The Alberta Thoroughbred Industry—A How-to Guide (SAMPLE)

The Alberta Thoroughbred Industry

A How-to Guide

Anyone 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.

SMART FIX and connections

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.

Contact:

Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society

National Office

Post Office Box 172

Rexdale, ON M9W 5L1

416 675 1370

info@cthsnational.com

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.

Contact:

CTHS Alberta Division

Airways Business Plaza

Unit #218, 1935 – 32nd Avenue N.E.

Calgary, AB T2E 7C8

403 229 3609

cthsweb@cthsalta.com

Relevant Organizations

In support of the thoroughbred breed and industry, the CTHS Alberta Division maintains involvement with a number of organizations. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Racetrack Locations

There are currently five Alberta racetracks that host thoroughbred racing.

Century Downs Racetrack and Casino

Balzac/Calgary area

Century Mile Racetrack and Casino

Nisku/Edmonton area

Evergreen Park

Grande Prairie County

Millarville Racetrack

Millarville

Rocky Mountain Turf Club

Lethbridge