Century Downs Horse Racing
Calgary’s horse racing community felt a huge void when Stampede Park closed in 2008. The city lacked a dedicated racing venue for almost seven years. Century Downs opened in 2015 and quickly became Alberta’s premier horse racing destination.
Century Downs racetrack and casino sits in Rocky View County and has altered the map of regional racing. The facility offers standardbred racing alongside complete entertainment options. Modern amenities blend with traditional horse racing at this cutting-edge venue. The property features a 5.5-furlong track, year-round racing programs, and gaming facilities.
Racing fans can find everything they need here. The venue provides live race day programs, entries, detailed results, and race replays. Century Downs serves both casual visitors and serious racing professionals as their complete racing destination.
Leading jockeys and track profile compliments of
Views around Century Downs
Photos compliments of cnty.com and travelalberta.com
Century Downs Horse Racing
Calgary’s horse racing community felt a huge void when Stampede Park closed in 2008. The city lacked a dedicated racing venue for almost seven years. Century Downs opened in 2015 and quickly became Alberta’s premier horse racing destination.
Century Downs racetrack and casino sits in Rocky View County and has altered the map of regional racing. The facility offers standardbred racing alongside complete entertainment options. Modern amenities blend with traditional horse racing at this cutting-edge venue. The property features a 5.5-furlong track, year-round racing programs, and gaming facilities.
Racing fans can find everything they need here. The venue provides live race day programs, entries, detailed results, and replays. Century Downs serves both casual visitors and serious racing professionals as their complete racing destination.
History and Development
Century Downs is one of the most essential milestones in Alberta’s horse racing history. BR2 Architecture started designing and building the project in October 2013 and worked with Chandos Construction to construct a modern racing facility in Balzac, Alberta.
Establishment and Opening in 2015
Building Century Downs took 11 years, filled with challenges and uncertainties. The project gained momentum after the United Horsemen of Alberta (UHA) teamed up with Century Casino. This partnership proved crucial to complete the project. The finished facility showcased a 1.1-kilometer racetrack and a 30,000-square-foot racing entertainment center that had:
- 550 gaming machines at opening
- Off-track betting facilities
- Bar, lounge, and restaurant amenities
Revival of Calgary Area Horse Racing
Century Downs became a driving force in bringing southern Alberta’s racing industry back to life. The facility sits less than two kilometers north of Calgary’s city limits and nine kilometers from Calgary International Airport. This prime location serves the region’s racing community perfectly. The track helped create a robust Calgary/Edmonton circuit that supports standardbred, thoroughbred, and quarter-horse racing.
Recent Ownership Changes
VICI Properties Inc. boldly agreed to acquire Century Downs’ real estate assets as part of the Century Canadian Portfolio. The deal, worth CAD 221.7 million, has substantial property investments and lease arrangements. The agreement sets annual rent increases of CAD 17.3 million. The lease runs for a 15-year original base term with four 5-year renewal options. This deal aims to boost the facility’s long-term stability and growth potential in Canadian racing.
Racing Programs and Events
Century Downs has a complete racing calendar that features events all season long. The facility runs a standardbred racing program from September 21 to November 3, 2024. Participants and spectators can enjoy multiple racing events each week.
Standardbred Racing Schedule
Race times vary to fit different schedules. Weekday races start at 2:15 PM, while weekend events have different start times. The schedule runs as follows:
- Monday and Sunday races start at 1:15 PM
- Wednesday evening races begin at 6:15 PM
- Saturday afternoon events launching at 3:45 PM
Special Racing Events
Century Downs hosts several significant events during the racing season. The Alberta CTHS Sales Stakes Day is a premier event with four Thoroughbred Stakes Races and two Quarter Horse Stakes Races. The 2024 calendar features the Alberta Sire Stakes Super Finals on November 2, where the province’s best drivers and horses compete.
Race Types and Classifications
The facility serves as an “A” Track for both standardbred racing and thoroughbred events. The yearly racing schedule includes:
| Race Type | Annual Race Days |
|---|---|
| Standardbred | 97 days |
| Thoroughbred & Quarter Horse | 103 days |
| Total Racing Calendar | 200 days |
Century Downs’ Winners’ Zone program gives members unique benefits. Members get access to Food and Beverage promotions and daily check-in draw ballots for prizes. This cardless system blends naturally with the facility’s gaming and racing operations and rewards active participants with bonus perks.
Track Facilities and Features
The state-of-the-art facilities at Century Downs feature modern racing infrastructure built to international standards. The complex sits on a sprawling 103-acre plot and has detailed amenities serving racing professionals and spectators.
