MILLARVILLE - The Thoroughbreds are returning to Millarville Racetrack on Canada Day to continue a century-old tradition.
The 118th Millarville Races will feature all kinds of activity on track, with as many as six Thoroughbred races complemented by First Nations relay races as well as stock horse and ladies’ sidesaddle races.
The Thoroughbreds will make their annual July 1 stop in Millarville as the circuit transitions from Lethbridge to Grand Prairie. Attendees will be able to bet on the Thoroughbred races through pari-mutuel wagering.
In addition to the action on the track, the day will feature an assortment of activities for the kids, including three-legged and sack races, and an opportunity to try out the new playground which opened earlier this month.
There will also be a beer garden with live music, an expanded concession and condensed version of the weekly Millarville Farmers’ Market that’s expected to have 70 or so vendors.
“We’re hoping for a big crowd like last year but, you know, obviously it’s very weather dependent,” said race chair Brent Foster. “Assuming the weather is co-operative, we should get lots of people out. We're really looking forward to it.”
General admission tickets cost $16.50 (12 and under free) in advance or $20 at the gate. Foster said organizers are encouraging people to buy their tickets in advance online (millarvilleracetrack.com/race-track) in order to ease congestion on nearby roads and improve traffic flow into the facility located on Highway 549 near the intersection of Highway 22 in Foothills County.
When purchasing tickets online, guests will be able to select arrival times in 30-minute increments.
Gates open at 10 a.m. and the racing gets underway at noon.
The event also offers a VIP experience that costs $94.50 for adults and $16.50 for children, and includes gate admission, access to the VIP tent, lunch and exclusive betting terminals. VIP tickets traditionally sell out.
Foster looks forward to carrying on the tradition of horse racing in Millarville.
“It keeps the history alive and that's important,” he said. “One of our volunteers, he's already in his mid-80s, and his dad was involved in it, so it’s a big tradition.”