Blog Post
CTHS BC • Feb 24, 2021
Welcome to the launch of BC Breeders Banter. Our goal is to circulate notes and quotes and updates to thoroughbred racing enthusiasts during the upcoming season as we continue to promote the thoroughbred breeding programs in British Columbia, the CTHS membership and the racing industry in general. The CTHS is a national organization established to encourage the ownership and breeding of thoroughbred horses in Canada with division offices in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.
We hope you enjoy the first BC Breeders Banter and look forward to upcoming editions. CTHS BC members are encouraged to submit pertinent stories and information to: B-J Davidson, Regional General Manager, CTHS BC
Vancouver, BC (Feb. 24/21) -There is a feeling of optimism filtering through the air at Hastings Racecourse these days. From 38 thoroughbreds on the grounds during the recent temperature freeze to 150 training this past weekend, enthusiasm in the backstretch has heightened considerably.
“It’s a good sign,” says Racing Secretary Nichelle Milner. “A lot of breeders and owners from the Okanagan were unable to get their horses down here because of the treacherous Coquihalla Highway driving conditions. But now they’re arriving in steady numbers.”
Russell and Lois Bennett, the most successful breeders in the history of racing in British Columbia, validate Milner’s comment.
“Some of our horses made it to Vancouver before the weather turned,” Russell relates from his Flying Horse Farm in Westbank, BC on the shores of Okanagan Lake. “Jamie Demetrick hauls for us and has more on the way. They all go to Barbara and she makes the decisions from there.”
That would be ‘Barbara’ as in Heads, the first woman trainer to be inducted into the British Columbia Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 2017 and the person who has contributed so greatly to the Bennett’s phenomenal success over the years. When Russ and Lois were honoured at the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame Induction Gala in 2007 at the posh Mississauga Convention Centre, they were introduced as ‘the Royal Couple of British Columbia’s racing industry’
We hope you enjoy the first BC Breeders Banter and look forward to upcoming editions. CTHS BC members are encouraged to submit pertinent stories and information to: B-J Davidson, Regional General Manager, CTHS BC
Positive Buzz Throughout Hastings Backstretch
Vancouver, BC (Feb. 24/21) -There is a feeling of optimism filtering through the air at Hastings Racecourse these days. From 38 thoroughbreds on the grounds during the recent temperature freeze to 150 training this past weekend, enthusiasm in the backstretch has heightened considerably.
“It’s a good sign,” says Racing Secretary Nichelle Milner. “A lot of breeders and owners from the Okanagan were unable to get their horses down here because of the treacherous Coquihalla Highway driving conditions. But now they’re arriving in steady numbers.”
Russell and Lois Bennett, the most successful breeders in the history of racing in British Columbia, validate Milner’s comment.
“Some of our horses made it to Vancouver before the weather turned,” Russell relates from his Flying Horse Farm in Westbank, BC on the shores of Okanagan Lake. “Jamie Demetrick hauls for us and has more on the way. They all go to Barbara and she makes the decisions from there.”
That would be ‘Barbara’ as in Heads, the first woman trainer to be inducted into the British Columbia Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 2017 and the person who has contributed so greatly to the Bennett’s phenomenal success over the years. When Russ and Lois were honoured at the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame Induction Gala in 2007 at the posh Mississauga Convention Centre, they were introduced as ‘the Royal Couple of British Columbia’s racing industry’
BC-Breds in Big Numbers for Coming Season
With an Opening Day target date set for Saturday, May 1 at Hastings there have been more and more familiar faces surfacing during training with the likes of jockeys Amadeo Perez, Antonio Reyes, Scott Williams and Silvino Morales as well as the usual solid roster of trainers preparing for a full racing meet.
