ABFC News

Big Hug leads Alberta-bred stars on Breeders' Fall Classic card

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 03:44:37 GMT

https://www.drf.com/news/big-hug-leads-alberta-bred-stars-breeders-fall-classic-card

Pick me!”

Trainer Rick Hedge said that’s what Big Hug communicated to him at a yearling auction, where he purchased her for about $3,500.

Fast forward to Saturday night at Century Mile, and Big Hug comes into the Alberta Breeders’ Fall Classic program as arguably the most accomplished horse on the nine-race card. She is the reigning Alberta-bred of the year and will be looking to improve upon her 15-for-30 career record when she defends her title in the $60,000 Distaff Handicap.

The 1 1/16-mile race is one of seven Thoroughbred stakes on the card, each worth $60,000. The purses are up from $50,000 a year ago. The closing night card also includes two stakes for Quarter Horses. All of the races are restricted to horses bred in Alberta.

Big Hug easily caught Hedge’s eye at auction back in 2021. She is now 5 and has earned more than $400,000.

“I just liked her,” he said. “She was named already. She just was one of those horses that looked at you and said, ‘Pick me!’ ”

Hedge did and co-owns Big Hug with Empire Equestrian. He’s been more than pleased with how she developed for the stable.

“She’s the queen,” he said. “She’s very athletic. She can definitely run, and I think she has a very good breathing capacity. She’s got a big girth. She’s not a big, big mare, but solid.”

Big Hug was Alberta’s champion filly at 2 and 3. Last year at 4, she won 6 of 9 starts, including the Distaff Handicap by four lengths. She will tote 127 pounds in this year’s renewal, which has drawn a field of five.

Big Hug is moving back into the Alberta-bred ranks for the first time since last year’s Distaff Handicap. She enters off a runner-up finish to multiple stakes winner Avana in the Northlands Distaff Handicap on Aug. 23 at Century. Big Hug will start from post 3 on Saturday, under Rafael Zenteno Jr.

“She can lay close or she can come off of it,” Hedge said. “She’s versatile.”

Big Hug ran third in the Grade 3 Wilshire earlier this year at Santa Anita and could return to Southern California with the close of the meet at Century Mile. Over the local strip, she’s 12 for 19.

“I’m not sure, but we might send her back to Santa Anita again,” Hedge said.

For the moment, however, Big Hug will be seeking to win the 13th stakes race of her career as the top horse in Alberta.

Breeders’ Handicap

Flashfordani’s mission is a simple one in the Alberta Breeders’ Handicap: Run down Smart Play.

Smart Play won the 1 1/16-mile race on the front end a year ago and again will be one to catch in this year’s renewal.

The Breeders’ Handicap is for 3-year-olds and up, and it drew a field of six. Flashfordani will be moving back into the Alberta-bred ranks for the race after finishing third in the Speed to Spare Championship at 1 1/4 miles on Aug. 23.

He will start from post 3 on Saturday and could get an ideal setup as Smart Play faces a significant pace rival in Patriotic Freedom. Patriotic Freedom is stretching out from six furlongs after a front-running win over allowance foes.

Smart Play was beaten a nose by Flashfordani in an allowance Aug. 4. It was his last start, and he’s since worked a strong six furlongs in 1:11 in preparation for defense of his title in the Breeders’ Classic.

Flashfordani will tote 126 pounds as the highweight, while Smart Play is weighted next at 125.

◗ Hiway Fortynine will seek her first stakes win in the Sturgeon River for 2-year-old fillies at six furlongs. She’s placed in back-to-back stakes in her last two starts.

◗ No More Lies, who was a multiple stakes winner at 2, has begun to recapture that form of late and will be looking for her second straight stakes win when she starts in the Alberta Oaks. It will be run at 1 1/16 miles and drew an up-and-coming sort in Biz Babe.

◗ Itsallgoodman will be tough to contain if he runs back to his allowance win last out in the Red Diamond Express Handicap. He won the six-furlong race in 1:08.40 and will be traveling the same distance Saturday. The chief threat to the 126-pound highweight is Solo Ring.

◗ Relaxgodoitramone is seeking his second straight stakes win at the meet in the Alberta Premier’s Futurity for 2-year-olds at six furlongs. The son of Fed Biz is part of a field of 11.

◗ Holiday’s Again and Zip It Writ look like chief players in the Beaufort, a 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-olds. Both have established two-turn form heading into the stakes race.

Rycroft Aims to Rebound at 2025 Alberta Fall Classic After Challenging Year

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 01:50:15 GMT

By Curtis Stock - September 8, 2025 - Reprinted from Horse Racing Alberta

A five-time leading trainer in Alberta, Tim Rycoft hasn’t had the year he is accustomed to.

He hopes that changes this weekend with Saturday’s annual Alberta Fall Classic - the richest day of the year for

Alberta-breds - at Century Mile.

A five-time leading trainer in Alberta, Tim Rycoft hasn’t had the year he is accustomed to.

He hopes that changes this weekend with Saturday’s annual Alberta Fall Classic - the richest day of the year for

Alberta-breds - at Century Mile.

“Yeah, the year hasn’t gone well,” said the talented and ultra-competitive trainer. “We got off to a slow start. The horses are starting to come around now but it’s a little late in the season,” said Rycroft, who along with every other trainer is chasing Craig Smith and Gonzalo Anderson, who have both had outstanding seasons.

Saturday’s Fall Classic is the last day of thoroughbred racing at Century Mile with the thoroughbreds heading south to Calgary’s Century Downs and the Standardbreds coming to Edmonton.

“I think it’s going to be an interesting and lucrative day - at least I hope so,” said Rycroft, who will also be running Accidental Genius in Saturday’s B.C. Derby.

