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Canadian Derby Sweepstake
At the time, the region’s most magnificent equine specimens were kicking up dirt on the Exhibition Association’s existing half-mile track, with all their breeding and training bent on winning the prize. It was no surprise then that by 1909, the horses at Northlands held the western records for pacing and trotting.
The Edmonton Exhibition Association (EEA) took over the management of thoroughbred racing at the tracks in 1957, when they volunteered to temporarily host the Canadian Derby. This event, which had existed since 1930, ended up a permanent fixture at the park thereafter. Though racing was a controversial pastime, the EEA and its derby found favour with the federal government in 1960, through the official patronage of the Governor General. Accordingly, the event became known as the Governor General’s Canadian Derby.
Not only did the length of the racing season increase as time went on, but Northlands also saw the first of many "Million-Dollar Days" in 1975, a year after the track had been expanded and improved. By 1978, Northlands Park was averaging over $300,000 CDN a day in wagers placed throughout the 79 race days.
The Canadian Derby and other racing activities at Northlands Park are designed to do more than entertain, they also serve to provide community returns. 85 percent of every dollar wagered at the track is funneled back to the public, either through the pari-mutuel system or by donations made to charitable causes. Only a small fraction of the total is spent on administrative costs, while the rest is either paid in purse money or in taxes. |
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