The BC Horse Racing Industry Management Committee (BCHRIMC) represents both the thoroughbred and standardbred breeds. The Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association of BC (HBPA of BC), BC Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Association (BCTOBA), Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society’s BC Division (CTHS BC) and Harness Racing BC (HRBC) have requested funding assistance from the provincial government for the 2021 racing season and beyond. Negotiations have been ongoing and BCHRIMC members are optimistic financial relief and approval of the proposal to stabilize the industry will be forthcoming.
“We plan to have 500-plus horses on the premises by opening day,” Milner says. “Over 50 per cent of that number will be BC-breds.”
The CTHS BC Board of Directors earlier announced a one-time exception for all 2021 CTHS Sales Stakes sustaining fee nomination payments with the original February 14, 2021 deadline having been extended to March 15, 2021.
Closing Notes
Milner and her sidekick Lacie Burningham, now Assistant Racing Secretary at Hastings, praise the work crew for their tireless efforts under Track Superintendent Drew Levere for having things in such fine shape … At last count there were 540 stalls called for in the backstretch … Clockers will be back on the scene for training at Hastings on Tuesday, March 9 with the starting gate open for schooling on Thursday, March 11 … Thoroughbred Awards Coordinator Minna Rytkonen reminds selectors that Sunday, February 28 is the deadline for ballots to be completed and returned to her at [email protected] or 604-725-0115.
With an Opening Day target date set for Saturday, May 1 at Hastings there have been more and more familiar faces surfacing during training with the likes of jockeys Amadeo Perez, Antonio Reyes, Scott Williams and Silvino Morales as well as the usual solid roster of trainers preparing for a full racing meet.
The BC Horse Racing Industry Management Committee (BCHRIMC) represents both the thoroughbred and standardbred breeds. The Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association of BC (HBPA of BC), BC Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Association (BCTOBA), Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society’s BC Division (CTHS BC) and Harness Racing BC (HRBC) have requested funding assistance from the provincial government for the 2021 racing season and beyond. Negotiations have been ongoing and BCHRIMC members are optimistic financial relief and approval of the proposal to stabilize the industry will be forthcoming.
“We plan to have 500-plus horses on the premises by opening day,” Milner says. “Over 50 per cent of that number will be BC-breds.”
The CTHS BC Board of Directors earlier announced a one-time exception for all 2021 CTHS Sales Stakes sustaining fee nomination payments with the original February 14, 2021 deadline having been extended to March 15, 2021.
Closing Notes
Milner and her sidekick Lacie Burningham, now Assistant Racing Secretary at Hastings, praise the work crew for their tireless efforts under Track Superintendent Drew Levere for having things in such fine shape … At last count there were 540 stalls called for in the backstretch … Clockers will be back on the scene for training at Hastings on Tuesday, March 9 with the starting gate open for schooling on Thursday, March 11 … Thoroughbred Awards Coordinator Minna Rytkonen reminds selectors that Sunday, February 28 is the deadline for ballots to be completed and returned to her at [email protected] or 604-725-0115.
The office will be closed Tuesday, December 19, 2023 - Wednesday, January 3, 2024 The office reopens on Thursday, January 4, 2024 Wishing you a happy, healthy holiday season and good racing in 2024! The Directors and staff - CTHS BC
Plan to attend on Monday August 7th BC Cup Day at the Marquis Tent area
On the Move: Current leading second-crop sire in Canada COUNTERFORCE (seen with Jack Bennett at Road's End Farm)
An Inspiration for 2023 CTHS BC Yearling & Mixed Sale
To: All members of the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (BC Division) NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING TAKE NOTICE THAT the Annual General Meeting of the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (BC Division) will be held: Time: Commencing at 11:30 am Date: Wednesday, June 21, 2023 Place: CTHS (BC Division) Office - Boardroom #7 – 5492 Production Blvd. Surrey, BC The main purpose of this meeting is for the following: 1. to receive the annual reports of the Society; 2. to approve the appointment of the auditor for the 2022 fiscal year; 3. to transact such business that may properly come before the Annual Meeting. Dated this 30th day of May, 2023. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Note: Copies of the 2022 financial statements and minutes of the June 23, 2022 annual general meeting will be available at the meeting or upon request by contacting the office. As per Article XI, Section 9 (a) of the CTHS By-Laws, new business proposed to be discussed at the meetings of the Society, or any Regional Division thereof, shall be delivered in writing to the National Executive Secretary or Regional Secretary/General Manager as the case may be. Proposed new business, endorsed in writing by at least three (3) members entitled to vote at the meeting and received prior to the mailing of the Notice of the Meeting, shall be included in the agenda and may be subject of a vote at the meeting. Only voting members who are present are eligible to vote (no proxies).
