The OBJECT of the Society shall be to encourage and ensure co-operative effort in all matters pertaining to the production and improvement of the Standardbred Horse in the Province of Alberta, and to co-operate with the Associations and Societies of other Provinces in the Dominion of Canada and States of the United States of America/or other Associations in other Countries..
The Alberta Standardbred Horse Association (ASHA) was formed to represent and protect the best interests of Standardbred industry participants and bring about a closer, more understanding relationship among members, racetracks, racing associations, governing bodies and the public.
Having trouble finding what you're looking for?
Type it in below to search the ASHA website.
QUICK LINKS...
NEWS AND UPDATES IN THE INDUSTRY
Updated: Memo on the CERB (Canada Emergency Response Benefit)
Updated: Federal Wage Subsidy And The Standardbred Industry
Today (Thursday, April 9, 2020), the Federal Government announced some important updates to the CEWS Program, including the amount of decreases in revenue, how employers can calculate change in revenue, and refunds for certain payroll contributions....read on
Courtesy Standardbred Canada
THANK YOU FROM ASHA & THE HORSEMEN
CERB Assistance For Those Impacted By COVID-19
If you work in the Standardbred industry and have stopped working due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be eligible for Canada’s COVID-19 Emergency Response Benefit....read on
Courtesy Standardbred Canada
Findings From Cobalt Study AnnouncedOn Monday, April 6, the Equine Science Center at Rutgers University announced the findings from a joint project that examined the use of cobalt in Standardbreds....read on
Courtesy Standardbred Canada
In Like A Lion, Out Like A LionCourtesy Standardbred Canada
Update from the Track On 2
SC Provides Reprieve On Fees
Standardbred Canada would like to notify membership of the following modifications applicable to SC transactions during COVID-19....read on
Courtesy Standardbred Canada
SC Members: We Need Your Help!Standardbred Canada would like to provide background information on the recently released Equestrian Canada survey on equine farm and facility business profiles to help clarify any possible concerns around the survey’s purpose and intention....read on
Courtesy Standardbred Canada
Canadian Racing And COVID-19
What are the nation's harness racing associations doing for their respective horsepeople amid the current COVID-19 pandemic?...read on
Courtesy Standardbred Canada
Important COVID-19 Resources
Standardbred Canada has compiled a valuable set of online resources for its members amid the global coronavirus pandemic....read on
Courtesy Standardbred Canada
A LETTER FROM THE ASHA PRESIDENT TO THE MEMBERSHIPAs posted on Standardbred Canada:
"Alberta Standardbred Horse Association President Bill Andrew has written an open letter to members of the province’s Standardbred racing industry. In the letter he explains what the readjusted, tentative plans are for Alberta harness racing and related activities in light of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Andrew explained that ASHA has discussed the situation with officials from Century Casinos officials and that there is a “high probability” that the 2020 racing schedule will change in terms of when and where live Standardbred racing will be conducted in the province. As Andrews explained, as it stands right now, Century will extend the 2020 Thoroughbred meet at Century Mile until October 25, 2020. Standardbred racing’s switch from Century Downs to Century Mile is now planned to occur shortly after October 25. Andrews said that the Thoroughbred meet will most likely be delayed by a month or two due to COVID-19 fallout (with a likely start date in mid-June or early July). He continued that, if government go-ahead is received, live Standardbred racing could begin earlier than that. ASHA held a board meeting this past week and voted unanimously to distribute purse money from the two cancelled cards in March and any extra funds in our purse account to the owners of horses who have raced at Century Mile/Century Downs since January 1, 2020 both in overnights and successful qualifiers. The money will divided equally on a per-horse basis and given to the current trainer of record for distribution. We expect that each horse will be allocated approximately $400. In terms of breeders, Andrews explained that Century Downs has committed to work with ASHA so it can host the organization’s annual yearling sale at the track where we Standardbreds are currently racing at the time. In all likelihood, according to Andrew, the ASHA Yearling Sale will be conducted at Century Downs in late September. Complete information, including that relating to stakes payment, assistance to horse people in need, and more, is covered in Andrew’s open letter, the contents of which appear below." Dear friends,
