SASKATOON – The 2015 horse racing season is kicking off in Saskatoon. Thoroughbreds will be on the track Friday evening at Marquis Downs.
There will be a total of 192 races run over the season, with jockeys coming from all over the world, including two female jockeys competing for the first time in several years.
There has been a change to the track for this season. A sloped surface will allow the horses to run at almost full speed around corners. It’s the first time the track has been re-done since the late ‘60s.
“You’re going to see competitive racing, you’re going to see jockeys and horses competing against each other and they compete ferociously,” said Rick Fior, racing manager at Marquis Downs.
“In this business, you get paid to win; you don’t get paid as much to lose.”
READ MORE: Behind the scenes: horse racing at Northlands Park
The highlight of the year is the Saskatchewan Derby on the final day of the season. The derby is the longest continuously run stakes race in the province and attracts some of western Canada’s finest three-year olds.
Races will run every Friday and Saturday until Sept. 5. Admission and parking is free and all ages are welcome.
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