What better way to launch the 2023 thoroughbred racing season at Hastings Racecourse than to stage a full-blown dinner party just prior to opening day? First race to launch the 2023 schedule at Hastings is set for 2 p.m., Sunday, April 30. Four nights earlier – Wednesday, April 26 – the industry celebrates its 2022 BC Thoroughbred Awards Dinner and Hall of Fame Inductions at the Italian Cultural Centre. Horses from 16 categories will be acknowledged for their performances at Hastings last year. Co-ordinator Minna Rytkonen issued secret ballots to a panel of selectors in December. The winners will be revealed by emcees Dan Jukich and Mike Heads highlighting the April 26 event. Season-ending stats following last year’s 45-day racing calendar confirmed the 2022 leading breeder (Tod Mountain Thoroughbreds), owner (Rob and Sheena Maybin), trainer (Edgar Mendoza) and jockey (Amadeo Perez) awards. BC Horse Racing Hall of Fame 2022 inductees, announced earlier by curator Randy Goulding, are Dr. Ed Wiebe (builder), Richard Hamel (jockey) and Robbie Anderson (trainer). “After a two-year interruption staging the Awards Dinner due to the pandemic, we’re looking forward to seeing everyone again as a kick-off to the 2023 racing season,” says B-J Davidson, CTHS-BC Regional General Manager. “We consider it a huge family gathering.”
COUNTERFORCE LEADING FRESHMAN SIRE IN CANADA; LEADING JUVENILE SIRE IN BC BC HORSE RACING INDUSTRY BONDS WITH POSITIVE NEWS ON ALL FRONTS
Standardbred Canada (SC) and the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (CTHS) are pleased to announce the development of a National Economic Impact Study. The two organizations are working with Serecon, a third-party research company, to conduct an economic scan and facilitate key stakeholder interviews through a national survey and provide further analysis. The goals of the project are: To increase the understanding of the current state of the sector; To identify and articulate the economic and social impacts of horse racing across the country; To develop strategic recommendations to ensure the sustainability and inclusivity of the horse racing sector; Socialize findings with key federal government stakeholders The study will review such economic drivers as cost of ownership, economic contribution from horses, and industry trends. “We are pleased to collaborate with Standardbred Canada to conduct the economic impact study for the Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing breeds,” said Adrian Munro, President of CTHS. “The study will build off of the pre-pandemic era to begin tracking overall impact drivers for our industry.” “This is a first for both national breed registries who have agreed to work together to collect data and information on the horse racing sector in Canada and using the key performance metrics that the survey provides will help us understand and measure our lines of business with the ultimate goal of building a sustainable future for the industry,” said Dan Gall, President and CEO of Standardbred Canada. The final report will be reviewed by CTHS and the SC Board of Directors and is scheduled to be submitted in January 2023. This report will provide an overview of the evolution and current state of the Canadian horse racing industry and highlight the economic and social impacts of the sector, outline challenges, opportunities, and recommendations to consider. Bob Burden, a Senior Director with Serecon, added that “Our team will accurately assess the total contribution of the Canadian horse racing industry to Canada's economy so that both associations will be better equipped to address challenges going forward”. Both parties, SC and CTHS, encourage the horse racing sector to provide information into the research being conducted to allow our sector to be as thorough and accurate as possible with the data collected. To take the survey click here .
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