Big Hug Named 2025 Alberta Horse of the Year

The achievements of the 2025 Alberta Thoroughbred industry were celebrated on Friday, May 1 at the annual Night of Champions, presented by Sublime Stables and TCX Premium Equine Supplements. More than 150 owners, breeders, trainers, and fans gathered at the Royal Hotel, Edmonton Airport to hear the season's award winners announced. The celebration kicked off a weekend of excitement, leading into the official Opening Day of the 2026 season of live Thoroughbred racing at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino. The evening began with Century Mile Racetrack and Casino Marketing Manager Jentry van Baal serving as Master of Ceremonies. Guests quickly embraced the spirit of the night as a live replay of the Kentucky Oaks was streamed during the cocktail hour. Following dinner, the awards program officially opened with remarks from Horse Racing Alberta Chief Executive Officer Kent Verlik, who delivered an optimistic outlook on the future of the industry. Alberta-bred Big Hug captured both the Bob Clements Memorial Trophy as Champion Older Mare and the Horse Racing Alberta Trophy as Horse of the Year for the second consecutive season. The six-year-old mare, owned by Empire Equestrian and Kerredge Farm and trained by Rick Hedge, recorded four wins, one second, and two thirds while earning $170,000 in 2025. "She has been everything for us and we're living the dream!" said Rick Hedge of Kerredge Farm with Lori Neyka of Empire Equestrian adding, "She's the horse of a lifetime." Bred by Chalet Stable, Big Hug secured major victories in the Lynn Chouinard Founders Distaff, Alberta Fall Classic Distaff Handicap, R.K. Red Smith Handicap, and the R.A. Red McKenzie Handicap. Purchased for $3,500 at the CTHS Alberta Sale, she finished as the leading horse on the Alberta Leading Earners list and now ranks fifth all-time with earnings exceeding $600,000. Itsallgoodman earned three titles: Champion Sprinter, Champion Older Horse, and Champion Alberta Bred. Owned by Curtis Landry and trained by Gonzalo Anderson, the five-year-old gelding recorded five wins, two seconds, and one third, earning $151,875. Bred by Stone Ranches and a graduate of the CTHS Alberta Sale, Itsallgoodman recorded key victories in the CTHS Sales Stakes, Red Diamond Express Handicap, and the Spangled Jimmy Handicap, firmly establishing himself among the top runners in the province. He also captured both the Champion Sprinter and Champion Alberta Bred titles in 2023, highlighting his continued excellence at the top level. Esquirol Farms was awarded the C.T.H.S. Trophy as Leading Breeder for the fourth consecutive year, with runners earning $496,713 and recording 27 wins from 166 starts. The Jockey Club of Canada Trophy for Leading Owner was presented to Willow Creek Farms, who earned over $250,000 from Alberta runners, including 16 wins from 77 starts. Gonzalo Anderson was Leading Trainer with 50 wins, and Dane Nelson was Leading Jockey with 46 wins. The inaugural Alan Bott Sportsmanship Award was presented to Dave Nicholson, recognizing his integrity and sportsmanship within the racing community. The CTHS Alberta extends thanks to all event sponsors including Horse Racing Alberta, Alberta Veterinary Center, Bar None Ranches, Century Downs Racetrack and Casino, Century Mile Racetrack and Casino, the Clements family, HBPA of Alberta, Jockey Club of Canada, Roy McLellan, Paddockhurst Stables, Rocky Mountain Turf Club, Sublime Stables and TCX Premium Equine Supplements. 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 Champion Sprinter - Itsallgoodman Champion Two-Year-Old Filly - Hiway Fortynine Champion Two-Year-Old Colt - Relaxgodoitramone Champion Three-Year-Old Filly - Gee I'm Foxy Champion Three-Year-Old Colt - Pioneer Storm King Champion Older Mare - Big Hug Champion Older Horse - Itsallgoodman Champion Alberta Bred - Itsallgoodman Horse of the Year - Big Hug For more information, visit www.cthsalta.com