Training and Stable Areas
The training infrastructure has a well-kept barn complex with 100 stalls. The facility follows strict protocols for stable operations:
- Mandatory valid Coggins testing for all horses
- Environmental fees of USD 4.00 per stall daily (including shavings)
- Requirement for valid ASHA membership for trainers and drivers
Viewing and Spectator Amenities
The Homestretch Restaurant opens one hour before post time and provides premium track views with dining options. The facility has multiple viewing areas:
| Viewing Area | Features |
|---|---|
| Outdoor Apron | – Family-friendly space, direct access to the winner’s circle |
| Indoor Gallery | – 80″ HDTVs, live-stream coverage |
| Restaurant | – Panoramic track views, full-service dining |
| Betting Areas | – Live tellers, AmTote machines |
Families can enjoy the racing areas together. Children are welcome in both outdoor viewing sections and The Homestretch restaurant. Century Downs suggests reservations through their booking system, especially on peak racing days.
Spectators can choose from various seating options in both indoor and outdoor areas. The 25,000-square-foot casino floor entertains races with 550 slot machines and electronic gaming options.
Gaming and Entertainment Options
Century Downs is more than just a racing venue. This detailed entertainment complex welcomes guests with a variety of interests. You’ll find gaming excitement, excellent dining options, and betting convenience all under one roof.
Casino Gaming Facilities
The gaming floor boasts over 650 slot machines and VLTs. The casino creates an energetic atmosphere with the following:
- State-of-the-art electronic table games
- Latest generation slot machines
- Modern VLT terminals
Off-Track Betting Services
A spacious off-track betting lounge comes equipped with advanced wagering technology. Before races start, new bettors can learn the ropes through the Betting Basics course upstairs. This helpful program teaches racing terminology and wagering processes. The betting area makes wagering convenient with both live tellers and automated systems.
Dining and Entertainment Venues
The Derby Restaurant and casual lounge are the complex’s premier dining spots. These venues serve exceptional meals with standout features:
| Dining Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| Prime Rib Special | – USD 8.99 Thursday nights |
| International Cuisine | – Monthly rotating features |
| Seasonal Offerings | – Daily specials and promotions |
The Homestretch Room offers a unique dining experience with panoramic track views. Families can enjoy food truck offerings on the friendly apron area, with drink stations nearby.
Gift cards are now available online for food, beverages, and merchandise. Provincial gaming regulations don’t allow these cards for gambling purposes.
The venue welcomes groups of all sizes with versatile event spaces perfect for corporate dinners, board meetings, and team activities. Guests can sip refreshing cocktails, try fruity white wines, or pick from craft beer selections to complement their meals.
Conclusion
Alberta’s horse racing industry has found its champion in Century Downs. This 103-acre complex has grown from a basic racing venue to a complete entertainment destination since its opening in 2015. The facility serves as the lifeblood of Canadian horse racing and hosts 200 race days yearly for standardbred, thoroughbred, and quarter-horse events.
Century Downs delivers an exceptional experience to racing professionals and fans. Its prime spot near Calgary pairs perfectly with cutting-edge racing facilities and modern amenities. The venue has become more than a racetrack by offering extensive gaming options, restaurants, and entertainment spaces. It now stands as the premier entertainment destination in the Calgary region.
The facility’s recent ownership changes and significant investments show its dedication to future growth. Racing fans who want to learn about Canadian horse racing can check out the Canadian Jockey Profiles on Jockeys Canada. These profiles offer detailed biographies of notable riders. Fans can also support the sport through the Jockey’s Benefit Association of Canada.
Century Downs blends traditional horse racing heritage with modern entertainment. This combination has made it Western Canada’s top racing venue. The facility’s story showcases horse racing’s timeless appeal and evolving ability while honoring its rich traditions.
FAQs
- What is considered the most challenging bet in horse racing? The Superfecta is regarded as the most difficult bet in horse racing. It involves predicting the top four finishers in their exact order. A minimum of six entries is required for the bet to be official.
- What typically happens to horses after they retire from racing? Retired racehorses in Britain may be used for breeding, race abroad, participate in point-to-pointing, or transition to other equestrian disciplines such as polo, dressage, showing, or eventing. Some become hacks for leisure riding, while others enjoy a peaceful retirement in the pasture.
- What time should I arrive at the racetrack if the post time is 1:15 PM? It’s advisable to arrive at least an hour before the post time to find your seating and familiarize yourself with the facilities comfortably.
- How many races are typically held during a Racing event? Generally, about 6 – 10 races are scheduled for a Racing event.
- Do you place bets on each race individually or collectively? Bets are placed on each race individually.
- What payment methods are accepted for placing bets at the racetrack? Both cash and debit cards are typically accepted for betting at the racetrack.
- How long does an entire racing event usually last? The total duration for all races in an event can vary, but it generally spans about 3 to 4 hours.
- Is attending horse races an enjoyable experience? Many people find attending horse races a fun and exciting experience, especially with the thrill of live competition and the crowd’s atmosphere.
- What is a reasonable amount to spend on betting at a horse race? The amount to spend on betting depends on personal budget and comfort level. It’s wise to start with a modest amount if you are a first-timer.
- Are there any tips for first-time attendees at a horse race? For first-timers, it’s recommended to familiarize yourself with the types of bets, observe a few races to understand the process, and set a budget for betting. Don’t hesitate to ask staff or experienced attendees for guidance.
