This week, Ontario’s horse racing leader Woodbine Entertainment announced that it has inked a collaboration with Century Miles regarding the Grade 3 Canadian Derby. The two revealed that the winner of the prestigious race will be awarded free entry to the Grade 3 Ontario Derby. In addition to that, there is also a possibility of obtaining a CA$50,000 as bonus money.
Horse racing fans will like to wager and enjoy world-class racing will be glad to know that the Grade 3 Canadian Derby will be taking place on August 20, 2022. The event will be once again held at the Century Mile Racetrack and Casino in Edmonton, Alberta. While the Grade 3 Ontario Derby will be held later on October 23, 2022, at the Woodbine Racetrack near Toronto.
A Brand-New Incentive
Director of Thoroughbred Racing for Woodbine Entertainment, Tim Lawson, said that the initiative provides a great opportunity to connect sports across the country and advance the Canadian Thoroughbred industry. He described the Canadian Derby as a race of rich history with many notable champions, and now the company is looking forward to having its winner compete in the Ontario Derby.
As already mentioned, the Grade 3 Canadian Derby will be held on August 20, 2022, at the Century Mile Racetrack and Casino in Edmonton. Then via the initiative, the winner of the historic race will gain free entry to the Grade 3 Ontario Derby on October 23, 2022. And if the horse manages to win both races then he would be eligible for a bonus of CA$50,000, split evenly by the two tracks.
Paul Ryneveld, Managing Director of Racing at Century Downs and Century Mile, has also backed Mr. Lawson’s comments on combining the sport between the two provinces. He said that the development of the East-West relationship in the country will provide a great benefit to the opportunities for horsemen and ultimately the wagering options for fans across the nation.
The Grade 3 Canadian Derby is a race for three-year-olds for a run at a distance of a mile and a quarter at the Edmonton horse racing facility. While the Grade 3 Ontario Derby for three-year-olds ran at a distance of a mile and an eighth over the Tapeta surface at Woodbine Racetrack. The latter is set to start its Thoroughbred season this month on April 16, 2022.
This year’s season at the Etobicoke track is set to be an exciting one which will be again highlighted by the highly-anticipated and prestigious CA$1 million Queen’s Plate. The event is scheduled to take place on August 21, 2022. The season is also set to feature the Prince of Wales Stakes at Fort Erie Racetrack and Breeders’ Stakes, again at Woodbine Racetrack
Standardbred Schedule
Not long ago, Woodbine Entertainment has also published its 2022 Standardbred schedule, which is set to feature more than CA$21 million in stakes events. This includes the US$6.7 million Breeders Crown, as well as the return of the Pepsi North America Cup. This year, the fan-favorite Mohawk Million will be hosted on Saturday, September 24, 2022, as the race makes its return for the third time.
Source: “Woodbine, Century Mile Announce Derby Initiative”, BloodHorse, April 5, 2022
