday evening with a 6:15 pm post time, highlighted by the $50,000 Princess Margaret Stakes and $50,000 Canadian Juvenile for two-year-old Thoroughbreds, along with the $40,000 AQHA Racing Challenge Championship for older Quarter Horses. Doors open on Saturday, August 22 at 1:00 pm, with first race scheduled for 2:45 pm.
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