EDMONTON, AB – Horse Racing Alberta (HRA) and Northlands announced today the continuation of their partnership by extending the horse racing license to Northlands Park Racetrack & Casino until the new Century Mile Racetrack is open to the public. This agreement will see live standardbred horse racing continue at Northlands Park Racetrack & Casino in September and October of this year. The valued partnership assists Alberta’s horse racing and breeding industry through the transition period into Century Mile’s opening in spring of 2019.
This will allow for a seamless transition while addressing the unique needs of all breeds. Despite the challenges facing the industry, it is firmly felt that this is the required transition path.
“The industry is ambitious but also realistic; with the delayed opening of the state of the art facility, Century Mile, we are very pleased that Northlands Park has agreed to continue their partnership with the industry,” said Shirley McClellan, CEO of HRA. “We would like to thank Northlands Park, The City of Edmonton, Alberta Gaming & Liquor Commission, and all our stakeholders for their cooperation.”
As a long-time partner of horse racing in Alberta and as Alberta’s oldest agricultural society, Northlands has agreed to extend their commitment to ensure the future viability of the sport. The growth and evolution of horse racing not only impacts those directly connected to it but also the farmers and supporting business that form the network linked to the industry.
“The horse racing community has always held a very special place for Northlands,” said Kevin Gunderman, Interim President & CEO of Northlands. “We have always valued the commitment of those connected to the industry – the breeders, the horsemen, the jockeys and the fans. We feel we have been a good steward to this community and these relationships for many years and we want to provide support through their transition to a new facility in any way we can.”
The final season of thoroughbred racing at Northlands Park Racetrack & Casino kicks off this Saturday, May 5. The season continues all summer with 43 days of live racing which all culminate in the 89th and final Canadian Derby at Northlands Park on August 25. Go to northlandspark.ca for more information.