| In recent years, the expansion of thoroughbred horse racing
has generated unprecedented exposure for the sport. It isn’t just Kentucky
and Europe anymore, as Japan and Dubai have proven the timeless adage that with
passion, a sprinkling of fairy dust, and 400 trillion dollars, anything is
possible. While perhaps not quite as awash in money, racing in Western Canada
has adapted to the shifting landscape. Thanks to simulcasts (wagering on races
in other venues) and on-site casinos, the industry is thriving. But that’s
just the money-end of it. The history of “the track” is as old as
the provinces themselves, and dotted with legends like E.P. Taylor, Sandy Hawley
and Northern Dancer (who was a horse, not a child of lunatic hippies).
In addition to the five ‘A’ level tracks from Winnipeg to Vancouver,
a handful of lesser lights carve out their own niches. From Millarville to Trout
Springs, Lethbridge to
Kin, you may not find the next Secretariat, but you will find that which links
race goers everywhere: people betting money. And winning. And losing. And smoking
and swearing and occasionally tussling, but still, there is that common bond.
Assiniboia Downs
Where and When 3975 Portage Avenue in Winnipeg, live
racing from May to September.
Claim to Fame Hands down, the fifth best track in
all of
Canada. Seriously, no other track is even close.
Stars The Manitoba Derby always produces one, and
super-jock Todd Kabel learned his craft here.
NB It’s the largest track in the West at six
and a half furlongs circumference (the rest are five furlong bullrings”),
meaning wider turns, meaning a possible edge to rangier horses shipping in from
smaller tracks...something to think about.
Marquis Downs
Where and When 503 Ruth Street, Saskatoon, with a
30-day
live racing season spread rather liberally from May to September.
Claim to Fame Josh’s Hero, who became Saskatchewan’s
hero by winning the Canadian Derby in 1992.
Don’t Miss A hot, lazy, mid-summer night’s
outing. With beer.
NB Marquis is unique as its live racing is always
under the lights (first post is 7:05 p.m.) and only on Fridays and Saturdays.
Northlands Park
Where and When Just west of Wayne Gretzky Drive at
75th
Street and 115th Avenue in Edmonton, live racing June to October.
Claim to Fame Red Pollard, immortalized in Seabiscuit
by Tobey Maguire, hails from the capital and plied his trade in Western Canada
before heading south.
NB Best in the West, Vegas-style simul-casts lets
you bet in comfort and style.
Greatest Moment The 1988 Canadian Derby when Elmtex,
a cheap local claimer two months prior, splashed through the
mud to beat the Eastern blue-blooded Queen’s Plate champion (the horse wore
an ascot), Regal Intention. I made $34.
Stampede Park
Where and When 2300 Stampede Trail SE, Calgary, live
racing March to June.
Notable The sister track to Northlands, Stampede unites
Alberta’s two main cities in a rare alliance, splitting the season and proving
once again that gambling
leads to peace.
When Not to Go During the Calgary Stampede, unless
you
want to watch chuck wagons.
NB Don’t miss the Alberta Derby; however, due
to a
permanent structure in the infield, get as high up as possible to see the action.
Hastings Park
Where and When At the PNE grounds in Vancouver, live
racing late April to early November.
Claim to Fame Came very late to the party with on-site
slot
machines, nearly driving the track into oblivion. The happy news: Dissenters silenced,
slots now allowed, and them bells is ringing!
Greatest Moment 1983, when Travelling Victor struck
a blow for the West by being named Canada’s Horse of The Year.
NB To avoid the rains but still appreciate the experience,
book a protected table outside, preferably
near the finish line.
Don’t Forget to Bring Your love of nature—the
view from the grandstand at Hastings is second to none. “Like they put horse
races in heaven,” someone once remarked as we stared at the snow-capped
mountains and gently sloping valleys. I have no idea who he was, and he appeared
intoxicated, but he was right.
The races can be heavenly no matter where you are in Western Canada. At every
track I’ve visited, there has been that moment, the one where I lower my
racing form, pocket my lucky handicapping pen and appreciate what I’m seeing.
Parents holding children up to gaze awestruck as horses thunder by, a thousand
pounds of animal driven by 110 pounds of human; silks flashing; whips cracking...
suddenly, whether or not I’d cashed a ticket all day, life was good.
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Triactor/Trifecta
