While those in Lethbridge may not be able to hear the 150th Kentucky Derby horn on Saturday 2,960 kilometres away, they will be able to take part in the festivities of sorts on the opening day of the Rocky Mountain Turf Club.
CEO Max Gibbs says that Saturday will be the first of over 30 race days that will be happening at the Lethbridge track and everyone is invited to come and enjoy a mint julep, the official Kentucky Derby drink, and watch the six races they have on the docket that day.
“People are being encourage to come dressed and act like they are at the biggest race meet in the world.”
Gibbs says opening day is just the beginning of the excitement this year, with several events on the schedule including the return of the Warrior Relay Races. He says that the fullest the turf club’s grand stand has ever been was during last year’s event. Along with the horse and warrior races, this year the Turf Club has scheduled a Doggy Derby on May 18th and 19th as a food and fundraiser for the Lethbridge Humane Society.
“The Doggy Derby will be second to none. It will be an event that everyone should be able to see and can be here. There is no cost for any of it and it will just be a wonderful time, everyone can have fun and enjoy.”
Gibbs says the purses for this year’s races are the largest they have ever been, with the smallest being $6,200 and the largest being $25,000. He explains that the purse money comes from a combination of parimutuel betting and a percentage of slot pay, which Gibb says is generous support from the provincial government.
However, he explains that the support is part of a $250 million economic project for Southern Alberta, including the $48 million impact seen in Lethbridge.
“All of the people that come, including hundreds of grooms, breeders and trainers who bring trucks needing [fuel] and stay in hotels and motels for five months. So it is a big economic driver for Southern Alberta and Lethbridge.”
The full event schedule for the 2024 race season can be found on the Rocky Mountain Turf Club’s website.