Alberta Thoroughbred e id u G Industry -to w o H
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CTHS Alberta Division
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nyone that has been a newcomer to the world of thoroughbreds knows there is a lot to take in at the beginning. Long-time supporters and professionals within the industry can provide valuable insight, but it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s where this book comes in. Consider it your first reference—a how-to guide, if you will. It will serve as a brief introduction to the Alberta Thoroughbred Industry, summarized into three (simplified) steps. Use it as a source for basic information, a place to take notes or an inspiration for future conversations as you begin your adventure with the breed, the sports and the industry that we all love.
Pictured on cover: SMART FIX and connections
The Thoroughbred Industry in Alberta
A How-To Guide Step 1
Understand the Industry
Step 2
Owning a Horse
Step 3
Keep Up to Speed
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Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society CTHS Alberta Division Relevant Organizations Thoroughbred Careers Racetrack Locations
Define Your Goals Account for Costs Acquisition Ownership Breeding Racing
Follow the Schedule Significant Events Horses to Know Terminology
CTHS Alberta Division
Step 1
Understand the Industry Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society The national breed organization for thoroughbreds in Canada. CTHS Alberta Division The provincial group representing Alberta within CTHS National. Relevant Organizations A few of the groups you’ll become familiar with. Thoroughbred Careers There are many options for this versatile breed. Racetrack Locations There are five thoroughbred racetracks in Alberta.
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The Thoroughbred Industry in Alberta
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CTHS Alberta Division
Step 1: Understand the Industry Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society The Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (C.T.H.S.) was incorporated in 1906 under the federal Live Stock Pedigree Act (presently called the Animal Pedigree Act – 1988) as a national breed organization to assist breeders of Thoroughbred horses in Canada. Located in Toronto, the National Office determines the requirements for Canadian-bred status of foals, maintains the breeder membership roster for Canada, compiles statistics and represents Canadian Thoroughbred breeders both nationally and internationally. In 1976, the provincial divisions were established in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan. These divisions assist breeders in provincial bonus and incentive programs, operate auctions, and provide other services to members. Most of the provincial divisions have web sites, feel free to visit them.
Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society National Office Post Office Box 172 Rexdale, ON M9W 5L1 416 675 1370 info@cthsnational.com
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The Thoroughbred Industry in Alberta
CTHS Alberta Division CTHS (Alberta Division) has a mandate to promote the purchase of Alberta Thoroughbreds, keep records, organize sales, disseminate information, compile statistics and assist Alberta members with horse registration. The provincial division serves as a voice for its members in the industry. As key issues of the industry are discussed, CTHS representatives carry the voice of breeders to meeting rooms where decisions are made. CTHS Alberta distributes funds to various programs through Horse Racing Alberta’s Thoroughbred Breed Improvement Program. They also support many facets of the Industry through sponsorship of different organizations including the Horse Racing Hall of Fame and The Jockey Club Incentive Program.
CTHS Alberta Division Airways Business Plaza Unit #218, 1935 – 32nd Avenue N.E. Calgary, AB T2E 7C8 403 229 3609 cthsweb@cthsalta.com
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CTHS Alberta Division
Step 1: Understand the Industry Relevant Organizations In support of the thoroughbred breed and industry, the CTHS Alberta Division maintains involvement with a number of organizations and specific events. These various groups focus on promoting the breed as a whole, as well as the people involved. They include:
Alberta Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Association (ATOBA) is a not-for-profit society which promotes breeding, racing, ownership and marketing of Thoroughbred horses in Alberta from birth to retirement. Their four main objectives are to attain sponsorship to create positive economics for breeders and owners, provide education to new and veteran members, provide marketing and promotional opportunities for stakeholders and provide retirement options and information for Off-Track Thoroughbreds.
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The Thoroughbred Industry in Alberta
Horse Racing Alberta (HRA), is a private notfor-profit corporation that was established with the Alberta Governments proclamation of the Racing Corporation Act in 1996. The HRA was established to lead a racing industry renewal and to manage industry self-regulation.
The Horsemen’s Benevelont and Protective Association of Alberta (HBPA) is one of the five Provincial Associations that form the HBPA of Canada. Anyone who becomes licensed as an owner or trainer at an “A” racetrack in Alberta is automatically a member of the Association. The HBPA is an organization to provide the horsemen with an authoritative, united voice providing representation in the conduct of racing. The H.B.P.A. serves to protect and maintain the interests of the owners, trainers, and employees who have an investment in the multi-million dollar Thoroughbred Racing industry.
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CTHS Alberta Division
Step 1: Understand the Industry Relevant Organizations The Jockey Club (TJC) Registry is the breed registry for Thoroughbred horses in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. It integrates modern technologies into traditional registration procedures to streamline its operations for the benefit of owners and breeders.
The Jockey Club of Canada (JCC) was formed to promote improvements in the breeding, raising and racing of thoroughbred horses throughout Canada, to maintain pedigree records and generally to promote Canadian thoroughbred racing both in Canada and elsewhere.
Thoroughbred Lasting Careers Society (TLC) provides funding for the aftercare, rehabilitation and retraining of off-the-track thoroughbreds in Alberta. They assist and ensure that post-graduate thoroughbreds are provided with a second career after leaving the racetrack, as well as promoting the unique qualities of the breed.
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The Thoroughbred Industry in Alberta
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CTHS Alberta Division
Step 1: Understand the Industry Thoroughbred Careers A talented and versatile breed, thoroughbreds have been developed into the most tremendous athletes. This makes them well-suited to a variety of different disciplines, which may include: Eventing Barrel Racing Dressage Polocrosse Jumping Ranching Trail Riding Of course, while many thoroughbreds and their owners have found success off of the racetrack as well, horse racing is the sport that the breed is most well-known for. It follows that the racing sector makes up a large part of the thoroughbred industry as a whole. It is an important aspect and will be discussed further in the following pages of this guide.
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The Thoroughbred Industry in Alberta
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Keeping all of this in mind, it is up to the owner to decide where their horse will specialize its talents. Maybe your equine athlete is suited for jumping or barrel racing. Perhaps they start their career on the racetrack and master another skill in the future. A horse could lend superior traits to a future generation by focusing on the breeding sector of the industry. Whichever path you choose, understanding the industry itself, becoming familiar with the strengths of a particular horse and gaining feedback from trainers is important when making these decisions.
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CTHS Alberta Division
Step 1: Understand the Industry Racetrack Locations There are currently five Alberta racetracks that host thoroughbred racing.
Century Downs Racetrack and Casino Balzac/Calgary area 260 Century Downs Drive Rocky View, AB T4A 0V5 587 349 7777 info.centurydowns@cnty.com
Century Mile Racetrack and Casino Nisku/Edmonton area 4711 Airport Perimeter Road Edmonton International Airport, AB T9E 0V6 587 416 6453
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The Thoroughbred Industry in Alberta
Evergreen Park 55051 Township Rd 710 Grande Prairie County, AB T8X 4A3 780 532 3279
Millarville Racetrack 306097 192 Street Millarville, AB T0L 1K0 403 931 3411 office@millarvilleracetrack.com
Rocky Mountain Turf Club 3401 Parkside Drive South Lethbridge, AB T1J 4R3 403 380 1905
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ALBERTA DIVISION