As you follow the news both at home and away from home you will be very aware of the Covid-19 viral pandemic that is affecting the health of the world and the economy of many countries. Alberta was not given a pass on the pandemic and we find ourselves with over 540 identified cases of Covid-19 with the numbers growing daily. The Government of Alberta has reacted by closing most businesses including racinos and by limiting gatherings to 15 people as well as mandating a safe distance between people (2 metres) all in an effort to slow down the spread of the disease. The government has enacted emergency powers requiring a lock down of seniors’ homes and care facilities as well as mandatory 14 day quarantine for all arrivals to Alberta. From the steps that have taken place over the last few days it is clear that the medical community believes we are in for a battle against the spread of Covid-19. There is currently no clear message on when to expect the pandemic to start to die off but clearly it hinges on: 1) our ability to stop casual transmission of the virus through physical contact or transferring the virus in droplets through sneezing or coughing. 2) the ability of the virus to survive in warm weather. Until the spread of the virus slows down do not expect to see Century Casino and Century Downs reopen. My guess, for what it is worth, is that we are looking at another month to 2 months of shut down. Other shut down racing jurisdictions are talking reopening anywhere from mid May to mid June. The re launch of racing is in the hands of the government and medical experts who will want it to be safe before resuming normal activities involving fans. We had a discussion with Century this week and the high probability that the 2020 racing schedule could change in terms of when we race and where we race. On behalf of ASHA I gave Century our commitment to play the hand we are dealt in 2020 recognizing that they have worked to keep our backstretch open during this pandemic, that they have worked in cooperation with us to increase all forms of Standardbred handle over their first three years of operation that they currently, like many of you, are operating with minimal amounts of revenue coming in. As some of you already know, Century will extend the 2020 Thoroughbred meet at Century Mile until October 25, 2020. Our switch from Century Downs to Century Mile will occur shortly after October 25. It is expected that the Thoroughbred meet will start at least one and probably two months late with a likely start date in mid-June or early July as they have horses currently stuck in the US and a Century Mile in training horse population that is much lower than normal. If given the go ahead by government we can begin our meet earlier than that. The change in venue in September and October will impact our stakes locations and we will work to get a revised stakes schedule out as soon as we believe we can finalize one. Currently we do believe the timing of two year old stakes will be impacted although the location for some stakes will change. It makes sense that the schedule for our three year old Alberta Sires Stakes and other major stakes will change. To the extent we can, we will keep the major stakes finals including the Super Finals in their current locations. For our breeders, Century Downs has committed to work with us to host our ASHA Yearling Sale at the track where we are racing. This means that we will, in all likelihood, have the ASHA Sale at Century Downs in Calgary in late September. Century Downs has been very cooperative with us by continuing to operate the backstretch and track as a training centre. This will continue as long as we follow the guidelines on social distancing, hygiene and limiting gatherings. We have seen at other tracks where a positive Covid-19 test can shut down a racetrack so please if you feel ill stay home. On Tuesday ASHA held a Board meeting and voted unanimously to distribute purse money from the two cancelled cards in March and any extra funds in our purse account to the owners of horses who have raced at Century Mile/Century Downs since January 1, 2020 both in overnights and successful qualifiers. The money will divided equally on a per horse basis and given to the current trainer of record for distribution. We expect that each horse will be allocated approximately $400. We are working to secure additional