Horse racing has a long and rich history in Alberta, dating back to the province's early days when it was still a frontier territory. The first horse races in Alberta were likely informal and took place between settlers and First Nations people who used horses for transportation and work.
The Rocky Mountain Turf Club (RMTC) was officially established in 1954 and has been a prominent feature of the Alberta horse racing scene ever since. Legendary jockeys like Johnny Longden and George "The Iceman" Woolf have raced at RMTC, which is now the only thoroughbred track in the province. Off-track betting is also available at many casino locations across Alberta.
The Alberta Quarter Horse Racing Association (AQHRA) was formed in 1957 and has since been dedicated to promoting Quarter Horse breeding and racing in the province. AQHRA has played an important role in making Alberta a hub for Quarter Horse racing in Canada.
Horse racing is an important part of Alberta's culture and history, and it continues to thrive as a popular sport and form of entertainment for people across the province. Today, horse racing in Alberta is governed by the Horse Racing Alberta (HRA), a private not-for-profit corporation established in 1996 by the Alberta government's proclamation of the Racing Corporation Act. HRA regulates horse racing at racetracks throughout Alberta and ensures that the industry is well-regulated and provides entertainment and economic benefits to the province.
There have been several major events that have taken place in Alberta's horse racing history, including:
The establishment of the Rocky Mountain Turf Club: The Rocky Mountain Turf Club was founded in 1954 and has been a prominent horse racing facility in Alberta ever since. The club has hosted many major thoroughbred races over the years.
The founding of the Alberta Quarter Horse Racing Association: The Alberta Quarter Horse Racing Association was established in 1957 and has played an important role in making Alberta a hub for Quarter Horse racing in Canada.
The opening of Century Mile Racetrack and Casino: Century Mile Racetrack and Casino is located in Leduc County near the Edmonton International Airport. It opened in 2019 and has quickly become a popular destination for horse racing fans in the province.
The Calgary Stampede: The Calgary Stampede, an annual rodeo, exhibition, and festival held every July in Calgary, has included horse racing as one of its many events since its establishment in 1912. Today, horse racing remains an important part of the Stampede's lineup.
The history of horse racing in Alberta is long and rich, and these events represent just a few of the many milestones that have shaped the industry over the years. Some of the horse racing tracks in Alberta include:
Century Downs Racetrack and Casino - located in Balzac/Calgary
Century Mile Racetrack and Casino - located in Leduc/Edmonton
Rocky Mountain Turf Club - located in Lethbridge
Evergreen Park - located in Grande Prairie
Millarville Racetrack - located in Millarville
The Track on 2 - located in Lacombe
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