“Accidental Genius ran very well to get second in the Canadian Derby. He was really running hard in the stretch and he ducked in a bit.”

Rycroft isn’t going to B.C. Instead his brother, Riley, will take Accidental Genius to Vancouver for the Derby while he attends to the five horses he is running on the Fall Classic card.

“I’m staying here because I think we can have some success here and Accidental Genius is going back to where he is familiar and comfortable,” said Rycroft, who bought Accidental Genius specifically for the Canadian and B.C. Derbies.

“If it was a different track that he wasn’t used to I might have gone but he should be fine in Vancouver where he ran second in both the Winston Churchill and Chris Loseth.”

Third-place finisher in the Canadian Derby, Attack, is also going to B.C.

Derby winner Take Charge Tom is not going to B.C.

“So it will be pretty much the same field minus the winner in B.C.” said Attack’s trainer Craig Smith.

“Attack came out of the race good but a little tired,” said Smith. “He’s trained well since the Derby.”

But back to the Fall Classic for Alberta-breds where there will be two top Quarter Horse races and seven $50,000 thoroughbred stakes - one for each age and sex as well as a sprint - the six furlong Red Diamond Express.

There’s the Alberta Premiers Futurity for two-year-old colts and geldings, the Sturgeon River for two-year-old fillies, the Alberta Oaks for three-year-old fillies, the Beaufort for three-year-old colts, the Fall Classic Distaff for older fillies and mares and the Alberta Breeders’ Handicap for older male horses.

Rycroft is sending out five horses for the Classic card: Bank Draft in the Sturgeon River; No More Lies in the Oaks; Relaxgodoitramone in the Premiers; and Holiday’s Again and Writ in Storm in the Beaufort.

Rycroft expects good things from all of them with the probable exception of Writ in Stone who, on paper, looks like a flyer.

Analyzing his chances on Saturday horse by horse Rycroft began with Bank Draft

“Bank Draft only had one start and she got into trouble at the sixteenths pole where she finished fifth but moved up to fourth.

“She wasn’t going to win that race but she’s a pretty nice filly. We’ll try and get some black type on her.” No More Lies was last year’s Champion Two-Year-Old Filly and Champion Sprinter - tough to do for a two-year-old - when she won four of five - three of them stakes.

No More Lies showed little in her first two starts this year and then toyed with her rivals in the Grande Prairie Oaks.

“I don’t know how good the Grande Prairie race field was but they payed a lot of money for the third-place finisher Gracies Big Day,” said Rycroft.

“I had to wait a long time to run her because she didn’t have any conditions. She’s not in the same class as she was last year but maybe her last race will get her confidence back.

“She’s a nice filly. She likes to run on the lead. My fingers are crossed.

“She’s sure training good.”

Relaxgodoitramone looks like Rycroft’s best chance. A winner of two of his three starts Rycroft said Relaxfodoitramone’s second-place finish was against Big Curl, who he is very high on.

It was also a race where Relaxgodoitramone had a legitimate excuse card which Rycroft doesn’t like to play.

“He wasn’t paying attention at the start and hit the gate pretty hard. Then he had to hustle to get up to the lead. It was enough to leave him dry when Big Curl came up to him.

“He rebroke but it wasn’t enough. They went pretty fast early; he’s got a high cruising speed.

“Relaxgodoitramone came back good and trained really well (Monday) morning. He’s a nice colt.”

As for his fifth starter, Holiday’s Again, Rycroft said the three-year-old colt hasn’t run as expected. “I was pretty high on him last year. He ran good winning two stakes including the Birdcatcher which he won by five lengths.

“His last two starts have been better.”

There is one stand out on the Fall Classic card with the imposing Big Hug towering over the field in the Distaff. Big Hug has already won over $400,000.

“Other than her I think most of the races are wide open,” said Rycroft although Itsallgoodman should be double tough in the Red Diamond Express.

“The Fall Classic has been good to me,” said Rycroft, who has won half a dozen of those races.

“I like the program. Everybody waits for the Fall Classic. It’s a chance for owners to get their money back and hopefully that money goes back into the business.

“We’ve got 118 Alberta-bred yearlings that will be eligible for next year’s Fall Classic on Sept. 19 in Red Deer at the AgriCentre.”

As for this season where he has ‘only’ won 16 of 147 starts with 23 seconds and 27 thirds, Rycroft said “It wasn’t the year I expected. But that’s going to happen. I had a lot of big owners that scaled down. I have to find new people and owners to rebuild the team.

“I like to be leading trainer. It’s a feather in your cap.

“But there are a lot of good horsemen here. It’s so competitive.

“Hopefully Saturday’s Fall Classic and the B.C. Derby gets us pointed in the right direction.”

Curtisstock@icloud.com
Follow me on X (Twitter) and on Facebook.
Author: The Turcottes: The Remarkable Story of a Horse Racing Dynasty.

Earn More with Alberta Breds

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 17:33:32 GMT

Don't Miss the Richest Day in Alberta Horse Racing!

�� Alberta Breeders’ Fall Classic – The Richest Day in Alberta Racing! ��

Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 13 at Century Mile Racetrack, where Alberta-breds take center stage with seven stakes races worth $60,000 each ��. That’s over $400,000 in purses dedicated to celebrating the best of Alberta racing!
�� First Post: 4:45 PM MST

�� Want your own Alberta-bred champion to cheer for next year? ��
Join us at the Alberta Thoroughbred Sale on Friday, September 19 at Westerner Park in Red Deer. With 107 horses on offer —including 105 yearlings from proven stallions and champion families—the opportunity to buy into the excitement is here.
⏰ Starts: 3:00 PM MST

�� Sales Stakes eligibility, $2.4 million in exclusive bonuses , and $9+ million in purses are waiting for Alberta-bred owners and breeders.

