Wagering at Northlands Park Racetrack & Casino continues to rise
EDMONTON, AB – The 2015 thoroughbred racing season at Northlands Park Racetrack & Casino concluded today with Rico Walcott riding Awesome Slate to victory in the last $50,000 stakes race of the season, the Canadian Juvenile. Wagering at Northlands Park has once again shown an increase across the board. The average daily handle was up 4.15 per cent ($286,337) over last year. In addition, the 75-day meet saw export sales increase by 11.54 per cent ($176,922).
“There’s nothing like the thrill that comes with the thoroughbred season,” said Tim Reid, President and CEO of Northlands. “This year’s meet featured many highlights, but it’s the energy and enthusiasm the horsepeople at Northlands Park have for the sport of racing that ensures a successful season.”
Each year Northlands Park Racetrack & Casino celebrates the leading jockeys and trainers of the season. This year’s Leading Jockey Award went to Rico Walcott for his 139 wins, 67 wins ahead of the next competitor and the Leading Trainer Award was presented to Greg Tracy with 67 wins, 11 victories ahead of the second place competitor.
Beginning on May 1, the 2015 thoroughbred season at Northlands Park hosted several major race days including the Canadian Derby. On August 15, Justin Stein rode Academic to victory in the 86th running of the Canadian Derby. Academic’s win marked the first time a filly has won the Canadian Derby since 2003. Trainer Tim Rycroft and owners Bear Stables Ltd. and Riversedge Racing Stables Ltd. watched as Academic, winner and record-setter of the $500,000 Woodbine Oaks on June 14 of this year, delighted fans by taking the late lead and winning the Canadian Derby with 9-1 odds. The last seven editions of the Canadian Derby have broken the $1-million wagering mark. This year, wagering reached a record $1,344,537.
Attention now shifts to the 13-day harness racing meet that begins on Friday, November 20. Thoroughbred racing returns to Northlands Park Racetrack & Casino on May 6, 2016. Visit northlandspark.ca for more information.