With the GI Kentucky Oaks streaming live during cocktail hour, the Alberta Thoroughbred industry celebrated Friday, May 1 at the Royal Hotel, Edmonton Airport with the annual Night of Champions, presented by Sublime Stables and TCX Premium Equine Supplements.
Empire Equestrian and Kerredge Farm's Big Hug (Mr. Big) captured both the Horse of the Year and Champion Older Mare honors for the second consecutive season.
“She has been everything for us and we're living the dream,” said Rick Hedge of Kerredge Farm, who doubles as her trainer.
Lori Neyka of Empire Equestrian added, “She's the horse of a lifetime.”
2025 Alberta Thoroughbred Award Winners:
Backstretch Appreciation Award – Jane Rickard
Alan Bott Sportsmanship Award – Dave Nicholson
Leading Jockey – Dane Nelson
Leading Trainer – Gonzalo Anderson
Leading Owner – Willow Creek Farms
Leading Breeder – Pierre Esquirol
Champion Claimer – Quarterback Dak (Alternation)
Champion Sprinter, Champion Older Horse, and Champion Alberta Bred – Itsallgoodman (Speightster)
Champion 2-Year-Old Filly – Hiway Fortynine (Cross Traffic)
Champion 2-Year-Old Colt – Relaxgodoitramone (Fed Biz)
Champion 3-Year-Old Filly – Gee I'm Foxy (Klimt)
Champion 3-Year-Old Colt – Pioneer Storm King (Pioneerof the West)
Horse of the Year and Champion Older Mare – Big Hug
The weekend also marked the official Opening Day of the 2026 season of live Thoroughbred racing at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino. For more information, visit cthsalta.com.
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