✨ Celebrate today’s stars at the track, and discover tomorrow’s champions in the ring!
�� https://www.cthsalta.com/2025-cths-alberta-sale

#CTHSAlberta #FallClassic #AlbertaBred #OwnYourFutureChampion #ThoroughbredSale

Who to Watch This Season

lindsay@cthsalta.com (Lindsay Ward) — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 18:41:31 GMT

Big Hug Continues Her Winning Ways This Season!

Who to Watch: BIG HUG

Alberta-bred superstar BIG HUG is proving to be one of the most exciting horses on the track this season! After sweeping three major awards at the Night of Champions—including Champion Older Mare, Champion Alberta Bred, and the coveted Horse of the Year—she’s kept the momentum going strong.

In 2024, the daughter of Mr. Big dominated Alberta racing with six wins in eight starts, capturing stakes like the Lynn Chouinard Founders Distaff, CTHS Sales Stakes, Alberta Fall Classic Distaff, and the R.K. ‘Red’ Smith Handicap, earning $175,500 for the season. Bred by Chalet Stable and sold through the CTHS Alberta Thoroughbred Sale for just $2,759, this sale graduate has turned into a half-million-dollar earner under the care of owner/trainer Rick Hedge and co-owner Lori Neyka.

With black type wins this year in both the R.A. Red Mackenzie and R.K. Red Smith Handicaps, BIG HUG now boasts over $550,000 in lifetime earnings—and she’s not done yet. Watch for her in the 2025 Alberta Breeders’ Fall Classic!

Alberta Breeder Kerry Wilson in the Spotlight

lindsay@cthsalta.com (Lindsay Ward) — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 21:50:12 GMT

H K Rapper: The Alberta-Bred Champion You Need to Know

Join us for an exclusive video interview with Kerry Wilson, the breeder behind the 2023 Beaufort Stakes winner, H K Rapper. Kerry’s story is one of passion, dedication, and vision, beginning with his decision to breed the talented mare Mimipaoponchis, a daughter of Broken Vow. That decision laid the foundation for a remarkable Alberta-bred star.

H K Rapper has built an impressive racing record, earning almost $100,000 and placing in 15 of his 25 starts , including four victories . Among those wins, his triumph in the prestigious 2023 Beaufort Stakes stands out as a career highlight and a proud moment for Alberta breeding.

Kerry’s journey is a testament to the excitement and rewards of breeding and racing Alberta-breds. Horses like H K Rapper show the incredible potential that comes from supporting local breeding programs.

So why wait? Add some excitement to your life and join the action. Have some fun—get an Alberta-bred!

Click video above to watch the full interview and learn more about H K Rapper’s success and the breeder who made it possible.

Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic Stars

lindsay@cthsalta.com (Lindsay Ward) — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 22:34:43 GMT

Breeders Tina and Gerald Stone Talk About Itsallgoodman!

Itsallgoodman: Alberta’s Champion and 2023 Alberta Premier's Futurity Winner

Dive into the exciting world of Alberta horse racing with this exclusive video interview featuring Gerald and Tina Stone, the proud breeders of the exceptional Itsallgoodman. This graded stakes-placed gelding has made his mark as one of Alberta’s finest, earning multiple championship titles and thrilling racing fans across the province.

In 2023, Itsallgoodman was crowned Alberta Champion Two-Year-Old , Alberta Champion Sprinter , and Champion Alberta-bred , solidifying his place as a standout in the Alberta racing scene.

His impressive achievements include:

2023 Alberta Premier’s Futurity
Back-to-back wins in the CTHS Sales Stakes (2023 & 2024)

With speed, heart, and consistency, Itsallgoodman is the kind of horse that showcases the incredible talent coming out of Alberta’s breeding programs. Breeders like Gerald and Tina Stone are passionate about producing top-tier athletes, and their success with Itsallgoodman is proof that Alberta-breds are built to compete and win.

So why not have some fun? Get an Alberta-bred and join the excitement!

Watch the full interview in the video above and discover more about Itsallgoodman and the people behind this amazing gelding.

Spotlight on Alberta’s Finest: Big Hug and Her Breeders"

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 22:36:24 GMT

Spotlight on Alberta Stars: Big Hug and Breeder Paul Luft of Chalet Stable

Big Hug: Alberta’s Champion Mare and Racing Superstar

Experience the story of Big Hug in this exclusive video interview with her breeders, Paul Luft and Chalet Stable. A true Alberta-bred sensation, Big Hug has risen to stardom through her outstanding talent, resilience, and consistent success on the racetrack.

Crowned 2022 Alberta Champion Two-Year-Old and 2023 Alberta Champion Three-Year-Old, Big Hug has become a dominant force in Alberta racing. A standout performer in the Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic series, she has triumphed in three signature races:

2022 Sturgeon River Stakes

2023 Alberta Oaks

2024 Alberta Fall Classic Distaff Handicap

Her racing career has only improved with each passing year. Among her long list of victories are these notable stakes wins:

2022: Sturgeon River Stakes, Princess Margaret Stakes

2023: Alberta Oaks, CTHS Sales Stakes, Chariot Chaser Handicap

2024: Lynn Chouinard Handicap, Alberta Fall Classic Distaff Handicap, R.K. Red Smith Handicap, CTHS Sales Stake

Most recently, Big Hug made her mark on the national stage by earning graded stakes-placed status with an impressive third-place finish in the Grade 3 La Canada Stakes at Santa Anita on January 19, 2025. Competing against elite company, this performance solidified her as one of Alberta's finest and demonstrated her ability to compete at the highest level.

