After Saturday’s final race at the Canadian Derby, uncertainty will finally set in.
Northlands has been the home for the horse-racing competition for nearly 60 years, but 87th edition is supposed to be the last one at this track.
“This is most likely our last derby,” Northlands General Manager Scott Sinclair said. “It’s one of those things where we’re going to have to wait and see.”
But the possibility of this being the last Derby at Northlands did not dampen the mood Saturday, where attendees were dressed to impress as usual.
“Yes, it's a little more effort up front, but way worth it,” Randall MacDonald and Susan Jaksich said. “It's fun to play! That's right! It's fun to dress up and show up.”
While Northlands continue to explore their options, Horse Racing Alberta is studying four proposals to build a new track in the province.
The bids come from the Enoch Cree Nation, which operates the River Cree Casino; Alberta Downs, an existing track in Lacombe; Century Casinos Inc. and the Siksika Nation near Calgary.
These four bids guarantee a future for horse racing in Alberta, but some Edmontonians will miss the tradition of having the Canadian Derby at Northlands.
“It's a real shame,” Carla Hunt said. “It's absolutely tragic that this potentially is the last one.”
With files from Jeremy Thompson and Bill Fortier
