FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 2, 2025
Derby Contenders Begin to Emerge Across Western Canada
Momentum Builds as July Stakes Shape the Road to the Western Canadian Derby Series
As the summer heats up, so does the competition on the Western Canadian racing circuit. With
a $100,000 Derby Bonus and a $25,000 Owner-Trainer Bonus up for grabs, three-year-old
talent is beginning to separate from the pack in each province.
In Alberta, Century Mile hosted the Western Canada Handicap on June 22 the first major local
prep on the road to the $200,000 Canadian Derby. The race produced a standout in Wood
Ceiling, who delivered an impressive performance while navigating through traffic to draw off
and win by a length and a half.
Wood Ceiling, a son of top sire Gun Runner, has emerged as Alberta’s leading contender
following a convincing victory in the Western Canada Handicap. Puttingonthefoil, trained by
Gonzalo Anderson and owned by Curtis Landry, was last year’s Alberta Champion
Two-Year-Old and delivered a strong runner-up performance despite a wide trip. The son of
Counterforce remains one of the front runners for this year’s series.
Manitoba’s top three-year-olds kicked off their campaign in the $50,000 Golden Boy Stakes at
Assiniboia Downs, where Medicine Dog and Just Trust Me locked into a thrilling head-to-head
duel from the opening bell. Both colts showed grit, but it was Medicine Dog, the son of
Constitution who edged ahead in the final strides to claim victory.
Trainer Jerry Gourneau praised his colt’s determination, while Just Trust Me’s team remains
confident heading into the next prep. The two are expected to meet again in the Derby Trial on
July 14, a one-mile race that will be the final local stepping stone to the Manitoba Derby on
August 5.
In British Columbia, the action was just as compelling in the $40,000 Ross McLeod Stakes at
Hastings. Rondelito, trained by Steve Henson, broke sharply and never looked back, dictating
the pace from the rail to score a front-running win. Stablemate Mount Doom tracked in second
throughout, while Autobhan Ace mounted a wide bid before flattening late to finish third.
Henson, who trains both Rondelito and Mount Doom, was pleased with the outcome and hinted
that both horses are progressing well heading toward longer distances.
Key Upcoming July Preps:●
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July 5 – Chris Loseth Stakes – Hastings Racecourse – 8.5F – $50,000
July 14 – Derby Trial – Assiniboia Downs – 1 Mile – $50,000
July 19 – Count Lathum Stakes – Century Mile – 8.5 F – $50,000
With strong contenders emerging from each province and crucial preps on the horizon, the
Western Canadian Derby Series is shaping up to be a very competitive edition. The series
begins August 5 with the Manitoba Derby, followed by the Canadian Derby on August 23,
and concludes with the BC Derby on September 13.
Reminder to Owners and Trainers:
To ensure your horses remain eligible to compete in all three jurisdictions Manitoba, Alberta,
and British Columbia please ensure all licensing requirements are completed well in advance of
entry deadlines. Contact each province’s racing office for assistance with licensing and eligibility
questions
For more information, contact:
Dawn Lupul
Racing & Communications, BC Racebook
Mike Vanin
Executive Director, HBPA Alberta
Darren Dunn
CEO, Assiniboia Downs