With a stellar career record of 23 starts, 13 wins, 5 seconds, and 3 thirds, Big Hug has amassed earnings of $486,014—a testament to her consistency and excellence.

Paul Luft, her breeder, shares the deep connection that Alberta breeders have with their horses, stating, “She is part of the family.” Big Hug represents the dedication, hard work, and talent of Alberta's breeding programs, showcasing the exceptional quality that local breeders strive to achieve.

Click the video to watch the interview and discover more about Big Hug’s remarkable journey and the breeder who made her success possible.

Celebrating Alberta Excellence: Smart Play and his Breeders

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 21:44:01 GMT

Celebrating Alberta Excellence: Smart Play and His Breeders

Spotlight on Alberta Stars: Smart Play and His Breeders

Watch our exclusive video interview with Pierre Esquirol and Jerri Robertson, the dedicated breeders behind Smart Play, a standout performer in Alberta's racing scene. Smart Play has earned his place as a true star of the Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic series, capturing back-to-back victories in the prestigious Alberta Breeders' Handicap in both 2023 and 2024.

As Jerri Robertson proudly shares, "Some of the best horses I've had in my stable have been Alberta-breds." This heartfelt sentiment highlights the remarkable dedication and talent of Alberta's breeding community, which consistently produces runners that shine on the track.

Smart Play is a shining example of the excellence that Alberta breeders aim to achieve—combining talent, resilience, and heart.

Click below to hear the story behind this exceptional horse and the breeders who brought him to life!

Spotlight on Alberta Excellence: Breeder Jim McFadyen and Dance Shoes

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 18:44:18 GMT

Interview with Jim McFadyen, breeder of Alberta bred Dance Shoes - 2022 Horse of the Year and Champion Alberta bred.

Spotlight on Alberta Excellence: Meet Jim McFadyen and Dance Shoes

Get an inside look at Alberta's thriving horse racing scene in this exclusive video interview with Jim McFadyen, the proud breeder of Dance Shoes, the 2022 Horse of the Year and Champion Alberta-bred.

Dance Shoes has solidified her place as a star of the Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic, showcasing her talent and resilience with major victories in the 2021 Alberta Oaks, followed by back-to-back wins in the Alberta Fall Classic Distaff in 2022 and 2023.

This incredible runner is a testament to the quality and dedication of Alberta's breeding programs, exemplifying the excellence that local breeders strive to achieve.

Click below to watch the interview and learn more about Dance Shoes' remarkable journey and the vision behind her success!

Thank you to AK Media & Place in Time Production for the production of this video.

Big Hug Dominates the Alberta Fall Classic

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 21:34:59 GMT

Three Races, Three Wins for the Unstoppable Mare

Big Hug is really starting to like the annual Fall Classic races.

Saturday she romped in the Alberta Classic Distaff for three and up fillies and mares at Century Mile.

Last year she won the Fall Classic Alberta Oaks for three-year-old Alberta-bred fillies. Two years ago she took the Sturgeon River Fall Classic for two-year-old fillies.

Three Classic appearances. Three wins. It’s hard to argue with perfection.

“She loves the The Fall Classic,” said trainer and co-owner Rick Hedge. “And so do I,” added Hedge, who has won several other Fall Classic races over the years including Regal Max, who won the Beaufort in 2018; Mr. Shadar who took the Red Diamond Express in 2010; CR Jag, who won the Premier’s in 2006 and Beau Brass, whose scintillating career included two Speed to Spare Championships and the Beaufort in 2003.

The three Fall Classic wins for Big Hug were worth a total of $90,000 as she boosted her career earnings to $367,900.

“The Fall Classic races show case the best Alberta-breds,” said Hedge, who bought Big Hug for just $3,400 at the 2021 Alberta Yearling Sale and then sold half to Lori and Martin Neyka’s Empire Equestrian stable, whom he has been training for about a dozen years.

Big Hug was consigned by breeder Chalet Stables.

“They’re really good for the owners and the breeders.”

Saturday’s performance was a Tour de Force for Big Hug, who has now won 11 of her 19 appearances.

Facing just three other horses, Big Hug won by four lengths while being eased up through the final eighth of a mile under jockey Rafael Zenteno Jr.

The way she won it could have been 44 lengths.

“Easy,” said Hedge, 76, who has shot his age golfing three times. “Very easy.

“The plan was to lay just off Dance Shoes, stalk her pace and then make her move and that’s exactly what she did.

“Raffie just let her run her own race. He didn’t ask her until the top of the stretch.

“She’s at the top of her game right now,” said Hedge. “She hardly drank any water after the race and was hardly blowing. It was like she hadn’t even raced.”

Hedge said Big Hug was well named. “She likes to have a big hug. She really does. She’s a very snuggly horse. She’s so good to do anything with. She’s been a pleasure to be around. She’s been that way ever since she was broke as a baby.”

Hedge said he bought Big Hug because the filly looked at him and said ‘Buy me.’

So he did.

“I made a couple of bids on her and when the price went to $3,400 everyone else stopped bidding,” Hedge said of the daughter of Mr. Big out of the mare Temeeku, who broke her maiden for no tag at Del Mar, California.

“Of course I pay attention to breeding and bloodlines but I really just trust what I see in a horse and I really liked what I saw.

“I don’t know how high I would have gone on her but I liked her plenty for $3,400,” said Hedge, who was one of Alberta’s top jockeys before retiring from riding in 1988 with over 2,400 wins and began training - with a four-horse stable - the following year.

Hedge has now won 744 races as a trainer consequently giving him some 3,144 wins as a trainer or a jockey.

Hedge said initially Big Hug didn’t show the prowess or determination that she now has.

But it was a morning work on July 4, 2022 for the then unraced two two-year-old that opened everyone’s eyes.

