Horse race industry thriving at the 83rd running of the Canadian Derby

For 57 years the Canadian Derby has been one of the largest and most celebrated thoroughbred race days held in Western Canada. About 8,000 people gathered at Northlands Park Saturday afternoon, for the 83rd running of the Canadian Derby.

"It's a lot of fun, it's fast, it's exciting and the horses are beautiful," says Rosalind Ross, who was dressed in her derby finest.

Brian Anderson also came down, donned in his finest attire. He loves the thrill of the race and dressing up for the occasion.

"It's a fun thing for us to do, once a year, come out, because you used to do it years ago, everybody got dressed up for the horse races so we decided to get dressed up."

There is a long history of the Canadian Derby in Edmonton, and for Northlands it's one of it's signature events.

"Not only (for) the social impact and economic impact that it does for the city of Edmonton but, it's a marquis social event for everyone in Edmonton," says Scott Sinclair.

Glen Todd is the owner of "Devil in Disguise," one of the favourites to win. Todd has been coming to the Canadian Derby for a number of years.

"It's a great event, they do a good job here. It's a good track and we like coming here," Todd says adding, "Everything is perfectly run, we couldn't ask for anything more. These are good people and they do a good job."

With over 8,000 people at this year's event, the horse racing industry in Edmonton is thriving. However, that isn't the case in other cities in Canada.

In Ontario, the government has decided to put an end to the "Slots at Racetrack" program, which provides a portion of the revenues to racetracks in the province. Those involved in the horse race community say the entire industry is in jeopardy.

In Vancouver, the legendary Hastings Racetrack was on the verge of shutting down before the owners and the City of Vancouver came to a two year lease agreement.

One of the biggest concerns people in the industry have is that organizers aren't attracting the next generation of race fans.

"I think a lot of people sat on their laurels for too long and now they've all of a sudden realized that they've got to promote this sport as an entertainment venue for (young) people," Todd says.

"They're doing a really good job here, promoting to young people," says Todd adding, "The people that are sitting back aren't, and (people) aren't going to just walk in the door."

Todd says the demographic at the Canadian Derby is a lot younger than it was even two years ago.

Attracting the younger generation is something Northlands is committed to, as well as making sure this event continues to thrive in the years to come.

"Northlands is committed to making sure it's fiscally responsible and make sure that we're committed to the horse industry," Sinclair says adding, "With racetracks contracting in Ontario, we're looking to bring those individuals out to Alberta and make it even more viable, and a stronger industry."

With files from Slav Kornik.