The Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Association (Alberta Division), together with Horse Racing Alberta, proudly announces the distribution of $721,495 through the 2025 Breeders’ Bonus within the Horse Racing Alberta Thoroughbred Breeding Program. This funding rewards breeders for their efforts in raising high-quality racehorses.
Of the total, $691,495 was awarded to breeders of Alberta-born foals of all ages who achieved first, second, or third place in Alberta-sanctioned races with at least five horses and minimum funding of $9,000. These bonuses represent 25% of the revenue from qualifying races at Alberta racetracks in 2025.
Pierre Esquirol led the 2025 Breeders’ Bonus with earnings of $91,802, thanks primarily to the strong performance of Crosstraffic’s mare Highway 49, who achieved multiple wins and placements including victories in the Sturgeon River Stakes and CTHS Alberta Sales Stakes. Other notable horses bred by Esquirol contributed to his success.
Highfield Investment Group Inc. was second with $90,347 in breeder bonuses, driven by Fedvis’ stallion Relaxgodoitramone, who secured four wins including key stakes races like the Canadian Juvenile Stakes. Stone Ranches came in third with $43,019, notably through Spite Star gelding It’s All Goodman’s impressive season with multiple wins and high earnings.
Chalet Stable ranked fourth with $34,827, led by the mare Big Hug, who earned $141,000 with several wins and placings in prestigious handicaps. Empire Equestrian rounded out the top five with $32,469, with notable performances by the 3-year-old Fancy Like That.
A new addition in 2025, the North American Bonus, provided $30,000 to breeders of Alberta foals running in qualifying races outside Alberta with minimum prize values. This bonus paid out $8,472 in 2025, with notable earners including Beau and Janet Stone’s The Rightway, Coleboy, and Chalet Stable’s Big Hug.
This breeding program stands as one of the strongest regional incentives in North America, encouraging continued production of competitive Alberta-bred Thoroughbreds and supporting the industry’s growth.
Fan Take: This generous breeders’ bonus program is vital for rewarding excellence and sustaining investment in Alberta’s horse racing future. For fans, it means more competitive and exciting races featuring homegrown talent, strengthening the sport’s quality and appeal locally and beyond.