relief funding from the Government of Alberta and we will advise you of any progress. Also, we encourage all breeders, owners, trainers, grooms and other ASHA members to read about the Federal and Provincial assistance programs that involve wage subsidies and business loans. Most need applications and Colleen and Fred have volunteered to help those in need of assistance with the applications. The Board of ASHA also voted unanimously to defer stakes payments to later in the year. This information will be on the ASHA website. At ASHA we have a small rainy day fund to assist horse people in difficult circumstances. If you find yourself up against it financially and/or emotionally please let Fred or Colleen know and we will see what can do to help. Our Standardbred community has always come together to work through tough times as God knows we've been through many. We will continue to work together and battle through this one as well. Please stay safe, please practice the procedures to avoid contracting and spreading the virus and please go home and quarantine if you feel ill. We all look forward to the day in the near future when we can bring our sport back to our many fans and supporters. Take care, Bill Andrew ASHA/Standardbred Canada
ACTION REQUESTED: SURVEY FOR EQUINE FARMS/EQUESTRIAN FACILITIES
ACTION REQUESTED: SURVEY FOR EQUINE FARMS/EQUESTRIAN FACILITIES
Ottawa, ON, March 26, 2020 – Equestrian Canada (EC) would like to invite equine/equestrian business owners to participate in a survey with the goal of understanding the immediate and long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the equine farms, equestrian facilities and related businesses. EC is actively communicating with federal agencies and corporations to ensure that equine farms and equestrian facilities can access support. The contribution of your business profile via this survey will help ensure that our advocacy presents the clearest picture possible of the financial implications of COVID-19 to key stakeholders (e.g. government agencies, financial institutions). There is no cost to submit your information and participation is 100% voluntary. Individual farm financial data will be kept strictly confidential. It will not be shared with governments, Provincial/Territorial Sport Organizations (PTSOs) or registered affiliates. Non-identifiable, aggregate data may be shared with PTSOs and registered affiliates to assist in the development of tools and resources to advocate for the needs of our industry in these challenging times and to help identify relevant programs to support our community. For a summary of EC’s advocacy steps as of March 24, 2020, and a list of resources for equine farms and equestrian facilities, click here. Questions and concerns related to COVID-19 can be submitted via the feedback portal and EC’s online statement on COVID-19 can be found here.
Pour diffusion immédiate ACTION REQUISE : QUESTIONNAIRE POUR LES INSTALLATIONS/FERMES ÉQUESTRES Ottawa (Ontario) 26 mars 2020 – Canada Équestre (CE) désire inviter les propriétaires d’entreprises équestres à participer à un questionnaire afin de comprendre les effets immédiats et à long terme de la pandémie de COVID-19 sur les fermes et installations équipes ainsi que les entreprises connexes. RÉPONDRE AU QUESTIONNAIRE CE communique activement avec les organismes fédéraux et les corporations afin d’assurer que les fermes et installations équestres puissent accéder à un soutien. La contribution de votre profil d’entreprise à ce questionnaire contribuera à assurer que notre mobilisation présente le portrait le plus clair possible des implications financières de la COVID-19 pour les principaux intervenants (p. ex., organismes publics, institutions financières).
Il n'y a aucun coût pour soumettre votre information et votre participation est entièrement volontaire. Les données financières de fermes individuelles seront gardées confidentielles. Elles ne seront pas partagées avec les gouvernements, les OPTS ou les affiliés enregistrés. Les données agrégées non identifiables peuvent être partagées avec les OPTS et leurs affiliés enregistrés pour contribuer au développement d'outils et de ressources pour défendre les besoins de notre industrie dans ces temps difficiles et pour aider à identifier des programmes pertinents pour appuyer notre communauté. Pour un résumé des étapes de mobilisation adoptées par CE pour les fermes et les installations équestres, veuillez cliquer ici. Vous pouvez soumettre toutes les questions et les préoccupations liées à la COVID-19 sur le portail de commentaires ainsi que la déclaration en ligne de CE sur la COVID-19 se trouve en cliquant ici.
