Western Canada Triple Crown established with bonus for sweep
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The three racetracks in western Canada have joined forces to create the Western Canadian Triple Crown. The three-race series consists of the $125,000 Manitoba Derby at Assiniboia Downs Aug. 7, the Grade 3, $200,000 Canadian Derby at Century Mile Aug. 26, and wraps up at Hastings on Sept. 16 with the Grade 3 British Columbia Derby. The Manitoba Derby and B.C. Derby will be contested at 1 1/8 miles with the Canadian Derby at 1 1/4 miles.
If a horse wins all three races, his owners will receive the $100,000 bonus attached to the series.
“To link a meaningful financial bonus to the already-robust purse offerings should only elevate the participation and competitiveness of the races,” said Darren Dunn, Assiniboia Downs chief executive officer. “It also results in a rewarding outcome for both the racing fans and related horse connections. We are excited to work collaboratively with our western provincial partners who are so energized to put an even brighter spotlight on these historic Derby events.”
“This initiative will bring additional fanfare and excitement to Western Canada’s premier races for three-year-olds,” said Allen Goodsell, racing manager at Century Casino. “We look forward to additional collaboration in the future, which only strengthens our collective industries.”
Trainer Robertino Diodoro was pleased to hear about the bonus. Diodoro, who was a leading trainer in Alberta prior to making a name for himself in the United States, has dominated the Manitoba Derby and Canadian Derby in recent years. Last year he won both races, but with different horses. Red Knobs beat Great Escape in the Manitoba Derby and the Great Escape came back with a convincing win over his stablemate in the Canadian Derby.
“I think it’s a great idea,” said Diodoro. “It’s very exciting and if we are fortunate to win the first two we will be certainly be coming to Vancouver.”
Nichelle Milner, director of racing at Hastings, is looking forward to the series evolving.
“A Western Canadian Triple Crown has such great potential. I can see eventually awarding points for first, second and third place finishes and have the top three connections profit from it. We’re thrilled to be part of it.”
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