EDMONTON, Alberta – The 89th and final Canadian Derby at Northlands Park Racetrack & Casino capped off a tremendous day of thoroughbred horse racing with an amazing win by Sky Promise ridden by Rico Walcott. Sky Promise held off a late running Day Raider to earn top spot and $120,000 of the $200,000 derby purse.
Sky Promise will go down in history as the final thoroughbred to take home the coveted Governor General’s Trophy at Northlands Park. Sky Promise is trained by Robertino Diodoro and owned by Clayton and Rick Wiest along with R 6 Stable and Norman Tremblay. Most recently, Sky Promise won the Manitoba Derby on August 6, 2018.
Saturday was also a day to say goodbye to thoroughbred horse racing at Northlands Park. In its 118 years of operation, Northlands Park has served as one of Western Canada’s top racetracks and has—since 1957—been the official home of the Canadian Derby. In front of a packed crowd, the thoroughbreds ran the track for one last time, conjuring up images of the rich history of racing that has taken place at this facility.
“Today was a simply spectacular way to conclude what has been a wonderful tradition for this city,” said Interim CEO & President Kevin Gunderman. “We have been faithful stewards for the racing community for generations and looking ahead, we are excited about embarking on a fresh path with Northlands.”
Other notable winners in the additional stakes races run on today’s card:
The 48th Running of The City of Edmonton Distaff ($75,000)
Horse: Escape Clause
Jockey: Keishan Balgobin
Trainer: Don Schnell
The Second Running of The Timely Ruckus Stake ($50,000)
Horse: Mr. Jangles
Jockey: Rigo Sarmiento
Trainer: Tim Rycroft
Looking ahead, Northlands Park Racetrack & Casino will be home to Harness Racing from September 14 to October 27 and the biggest New Year’s Eve party at Northlands Park yet, with over $20,000 available in prizes. In addition, the casino will continue through to January 31, 2019.