Western Canadian Derby Series

Western Canadian Derby Series Returns in 2025 with $100,000 Derby Bonus and $25,000 Owner-Trainer Bonus

WINNIPEG, MB – April 8, 2025 — With Western Canadian race meets launching in May, the 2025 Western Canadian Derby Series promises to elevate an already thrilling season of Thoroughbred racing across Western Canada. The $100,000 Derby Bonus awaits any 3-year-old daring enough to sweep all three races, bolstered by the Manitoba Derby’s return to the series alongside the Canadian Derby and BC Derby. A $25,000 Owner-Trainer Bonus will further stoke the competition.

The 2025 series begins August 4 at Assiniboia Downs with the $125,000 Manitoba Derby (1 1/8 miles), continues August 23 with the $200,000 Canadian Derby (10 furlongs) at Century Mile, and concludes September 13 with the $125,000 BC Derby (9 furlongs) at Hastings Racecourse.

“We are thrilled to return the historic Manitoba Derby as a participant in the series. The elevated competition of a three-race challenge creates a winning combination for all involved, from our valued race fans to our equally important horse owners and trainers” said Darren Dunn.

Reflecting on 2024: August Rain Dominates

The 2024 series, limited to the Canadian Derby and BC Derby due to quarantine restrictions at Assiniboia Downs, showcased August Rain’s dominance. Trained by Barbara Heads and owned by Peter Redekop, the horse clinched both races to lead the points standings. J Dutton and Classy City rounded out the top three with strong showings in both events.

Barbara Heads, who topped the trainer standings, reflected: “He is an amazing little horse with a lot of ambition. It was a great opportunity to be in the Derby Series and the best result I could imagine.”

The series will once again conclude at Hastings Racecourse, where the BC Derby will take center stage as one of the most anticipated events on the Western Canadian racing calendar. Dawn Lupul, representing the local racing community, expressed excitement about hosting the final leg. “We are excited to be welcoming the best of the west to historic Hastings Park,” she said. “Our local horse people greeted the initiative with enthusiasm last year and are ready to put on a show for this year’s BC Derby.”

$25,000 Owner-Trainer Bonus Details

Points are awarded per race: 6 for 1st, 4 for 2nd, 3 for 3rd, 2 for 4th, and 1 for 5th or lower. Horses must start in at least two races to qualify. Owners earn points based on each horse’s total, while trainers tally points from all their starters’ totals. A 3-point All Derby Bonus is added for horses that run in all three races. Following the BC Derby, the bonus will be split, with $12,500 awarded to the top three owners and $12,500 to the top three trainers:

• 1st Place: $7,000
• 2nd Place: $3,500
• 3rd Place: $2,000

Looking Ahead

With the Manitoba Derby back, the 2025 Western Canadian Derby Series is poised to be bigger and more competitive than ever.

“Tying these three extremely important races together gives horse owners added incentive and benefit to compete against the best Western Canada has to offer. The series is a testament to the cooperation between the racetracks and racing associations of the Provinces involved.” Paul Ryneveld

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For more information, contact:

Darren Dunn CEO
Assiniboia Downs
ddunn@asdowns.com

Dawn Lupul
Racing and Communications
BC Racebook
dlupul@thebettingcompany.com

Mike Vanin
Executive Director HBPA Alberta
executivedirector@hbpaalberta.ca