EDMONTON

Horse Racing Alberta staying at Northlands another year, new track to open in 2018

Julia Parrish Web Reporter, CTV Edmonton

Published Thursday, November 3, 2016 4:30PM MDT

A new 10-year agreement between the provincial government and Horse Racing Alberta aims to ensure the industry remains sustainable.

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Officials said Thursday that the horse racing licence had been extended for Horse Racing Alberta at Northlands, as construction is underway on the new track.

In a release from Northlands, both sides said an agreement had been reached that would see horse racing stay at the Northlands Park Racetrack, before moving to its new home at Century Mile.

Under the agreement, horse racing will stay through 2017, and into mid-2018. In June of that year, horseracing will transition to Century Mile in July 2018.

A statement from Horse Racing Alberta CEO Shirley McClellan said the organization is ‘grateful’ for the agreement.

“The agreement allows the industry a seamless transition into Century Mile while addressing the unique needs of all breeds,” McClellan’s statement said, in part.

Back in mid-September, it was announced that Horse Racing Alberta would move to Century Casinos, and the company would replace Northlands as host of the Canadian Derby and all other competitions previously hosted at Northlands Park.