The 2013 thoroughbred racing season at Northlands Park concluded Monday with Aces Again winning the $50,000 Harvest Gold Plate and Canaveral Leader winning the $50,000 Duchess of York. This season the all source per race handle increased by seven per cent over the 2012 season.
“This year marked another successful thoroughbred season at Northlands Park,” said Richard L. Andersen, President & CEO of Northlands. “With more than 650 races, fans were able to experience some of the best racing in Western Canada.”
Once again, Northlands was proud to host the 84th running of the Canadian Derby. Leading jockey Rico Walcott rode Broadway Empire, the morning line favourite, to victory on August 17, 2013. Wagering for the most prestigious day in Canadian thoroughbred racing was up and totaled $1,160,650. Broadway Empire went on to win the Oklahoma Derby in September and will compete in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile on November 1 at Santa Anita Park in Los Angeles, California. This is the second year in a row a horse from Northlands Park will compete in the Breeders’ Cup.
Accomplished jockey, Rico Walcott, based out of Northlands Park, will be riding Broadway Empire at the Breeders’ Cup next month. Walcott had the highest winning percentage for jockeys in North America who have rode in a minimum of 300 races.
Northlands Park continued its thoroughbred season and also hosted the second largest race day at the track – the annual Alberta Breeders’ Fall Classic on September 21. This event showcased the province’s finest home-grown thoroughbred talent and was highlighted by United States Racing Hall of Fame jockey Russell Baze competed in several races on the card. Pari-mutuel handle on Fall Classic day once again eclipsed the $400,000.
As the thoroughbred season races to a close, harness racing will begin at Northlands Park on Friday, October 25.
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