EC Media Contact / Personne-ressource de CE pour les médias : communications@equestrian.ca WEBSITE Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame 2020 Ballot Announced
The Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame is pleased to announce its 2020 ballot. A total of 30 people and horses comprised of 15 Thoroughbred and 15 Standardbred candidates, have been selected to appear on the voting ballot....read on
Courtesy Standardbred Canada
Driving Championships PostponedWith the events and closures as a result of COVID-19, including the announcement of racing stoppages in all provinces, Standardbred Canada will postpone the 2020 Regional Driving Championships and National Driving Championship, and reschedule at a later date....read on
Courtesy Standardbred Canada
COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) - Financial Relief and Support InitiativesHorse Racing Alberta has a page explaining financial relief measures for Albertans. Some may apply to you. As the situation evolves, so too may some of the criteria. Keep checking the link below to see if you qualify.
Horse Racing Alberta Financial Relief and Support Initiatives Courtesy Horse Racing Alberta
To Race Or Not To Race
Do you think racetracks should conduct live harness racing amid the current COVID-19 pandemic?...read on
Courtesy Standardbred Canada
SC To Provide Information For Available Government AssistanceStandardbred Canada (SC) empathizes with all those who are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and is fully aware of the severe financial implications of this suspension of business operations....read on
Courtesy Standardbred Canada
ASHA Staff and COVID-19As everyone is growing weary of hearing about the virus, we must remain mindful of why we are going through the extreme measures as we are, and that's to protect those who may not survive should they be infected and therefore distance ourselves to prevent infection, and possible death to those we love.
With that, the ASHA office staff, Fred, Michelle, and Colleen will continue to work but at a reduced capacity by doing everything we can from home for at least the next two weeks. Your phone calls to the Airdrie Office will be forwarded, and office operations will continue as necessary. Please feel free to contact us should the need arise, via a call to the office or by our emails (Our direct emails are on the back of your membership cards). We all wish everyone to stay healthy, and isolate yourselves should you feel in the slightest unwell. If you are in need of speaking with us at the ASHA office, please feel free to call the ASHA office at 403-263-7765 or Toll Free (Alberta ONLY) 1-800-852-5985. You will receive an automated message that will direct you to press #1 for Michelle, #2 for Fred, #3 for Colleen Upon pressing the appropriate number, your call will be forwarded to the person you are looking for. We thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate through these challenging times. We SHALL overcome this, as inconvenient as it is to all. Stay healthy, distance yourselves and WASH YOUR HANDS! CHANGE TO THE STAKES NOMINATION DATESDue to the current situation with the COVID-19, the ASHA Board of Directors met and agreed to defer Stakes Nomination payment dates to the new dates below for 2020, effective immediately
Kelly Copes With COVID-19 Shutdown"My definition of a pandemic used to be if one horse got sick, they all got sick. It was an urgent time in the barn. But now this is a whole different time we're living in. It's a crazy world right now and hopefully things get better as the pandemic goes along and we can lessen the curve and get back to racing as soon as possible."...read on
Courtesy Standardbred Canada
Letter to the ASHA Membership
March 19, 2020
As you all know the Covid 19 pandemic has gripped most of the world. Relative to our population in Canada, Alberta and Calgary in particular have seen a growing emergence of the Virus. Due to fears of overwhelming our Medical system (as has occurred in Italy) the Alberta government has taken aggressive action to slow down the spread of the Corona virus. This necessary action is impacting everyday life of Albertans and our economy. Recently Century Downs announced that they are suspending racing for at least a two week period at Century Downs. This is being done at the request of the Government of Alberta. The goal is to limit interpersonal group contact at Century Downs racing entertainment centre and help prevent the spread of Covid 19. In taking this action, Century Downs is in step with most of the other Racetracks in North America and Europe. Using a protocol developed by the Woodbine Entertainment Group, Century Downs will continue to operate as a training centre with strict rules on admission to the backstretch, hygiene and number of people congregating in any given area. We are sure that Century Downs will have the full cooperation of our trainers, drivers, owners and caretakers in following the rules of Century Downs during this critical period. The ASHA will be in continuous contact with Century Downs and Horse Racing Alberta as we await advice from the Government of Alberta on the resumption of live Standardbred racing in Alberta. While we hope this happens as soon as possible we are aware that the speed that the virus is spreading or slowing down is the most important factor in determining when racing will resume. We will keep you updated as we receive any news. In the meantime look after your health, practice good hygiene both at home and in the barn and follow the advice of Alberta Health Services especially if you feel ill. ASHA Board of Directors William Andrew President ATTENTION HORSEMENEarlier today (March 17, 2020) Premier Jason Kenny announced the immediate closure of all casinos and declared a state of emergency in AB due to COVID-19.
