Woodbine, Century Mile team up to offer derby bonus

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Woodbine Entertainment, in partnership with Century Mile, has announced the winner of this year’s Grade 3 Canadian Derby will be awarded free entry to the Grade 3 Ontario Derby, with the potential of earning a $50,000 bonus.

The Canadian Derby will be run Aug. 20 at Century Mile in Edmonton, Alberta. The winner will receive free entry to the Oct. 23 Ontario Derby at Woodbine. If a horse captures both events, the winning connections will receive a bonus of $50,000, offered evenly by Woodbine and Century Mile.

“This exciting initiative provides a great opportunity to connect our sport across the country and further develop the Canadian Thoroughbred industry,” said Tim Lawson, director of Thoroughbred racing for Woodbine. “The Canadian Derby has a rich history, with many notable past champions, and we’re looking forward to welcoming this year’s winner to Woodbine for the Ontario Derby.”

Paul Ryneveld, managing director of racing at Century Downs and Century Mile, echoed Lawson’s sentiments.

:: Get Daily Racing Form Past Performances – the exclusive home of Beyer Speed Figures

“Developing this east-west relationship in Canada will go a long way to strengthening the opportunities for horsemen and ultimately the wagering product across the nation,” Ryneveld said.

The Canadian Derby is open to 3-year-olds and will be contested over 1 1/4 miles on dirt. The Ontario Derby for 3-year-olds will be run over 1 1/8 miles on the synthetic Tapeta surface.

The Woodbine meet commences April 16, and the Century Mile meet begins April 30.