“We remain committed to managing Alberta’s horse racing industry in a responsible and sustainable manner,” said Kent Verlik, Chief Executive Officer of Horse Racing Alberta. “Despite a challenging economic landscape, HRA’s program funding remains strong with 93 percent of all revenue going to horse people and racetrack operators and 7 percent going to administrative costs. Our priority remains to ensure that as much funding as possible flows directly to the industry.”
HRA Board Chair Diana McQueen emphasized the board’s wise decision-making: “The board has carefully examined the economic realities impacting our industry. The adjustments within the 2026 budget reflect those circumstances while protecting the long-term health of racing in Alberta. The board is confident that this budget represents a responsible balance between stability today and growth opportunities in the future.”
Purse Funding Allocation
For 2026, Horse Racing Alberta has approved a total allocation of $16 million to support racing opportunities for thoroughbred, standard and quarter horse breeds. While this reflects a small decline from 2025, Alberta continues to offer one of the strongest scholarship structures in Canada outside of Ontario, maintaining solid opportunities for owners and trainers across all sectors.
Breed Improvement Program (BIP) Funding Program Allocation.
The Breed Improvement Program (BIP) will total $5.05 million by 2026, continuing HRA’s long-standing commitment to strengthening Alberta’s racing population and supporting key organizations including the CTHS Alberta Division, HBPA of Alberta, Alberta Community Racing Association, Alberta Standardbred Horse Association and Alberta Quarter Horse Racing Association.
Program statistics have shown that investments in this program increase our racing population by promoting stronger breeding operations and improving the overall quality of racing animals.
Incentive Programs – Financing the Racehorse Procurement Incentive Program (RPIP) and financing the Racehorse Shipping Incentive Program (RSIP)
Developed in 2022, the Racehorse Procurement Incentive Program (RPIP) was intended to allow for an increase in field size and overall horse population in Alberta. The Racehorse Shipping Incentive Program (RSIP) supports the transportation costs associated with moving horses around the province to facilitate the availability of horses at each racetrack. The Horse Racing Alberta board voted to continue these programs into 2026, with a reduction in the housing subsidy for both HBPA Alberta and ASHA, but allocated a budget of $600,000 to further strengthen the racehorse population in the province.
All programs and funding allocations are approved by the Horse Racing Alberta Board of Directors.
For specific information and details about the breeding program, please visit the following websites:
Thoroughbred: hbpaalberta.ca; cthsalta.com; actraracing.ca
Standard bred: asha.ab.ca
Quarter Horses: aqhra.ca
This press release has not been edited by BloodHorse. If there are any questions, please contact the organization that produced the release.
#Horse #Racing #Alberta #Budget #Approved