Due to this announcement, Century will no longer be able to staff racing. Racing is suspended as of today until such time that the closures of the casinos are lifted as our funding is primarily derived from our purse grant share of the racinos in the province. Without them being active there simply is no funding. We will do our best to keep the industry updated as we receive the information. Century will keep the barn area open for training for the foreseeable future as they realize the horses must remain in race condition for when the racinos reopen. We thank you for your understanding. - The ASHA Board of Directors and ASHA Staff Link to CTV News: Alberta Declares State of Emergency
"Albertans are now prohibited from visiting a number of venues including: public recreation centres, casinos, bingo halls, bars, nightclubs, fitness centres, arenas, museums, and indoor children's play centres. " 2020 ASHA AWARDSPOSTPONED DUE TO COVID-192020 Charity Golf Tournament -Accepting Early Bird Entires!
It’s once again time for the annual Century Downs Charity Golf Tournament on Monday, July 27, 2020, at Sirocco Golf Club.
Once again, the deserving charity is the Children's Cottage Society. A charity focused on preventing harm and neglect to all children and building strong families through support services, respite programs, and crisis nurseries. Please note that you have until June 22, 2020, to submit your forms in order to receive the Early Bird discount. Click HERE for the registration form. We also have sponsorship opportunities available! We hope to see you on the course! For more information, please contact: Amanda Horricks Marketing Coordinator Century Downs Racetrack and Casino 260 Century Downs Drive Rocky View County, AB T4A 0V5 p.+1 403 463-2437 m. amanda.horricks@cnty.com web. www.cnty.com 2020 ASHA YEARLING SALEThe Alberta Standardbred Horse Association is excited to announce we are accepting applications for the 2020 ASHA Yearling Sale, location to be determined once racing resumes although it favours Century Downs Racetrack and Casino.
Shortly we will be looking for entries from the community for this year's cover of the catalogue, but for now here is the entry form for the sale. ENTRY FORM (PDF) to the 2020 ASHA YEARLING SALE CONSIGNORS PLEASE NOTE! All yearlings entered in the sale MUST have a current (within six (6) months of the sale date) negative Coggins test. Due to Racetrack rules/procedures, any yearling arriving at (location tbd), where the 2020 sale is being held, may be turned away and not permitted access to the property. This would result in the withdrawal of the yearling and penalties including but not limited to the Withdrawal policy may be applied. FOR MORE INFORMATION IN THE ASHA YEARLING SALE, please go to the Yearling Sale Page (click the blue print).
We hope for the best sale yet this year! 2020 ASHA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGPOSTPONED DUE TO COVID-19 |
HOMEArchives
CALENDAR of EVENTS Classifieds GREEN SHIELD CANADA Harness Horse Youth Foundation Horsemans Book Keeper 
Alberta Challenge of Champions ABSS SUPER FINALS
HRA HOURS of OPERATION at CENTURY DOWNS RACETRACK
For a list of OTB's in Southern Alberta, click this link ...HERE
The OFFICIAL Stakes Schedule and CalendarBelow are the OFFICIAL Stakes Schedule and Calendar respectively.
PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THE SCHEDULE COULD CHANGE DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND THE CONTROL OF ASHA 
2020 Stakes Schedule
**As of the Board of Directors meeting conducted on October 5, 2019, it was decided that the late closure series will be reduced to 2 legs and a final in the interest of not over racing the younger horses.**
ASHA ACCEPTS
|
