For Immediate Release
Western Canadian Derby Series: BC Derby Looms as Decisive Showdown
September 3, 2025
The Western Canadian Derby Series has delivered drama, controversy, and unforgettable
performances, and now it all comes to a head at Hastings Racecourse on September 13 with
the British Columbia Derby (G3). While the $100,000 Derby Sweep bonus will not be
awarded this year as two different horses captured the first two legs, the $25,000 bonus to the
top trainer and top owner in the Series is still very much up for grabs.
A Tale of Two Derbies
The Series began with fireworks in Winnipeg when Attack, trained by Craig Smith, was elevated
to victory in the $125,000 Manitoba Derby after the disqualification of favorite Take Charge
Tom. That ruling set the tone for what has been a rollercoaster summer.
In Alberta, redemption belonged to Take Charge Tom in the $200,000 Canadian Derby (G3) at
Century Mile. Despite stumbling at the start, the gelding surged down the lane for a
commanding 5 ¾-length victory under jockey Rasheed Hughes, putting himself right back into
contention for Series honors.
The Battle for the Bonus
Though the sweep bonus is gone, the $25,000 Series bonuses for top owner and top trainer add
new intensity to the BC Derby. The standings are tight, and every placing on September 13 will
matter.
Points System:
1st place: 6 points
2nd place: 4 points
3rd place: 3 points
4th place: 2 points
5th or lower: 1 point
All Derby Bonus: 3 points to any horse that starts in all three races
Eligibility: Horses must start in at least two races to qualify
Scoring: Owners earn points based on each horse’s total; trainers add up points from all
their starters
Payout: Following the BC Derby, the $25,000 bonus will be split evenly—$12,500 to the
top three owners and $12,500 to the top three trainersTop 6 Trainer Standings
1.Craig Smith – 9 pts (Attack)
2.Robertino Diodoro – 7 pts (Take Charge Tom, Wood Ceiling)
3.Tim Rycroft – 4 pts (Accidental Genius)
4.Lise Pruitt – 4 pts (Maldini)
5.Jerry Gourneau – 3 pts (Mr Jaws)
6.Robert Van Overschot – 3 pts (Border Song)
Top 6 Owner Standings
1. Attack – 9 pts
2. Take Charge Tom – 6 pts
3. Accidental Genius – 4 pts
4. Maldini – 4 pts
5. Border Song – 3 pts
6. Mr Jaws – 3 pts
With margins this close, and the All Derby Bonus still in play, the Series crown will be decided
under the bright lights of Hastings.
BC Derby: The Decider
The $125,000 British Columbia Derby has long been one of Western Canada’s crown jewels,
and this year it doubles as the decisive act in a Series that has kept fans guessing at every turn.
Vancouver’s Hastings Racecourse will host the showdown, where Attack looks to defend his
lead, Take Charge Tom aims to stamp himself as the true champion, and rivals like Accidental
Genius or Maldini could still spoil the party.
Nominations for the BC Derby close on Saturday, September 6 at midnight, setting the stage
for a final field that will decide who takes home Series glory.
The story of the Western Canadian Derby Series is far from written, but on September 13, the
BC Derby will decide it all.