“She was nothing out of the ordinary until that morning. She breezed three furlongs in 35 seconds.”

That was the day everything changed.

“From that day on she was a runner.”

Big Hug won her first four races winning her maiden debut by three and three-quarter lengths despite stumbling at the break and getting bumped. Then, she took the Princess Margaret by three-and-a-quarter lengths, the Sturgeon by a length and three-quarters and then a total display of power in the $100,000 CTHS Sales Stake by more than eight lengths.

She was overwhelmingly named Alberta’s champion two-year-old filly of 2022.

She didn’t let up. As a three-year-old, Big Hug won the Chariot Chaser, CTHS Sales Stake and the Oaks and was named Champion Three-Year-Old Filly.

Now, she is clearly on line to win Champion Aged Mare honours having won two allowance races, the R.K. ‘Red’ Smith - by five and three-quarter lengths and a race that Hedge says was the best performance of her still young career - and now the Fall Classic Distaff.

Hedge said the plan is to run next in the Three and Four-year-old stake on October 4 in Calgary.

“After that she’s going to get a rest. Then I’ll take her south and run her in Phoenix, Arizona.

“She’s at the top of her game,” said Hedge, who has been riding horses since he was five on his family’s farm.

Hedge said that even though he didn’t know anything about jockeys in his Grade 10 high school yearbook he wrote that he either wanted to be a rodeo rider or a jockey.

How prescient is that?

It was Hedge’s midget hockey coach, Bud Storms that sent him on his way.

“The coach said I was the right size to be a jockey. He said he owned a couple of horses and said I should go to Northlands and start galloping horses.”

Hedge was 20 and never looked back even though he only rode one horse in all of 1969.

“Allies Hope,” recalled Hedge. I rode him 12 times for Red Smith. We had five wins, four seconds and three thirds.

A natural, Hedge won just about all of Alberta’s stakes races as a jockey including the 1970 Canadian Derby with Driving Home.

He’s done the same as a trainer.

“Beau Brass was probably the best horse I ever trained. He won just under $500,000. Then probably Mr. Shadar.”

But the way Big Hug is running she could easily surpass both of those two horses.

“Big Hug is solid muscle,” said Hedge, a fiercely competitive man who has been known to throw his golf clubs in disgust after bad shots - some of which were left in pieces.

“She’s got a big heart and she’s very athletic.

“I really think she’s something special.”

STOCK REPORT - In the six other Fall Classic stakes races JJ’s Caper took the Beaufort; Solo Ring won his fourth race in just five starts this year capturing the Red Diamond Express; Smart Play easily won the Alberta Breeders’ Handicap; Destin to be Great put on an explosive move from last place to win the Alberta Oaks going away and paying $48.90 in what was her maiden victory; Smoke Daddy impressively won the Alberta Premier’s in what was also his maiden victory and favourite No More Lies took the Sturgeon River by a length over Nasas Princess.

Also on the card was the $107,944 Two-Year-Old Quarter horse Canada Cup Futurity which was won by favourite First Famous Prize for leading quarter horse trainer Buckey Stockwell and leading quarter horse jockey O.A. Hernandez.

Very sad news: Dale ‘Colonel’ Saunders, eight times Alberta’s leading trainer and a winner of 2,177 races, and a consummate horseman, passed away this weekend. Saunders, unanimously named Canada’s E. P. Taylor Award of Merit winner of 2022.

A quiet, humble man, Saunders had great success on Alberta Fall Classic Day winning a dozen of those races.

Harness racing returns to Century Mile this Saturday, September 21.

curtisstock@icloud.com
Follow me on X (Twitter) at CurtisJStock and on Facebook
Author: The Turcottes: The Remarkable Story of a Horse Racing Dynasty.

Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic and Canada QH Cup Futurity HRA Promo (video)

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 19:35:00 GMT

2024 Horse Racing Alberta Promotional Video for Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic

Alberta Oaks Winner Big Hug Continues Her Winning Ways

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 16:56:54 GMT

Alberta Bred BIG HUG Wins Her First Stakes of the 2024 Season

Congratulations to the connections of BIG HUG, winner of Race 4 - the $50,000 R.K. Red Smith Handicap on Friday, July 12th. The four year old filly is owned by Empire Equestrian and Kerredge Farm and was bred by Chalet Stable. This win brings her lifetime earnings to CDN $322,201 and 9 wins, 4 seconds and 1 third from 16 starts. Big Hug is the current Champion Alberta Three Year Old Filly and has 2 wins from 3 starts this season. The multiple stakes winner is by Mr. Big out of the Unusual Heat mare, Temeeku.

BIG HUG has won both the 2023 Alberta Oaks and the 2022 Sturgeon River Stakes and we will be looking for her at the 2024 Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic on Saturday, September 14th!

#ABBredsrock #wildrosewinner #bighug #champion #ABFCWinner

2023 Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic Review

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 19:58:37 GMT

27th Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic Sees Record Handle and Full Fields!

Century Downs Racetrack and Casino

October 16 ^th , 2023

The 27 ^th running of the Alberta Breeders’ Fall Classic day was held on a beautiful, unusually hot September day at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino. Seven stakes races were held with $350,000 in purse money to showcase the best of the Alberta bred runners. The day was highly successful with full fields and a record handle set at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino of $593,000.

The Alberta Fall Classic Distaff for three year olds and up was handily won by Horse of the Year and Champion Alberta bred, DANCE SHOES. The Mank mare is owned by Mohamad Khan and was bred by James McFadyen. The five year old has earned over US $254,000 and has 33 wins career wins and a record of 33-15-3-7.

