The Horse Racing Women’s Association (HRWA) hosted a successful inaugural event in Western Canada on Saturday, July 11, at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
This first of its kind event was made possible by the organizations – HRWA, Century Mile, Horse Racing Alberta, and the HBPA of Alberta – working seamlessly together. It truly was a community effort in collaboration to shine the spotlight on and celebrate the horse racing women of western Canada.
“It was a true honor for Century Mile to partner with HRWA in showcasing women in racing. We want to extend our sincere thanks to the engaging participants who openly shared their stories, providing everyone in attendance with valuable new perspectives on the industry. We deeply appreciate this wonderful collaboration and would love to invite HRWA back next year to establish this as an annual event,” said Ken Maheden, General Manager of Century Mile.
Hosting 80 guests, the Century Mile x HRWA event centered around a panel discussion led by Barbara Anderson-Heads, an award-winning Thoroughbred trainer; Hazel Bennett, the President of Borders Racing Stable and Steward for the Jockey Club of Canada; Jodie Hiesinger, recipient of the 2026 Jockey Club of Canada Outstanding Western Canadian Backstretch Worker Award; Jodie Vella-Gregory, the Vice President of Industry Relations for 1/ST Racing; and moderated by Stephanie Hronis, Owner of Hronis Racing.
“Coming back to Edmonton for this event was a true full-circle moment. It reminded me that this industry is built on people who believe in you, open doors, and encourage you to keep growing. I’m incredibly proud of the women across Canada who show up with purpose every day, support one another, and are helping create even more pathways for those who will follow,” said Vella-Gregory.
Each speaker discussed the varying pathways they took into the Thoroughbred industry and shared advice from their experiences working within the sport.
“Nothing ever stays the same, good or bad. So, learn from it, take some good from it, and move forward,” said Heads.
Attendees also enjoyed a handicapping seminar, hosted by Alexa Zepp and Jentry VanBaal, while attending an afternoon of racing and participating in a variety of networking experiences.
The HRWA, Horse Racing Alberta, and Century Mile are grateful for the support of The Honourable Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta, who recognized the inaugural HRWA x Century Mile Day at the Races with a special letter of acknowledgment.
In her message, Premier Smith recognized horse racing as “a vibrant part of Alberta’s culture and economy, from the farm to the track,” while highlighting Alberta’s leadership in advancing women in Thoroughbred racing and the importance of creating opportunities for connection, inclusion, and recognition.
The HRWA was also honoured to welcome The Honourable Brandon Lunty, MLA for Leduc-Beaumont, who joined us in person and shared remarks recognizing the significant contributions women continue to make across Alberta’s horse racing industry.
The HRWA Annual Conference returns Oct. 12-14 in Lexington, Ky. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
