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:●

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

[email protected]

Mike Vanin

Executive Director, HBPA Alberta

[email protected]

Darren Dunn

CEO, Assiniboia Downs

[email protected]

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