CTHS Alberta sale graduate, ITSALLGOODMAN, was the winner of the Alberta Premier’s Futurity for two year olds. The Speightster gelding was bred by Stone Ranches and is owned by Curtis Landry. Itsallgoodman was most recently second in the Canadian Juvenile black type stakes before this win and now has over US $48,000 in earnings with a record of 4-2-1-1.

MISS MIEZIE maintained her perfect record with a win in the Sturgeon River Stakes for two year old Alberta bred fillies. Miss Miezie has won all three of her starts this season including this Alberta Breeders’ Fall Classic win and the Princess Margaret Stakes. The filly by St. Patrick’s Day out of Claresmiezie was bred and owned by Riversedge Racing Stables Ltd.

CTHS Alberta sale graduate, BIG HUG, claimed another win to add to her impressive roster with a victory in the Alberta Oaks for three year old fillies. The Mr. Big filly started off this season with a win in the black type Chariot Chaser Handicap and then added the CTHS Sales Stakes in addition to her Alberta Breeders’ Fall Classic day win. Big Hug was bred by Chalet Stable and is owned by Empire Equestrian and Kerredge Farm. The filly now has career earnings of over US $195,000 and has a record to date of 13-7-3-1.

JEFF FA FA was the winner of the Red Diamond Express for three year olds and upwards and set a new track record of 1:15.26 on over six and one half furlongs on the dirt. The Competitive Edge gelding is out of Alamanda Drive and was bred and owned by Pierre Esquirol. This was the fourth straight win for Jeff Fa Fa and the gelding has now has career earnings of over US $69,000 and a record of 13-5-4-2.

The Alberta Breeders’ Handicap for three year olds and up was won by SMART PLAY. The Smarty Jones gelding has now added this victory to his second place finish in the same race last season. Smart Play was bred by Pierre Esquirol and Jerri Robertson out of the Smile Again mare, Smile Again Theta. The gelding is
owned by Tim Kane, Jerri Robertson, Lesley Hardy and Heather Chieffo. Smart Play has earned over US $87,000 and has a career record of 23-4-6-3.

The Singing Saint gelding, H K Rapper, captured the Beaufort Stakes for three year olds for owner, On The Rail Racing. The three year old was bred by Kerry Wilson out of the Broken Vow mare, Mimipaoponchis, and now has a career record of 10-2-3-1 and $47,000 in earnings.

2023 Alberta Breeders Fall Classic video

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 20:02:58 GMT

Horse Racing Alberta Releases 2023 ABFC Promotional Video!

Greek Geek Wins 2023 Spangled Jimmy Handicap

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 21:52:52 GMT

Greek Geek One to Watch for 2023 ABFC

2022 ABFC Winner Greek Geek will be one to watch in the 2023 Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic! Greek Geek won the Spangled Jimmy Handicap on Saturday, June 24th, 2023.

The 2021 Horse of the Year and Champion Alberta bred Greek Geek won the 2022 Alberta Breeders’ Handicap. The Misremembered gelding was bred by Moonshine Meadow Ranch and is owned by Riversedge Racing Stables Ltd.

BIG HUG Wins the $100,000 Sales Stake

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 15:36:03 GMT

2022 ABFC Sturgeon River Stakes Winner BIG HUG Also Wins the $100,000 CTHS Alberta Roy Shellnutt Memorial Sales Stake

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Thank you to the 2022 Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic sponsors!

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 19:49:54 GMT

On behalf of the Alberta Thoroughbred industry, we would like to thank the following sponsors for their recent sponsorship of the 26 ^th Alberta Breeders’ Fall Classic day at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino.

Your participation and generous contribution helped to ensure the success of this important event with Alberta bred Thoroughbreds racing for $350,000 in purse money. The Alberta Breeders’ Fall Classic race day is a highly anticipated event in the Alberta race meet season and your involvement is greatly appreciated.

Thank you again for all of your generous support, we could not have done it without you!

2022 ABFC Winners

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 16:28:49 GMT

Winners of the 2022 Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic - photo credits to Ryan Haynes of Coady Photo Ltd.

CTHS Sale Graduates Win Big at the 2022 Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 18:25:21 GMT

Find Your Own Star at the 2022 CTHS Alberta Thoroughbred Sale

Don’t miss the exciting opportunity to purchase a quality Thoroughbred yearling at the CTHS Alberta Thoroughbred Sale happening this Friday, September 16 ^th at 3 pm in the AgriCentre East at Westerner Park, Red Deer.

The CTHS Alberta sale is a fantastic event in which to look for your next winner! The following four winners of the 2022 Alberta Breeders’ Fall Classic races just held at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino on September 10 ^th were all CTHS Alberta sale graduates.

2018 sale graduate Greek Geek was the winner of the $50,000 Alberta Breeders’ Handicap and is also the current Alberta Horse of the Year, Champion Alberta bred, Champion Sprinter and Champion Older Horse. Big Hug, was purchased at the 2021 sale and has won all three of her career starts including the $50,000 Sturgeon River Stakes. The 2020 sale graduate, Stevie Wonder Girl, just won the $50,000 Alberta Oaks while the seven year old sale graduate, Solo Ring, continued his winning ways with a victory in the $50,000 Red Diamond Express Handicap.

The sires Mank and Cape Canaveral have progeny available in the CTHS Alberta sale and were represented by Dance Shoes, the winner of the Alberta Fall Classic Distaff and Mudinator, the winner of the Alberta Premier’s Futurity.

Buyers can choose from 58 yearlings on offer including Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Kentucky breds. Sires such as Afleet Alex, American Freedom, Birdstone, Bucchero, Cloud Computing, Destin, Driven West, Edison, Gormley, Mr. Recio, Old Forester, Pulpit, Ransom the Moon, Reload, Speighster, Sungold and Wicked Strong are among the stallions represented. The Alberta stallions Big Lightning, Cape Canaveral, Charming Assassin, Dynamic Sky, It’s No Joke, Mank, Marine Landing, Mr O’Prado, Singing Saint and War Correspondent all have progeny available.

