CTHS BC • February 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 minnaryt@telus.net 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 minnaryt@telus.net or 604-725-0115.
HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE CTHS BC BOARD OF DIRECTORS by Dave Pihl, President CTHS BC Division
Not Bourbon (Not Impossible – Bourbon Belle) passed away on December 28, 2025, at the age of 20. Bred and owned by Charles Fipke and trained by Roger Attfield, Not Bourbon was an exceptional racehorse whose accomplishments earned him a place in Canadian racing history. During his career on the track, Not Bourbon captured some of the nation’s most prestigious races, including the Queen’s Plate, Plate Trial, Queenston Stakes, and Overskate Stakes. As a two-year-old, he showed early promise by winning the Bull Page Stakes and setting a track record for six furlongs at Woodbine. Over the course of three racing seasons, Not Bourbon earned more than one million dollars, and his outstanding three-year-old campaign was recognized with a Sovereign Award. Retired to stud, Not Bourbon went on to become a champion sire in Ontario, further cementing his legacy in the breeding shed. In 2020, he relocated to British Columbia, standing his first season at Emerald Acres in Aldergrove, before moving to Flying Horse Farm in West Kelowna, where he continued to make a meaningful contribution to the provincial breeding industry. Not Bourbon will be remembered for his talent as a racehorse and his contributions to breeding in both Ontario and British Columbia.
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