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Racing is back at Century Downs

The Year of the Horse promises to be action-packed!

The wait is almost over – Opening Day at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino is just around the corner! The 2026 season promises new and unique events, special race days, and unforgettable moments that complement the thrilling racing action on the track.

Get ready for an exciting year of Standardbred, Thoroughbred, and Quarter Horse racing, each race promising to bring you edge-of-your-seat excitement, fierce competition, and thrilling finishes.

Western Regional Driving Competition

The road to the 2026 National Driving Championship is set for July 26 and runs through Century Downs. Century Downs Racetrack and Casino will host the Western Regional Driving Championship on May 23, 2026, welcoming the West’s top drivers to compete for a coveted spot on the national stage.

Following the electric success of the 2024 event, Century Downs is once again poised to deliver high-stake action, elite talent, and championship-calibre racing right here at home.

Backstretch & Barn Tours

April 25 | May 23 | July 18 | August 15

Step into the heart of race day preparation with an exclusive behind-the-scenes barn tour at Century Downs, hosted in partnership with the Alberta Standardbred Horse Association.

Guests will meet the equine athletes up close, connect with the hardworking backstretch team, and gain insider insight into the daily routines that power the racing world. With attendance limited to 10–15 guests per date, each tour provides a personal and engaging atmosphere.

• $20 per person (ages 16+; parental consent required)

• Proceeds support a Standardbred charity

• To register, please email: barntours@cnty.com

O’Brien Awards

Alberta Standardbred racing was honored with the Outstanding Broadcast award for their production From Underdog to Top Broodmare, which highlights Alberta broodmare Crackers Hot Shot. Her foal, Caviar and Crackers — along with several others — have delivered exceptional performances from Century Downs to Woodbine Mohawk Park.

ASHA Awards

Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 Alberta Standardbred Horse Association Awards, celebrating excellence across Alberta’s Standardbred racing community. This year’s honours recognized outstanding achievement both on and off the track, with Crackers Hot Shot named Broodmare of the Year and Custard Dolce crowned 2025 Horse of the Year.

Additional award recipients include Baby Badger (Claiming Filly & Mare of the Year) and Lizitor (Claiming Colt & Gelding of the Year), along with Breeder of the Year James Rhodes and Owner of the Year Don Howlett. Kayla Baxter of Nathan Sobey Stable earned Caretaker of the Year, while Mike Hennessey was named Driver of the Year and Ryan Grundy received Driver of the Year (Under 150 Starts). Nathan Sobey was honoured as Trainer of the Year, and Jamie Grey received the prestigious Keith Clark Horsemanship Award.



Congratulations to all recipients on a remarkable 2025 season.

Join the Action – Live on Race Day!

Every race day, we bring you a live preshow and full race day commentary from Century Downs’ own Josh Murphy and a selection of special guests and racing experts. Their insights will get you ready for each race, making sure you don’t miss any of the action.

Can’t make it to the track? No problem! You can watch live on HPIbet, Horse Racing Network, OFFTRACKBETTING, and many other platforms. Just visit the link below for all the details on how to tune in:

Join Us for Opening Day and Beyond!

There’s no better way to kick off the season than with Opening Day at Century Downs on Saturday, April 4, 2026. Whether you're attending in person or streaming the races from home, we guarantee a fun-filled day of non-stop action and excitement!

Mark your calendars, and let’s celebrate the ‘Year of the Horse’ together at Century Downs!

See you at the track!

Stay connected with us on social media for the latest updates, race day info, and behind-the-scenes action!

Century Downs Racetrack and Casino

260 Century Downs Drive, Rocky View, AB — 20 minutes north of Calgary

Information: (587) 349-7777