Remember that the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society Alberta Division will be providing real time viewing and online bidding through Direct Livestock Marketing Systems (DLMS) for the yearling sale. Our appreciation and thanks to the sponsors Century Mile Racetrack & Casino and Highfield Investment Group Inc. who have made this service possible in Alberta.

For further questions about online bidding with DLMS, please visit https://dlms.ca or call the Purebred Sale Marketing Team: Mark Shologan (780) 699-5082 or the DLMS Purebred Team at (780) 991-3025

The CTHS Alberta Sale catalogue and further sale information may be viewed at www.cthsalta.com/2022-cths-alberta-sale .

2022 Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic Feature Promo

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 15:50:18 GMT

Thank you to Horse Racing Alberta for this wonderful video highlighting the 2022 Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic

Nominations Out for 2022 Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic!

Sat, 03 Sep 2022 00:54:37 GMT

Nominations are available at Equibase for the 26th Running of the Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic!

RED DIAMOND EXPRESS HANDICAP

STURGEON RIVER STAKES

THE ALBERTA OAKS

THE ALBERTA PREMIER' S FUTURITY

THE BEAUFORT STAKES

THE ALBERTA BREEDERS' HANDICAP

THE ALBERTA FALL CLASSIC DISTAFF HANDICAP

Seven Stakes Races and $350,000 in Purse Money for Alberta Breds

Sat, 03 Sep 2022 00:49:34 GMT

Sept. 10 Fall Classic card features seven stakes and $350K in purses for the 26th renewal -
By Curtis Stock September 2nd

Choices. With seven stakes races on tap for the Sept. 10 Fall Classic program at Century Mile, several trainers are wondering which of the $50,000 Alberta-bred races to go in.

The bulk of the decisions revolve around the six furlong Red Diamond Express and the mile and a sixteenth Alberta Breeders. Smart Play, Backstretch Bobby, Common Knowledge, Dancing Willie, Theshack and Wedge Pond have all cross entered in both races.

“To go short or to go long. That’s the question,” said Smart Play’s trainer Jerri Robertson after nominations for the seven races - an Alberta version of the Breeders’ Cup - closed at midnight Thursday.

“He can do either. He ran well short and then he almost stole last year’s Canadian Derby going a mile and a quarter. I’m leaning to the Breeders. But I’m not 100 per cent sure yet. Both races are going to be tough. But so will Smart Play,” Robertson said of the four-year-old owned by Tim Kane, Lesley Hardy, Heather Chieffo and herself.

Read full article >> Sept. 10 Fall Classic card features seven stakes and $350K in purses for the 26th renewal -
By Curtis Stock September 2nd

Alberta Breds Big Hug and Bootiful Rose Finish One-Two in the Princess Margaret Stakes

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 21:23:42 GMT

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Alberta breds and CTHS Alberta sale graduates, BIG HUG and BOOTIFUL ROSE finish one-two in the $50,000 Princess Margaret Stakes!

Congratulations to the connections of BIG HUG, the winner of the Princess Margaret Stakes! The Mr. Big filly was bred by Chalet Stable and is owned by Empire Equestrian and Kerredge Farm. Big Hug has now won both her lifetime starts. Congratulations also to the connections of the second place finisher, BOOTIFUL ROSE, bred by Stone Ranches and owned by Don Danard and Don Knight.

#ABBredsrock

ONEOFTHEMGIRLS is Three for Three in 2022!

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 20:18:46 GMT

Congratulations to the connections of Alberta bred ONEOFTHEMGIRLS, winner of the Sonoma Handicap on July 29th! The Champion Alberta Two Year Old filly has now won five stakes races in a row for the ownership group of Highfield Investment Group, Inc., Curtis Landry and Irving Devey. The Exhi filly was bred by Highfield Investment Group Inc. & Curtis Landry and is a 2020 CTHS Alberta sale graduate.

#ABBredsrock

Alberta bred DANCE SHOES Wins Shirley Vargo Handicap

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 20:03:26 GMT

Alberta bred DANCE SHOES Will Be One to Watch this season!

Congratulations to the connections of Alberta bred DANCE SHOES on her victory in the $50,000 black type Shirley Vargo Handicap on July 8th. Dance Shoes is having a great season to date with wins in her last two starts including the black type RedTail Landing Handicap on June 17th. The Mank filly now has a record of 6-3-1-1 and US $69,638 in earnings this season. She is owned by Mohamad Khan and was bred by James McFadyen out of the WhyWhyWhy mare Dancin for Dellana. Dance Shoes was the winner of the 2021 Alberta Oaks at the 25th Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic.

2021 Alberta bred and Horse of the Year champion GREEK GEEK also had an impressive run in the black type $50,000 Spangled Jimmy Handicap on July 9th finishing second behind Market Analysis. The Misremembered gelding brings his lifetime earnings to US $204,605 and a record of 24-8-7-3 for owner Riversedge Racing Stables Ltd. and breeder Moonshine Meadow Ranch. Greek Geek was the winner of the 2021 Alberta Breeders' Handicap.

https://www.facebook.com/centurymile/videos/354061696891915

ONEOFTHEMGIRLS wins the Chariot Chaser Handicap

Wed, 29 Jun 2022 16:51:23 GMT

Who to Watch in this year's Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic

Friday night on June 17th was a great night for Alberta breds with DANCE SHOES winning the RedTail Landing Handicap and ONEOFTHEMGIRLS winning the Chariot Chaser Handicap.

