WINNIPEG, MB - 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 trainers

Top 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.

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