The four year old Mank filly, Dance Shoes, now has a record of 5-2-1-1 and $46,504 in earnings this season. Congratulations to her connections including owner Mohamad Khan and breeder James McFadyen.

The three year old Exhi filly Oneofthemgirls has won her last four starts and has a perfect record of 2-2-0-0 so far this season with $46,661 in earnings. Congratulations to her breeder, Highfield Investment Group & Curtis Landry and ownership group Highfield Investment Group, Curtis Landry and Irving Devey.

Photo below shows Oneofthemgirls winning the 2021 CTHS Alberta Sales Stakes

#ABBredsrock

#albertathoroughbreds

Watch for ONEOFTHEMGIRLS and ABOVE AND BEYOND this season!

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 20:31:52 GMT

Watch for Alberta breds ONEOFTHEMGIRLS and ABOVEANDBEYOND this season!

Congratulations to the connections of 2021 Champion Two Year Old filly ONEOFTHEMGIRLS, winner of the Alberta Sire Debutante Stakes on May 27th at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino. The now three year old was bred by Highfield Investment Group Inc & Curtis Landry and is owned by Highfield Investment Group Inc., Curtis Landry & Irving Devey.

Congratulations also goes to the Iliad sired runner, ABOVE AND BEYOND, winner of the Alberta Sire Stakes Derby on May 28th. The three year old gelding is owned and bred by Duggan Farms.

This was the first start out in 2022 for both horses.

#ABBredsrock

Save the Date for the 2022 Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 20:12:25 GMT

Save the date for the 2022 Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic! Seven races featuring the best of the Alberta breds in the season competing for $350,000 in purse money restricted to Alberta breds. Join us at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino for this special day on Saturday, September 10th!

Your Best Bet is an Alberta Bred! Owners share in bonus monies of $372,830 in 2022.

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 20:12:25 GMT

The 2022 Stakes Schedule is out including the seven races for the Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic to be held on Saturday, September 10th with $350,000 offered in purse money restricted to Alberta breds. Your Best Bet is an Alberta bred!

ABFC News

Big Hug leads Alberta-bred stars on Breeders' Fall Classic card

https://www.drf.com/news/big-hug-leads-alberta-bred-stars-breeders-fall-classic-card

Rycroft Aims to Rebound at 2025 Alberta Fall Classic After Challenging Year

Earn More with Alberta Breds

Don't Miss the Richest Day in Alberta Horse Racing!

Who to Watch This Season

Big Hug Continues Her Winning Ways This Season!

Alberta Breeder Kerry Wilson in the Spotlight

Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic Stars

Breeders Tina and Gerald Stone Talk About Itsallgoodman!

Spotlight on Alberta’s Finest: Big Hug and Her Breeders"

Spotlight on Alberta Stars: Big Hug and Breeder Paul Luft of Chalet Stable

Celebrating Alberta Excellence: Smart Play and his Breeders

Celebrating Alberta Excellence: Smart Play and His Breeders

Spotlight on Alberta Excellence: Breeder Jim McFadyen and Dance Shoes

Interview with Jim McFadyen, breeder of Alberta bred Dance Shoes - 2022 Horse of the Year and Champion Alberta bred.

Big Hug Dominates the Alberta Fall Classic

Three Races, Three Wins for the Unstoppable Mare ﻿

Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic and Canada QH Cup Futurity HRA Promo (video)

2024 Horse Racing Alberta Promotional Video for Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic

Alberta Oaks Winner Big Hug Continues Her Winning Ways

Alberta Bred BIG HUG Wins Her First Stakes of the 2024 Season

2023 Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic Review

27th Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic Sees Record Handle and Full Fields!

2023 Alberta Breeders Fall Classic video

Horse Racing Alberta Releases 2023 ABFC Promotional Video!

Greek Geek Wins 2023 Spangled Jimmy Handicap

Greek Geek One to Watch for 2023 ABFC

BIG HUG Wins the $100,000 Sales Stake

2022 ABFC Sturgeon River Stakes Winner BIG HUG Also Wins the $100,000 CTHS Alberta Roy Shellnutt Memorial Sales Stake

Thank you to the 2022 Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic sponsors!

2022 ABFC Winners

Winners of the 2022 Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic - photo credits to Ryan Haynes of Coady Photo Ltd.

CTHS Sale Graduates Win Big at the 2022 Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic

Find Your Own Star at the 2022 CTHS Alberta Thoroughbred Sale

2022 Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic Feature Promo

Thank you to Horse Racing Alberta for this wonderful video highlighting the 2022 Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic

Nominations Out for 2022 Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic!

Nominations are available at Equibase for the 26th Running of the Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic!

Seven Stakes Races and $350,000 in Purse Money for Alberta Breds

Sept. 10 Fall Classic card features seven stakes and $350K in purses for the 26th renewal - By Curtis Stock September 2nd

Alberta Breds Big Hug and Bootiful Rose Finish One-Two in the Princess Margaret Stakes

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ONEOFTHEMGIRLS is Three for Three in 2022!

Alberta bred DANCE SHOES Wins Shirley Vargo Handicap

Alberta bred DANCE SHOES Will Be One to Watch this season!

ONEOFTHEMGIRLS wins the Chariot Chaser Handicap

Who to Watch in this year's Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic

Watch for ONEOFTHEMGIRLS and ABOVE AND BEYOND this season!

Watch for Alberta breds ONEOFTHEMGIRLS and ABOVEANDBEYOND this season!

Save the Date for the 2022 Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic

Your Best Bet is an Alberta Bred! Owners share in bonus monies of $372,830 in 2022.

Three Races, Three Wins for the Unstoppable Mare

Sept. 10 Fall Classic card features seven stakes and $350K in purses for the 26th renewal -
By Curtis Stock September 2nd