Marquis Downs Racetrack in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan's largest city, opened in 1969. The racetrack was owned by the Saskatoon Prairieland Park Corporation, which operates a large trade and exhibition center. Prairieland hosts a wide variety of events year-round, including farm and pet shows, horticultural and agricultural exhibitions, national and regional trade shows, conferences, meetings, and banquets. Thoroughbred racing was a significant and popular part of the corporation's event calendar.
The last races were held during the 2019 season. The COVID-19 pandemic led to the suspension of racing activities. In 2021, the corporation announced the permanent closure of Marquis Downs, revealing plans to repurpose the site into a soccer stadium to support the expansion of the Canadian Premier League franchise in Saskatoon.
Revival and Decline: The History of Marquis Downs
In 1987, during its 18th year, Marquis Downs in Saskatoon faced a significant decline in horse racing. Races were sporadic, often featuring only 4 or 5 horses. The stands, built to accommodate 3,500 spectators, saw only a few dozen attendees. Provincial horse breeders showed little interest in racing, with fewer than 170 horses stabled at the track, and total bets for the season not exceeding $12,000.
In 2005, the Prairieland Board of Directors decided to revitalize horse racing at Marquis Downs. They implemented a new strategy that yielded positive results. The number of races was reduced from 55 to 30, optimizing the schedule and increasing participant requirements. Races moved from inconvenient daytime slots on Saturdays and Sundays to evening events on Fridays and Saturdays. Collaboration with horse owners and breeders led to an increase in the number of participating horses, with at least 10 horses in each race.
Prairieland launched an advertising campaign and improved infrastructure, including better entrances, parking, and converting an old canteen into a high-quality dining establishment. These changes attracted more spectators, and the introduction of wagon races at the fair further boosted interest.
By the 2006 season, the racetrack stands were filled with spectators, and the minimum prize fund had doubled to $3,000, with the Heritage Day race offering a $100,000 prize fund. The total bets made during the season reached $825,000.
From this revitalization, horse racing regained its popularity and excitement at Marquis Downs. Key events included the Saskatchewan Derby, Meadow Lily Sale, and Heritage Day. Heritage Day featured a $12,500 race for Saskatchewan-bred horses, showcasing the best young horses in four categories: the Shortgrass Heritage for 3-year-old stallions and geldings, the Parkland Heritage for 3-year-old fillies, the Western Heritage for 2-year-old stallions and geldings, and the Woodland Heritage for 2-year-old fillies.
The 2019 season marked the last races at Marquis Downs. Prairieland's management decided to repurpose the track space, deeming it unprofitable to revive the industry after the decline caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hope for the Revival of Horse Racing in Saskatchewan
The cessation of horse racing in Saskatchewan left the horse breeding industry in dire straits, with breeders facing significant financial losses. In an attempt to mitigate the damage, Prairieland Corporation offered a one-time payment of $1,000 for each horse that competed at least three times in the 2019 racing season. However, this measure was insufficient to save the struggling industry. The horse racing community was devastated by the decision to close the racetrack, as it marked the end of the entire industry in the province, given that Saskatchewan had no other racetracks.
Jockey Nicole Hayne, who leads an initiative group seeking solutions for the horse racing industry, criticized the corporation for not making adequate efforts to preserve racing. As an organization dedicated to supporting agricultural producers and horse racing, more was expected from Prairieland.
In the wake of Marquis Downs' closure, local jockeys and horses had to travel to competitions in Lethbridge, Edmonton, and Winnipeg. Despite these challenges, there is hope on the horizon. The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations and Moosomin activists have taken the lead in developing a new racetrack, Moosomin Downs, in northwest Saskatoon. They have secured the site through a contractual land title agreement, and the dirt, equipment, and fencing from Marquis Downs have been transported to the new location. Efforts are underway to secure sponsors for the project.
While Moosomin Downs is under construction and necessary approvals are being obtained, racing temporarily resumed at Marquis Downs for 10 days in 2022. This event was a sell-out, drawing large crowds and substantial bets both at the racecourse and online. It demonstrated the enduring popularity of horse racing in the province and validated the decision to build a new racetrack.
Cheryl Kahpeisewat, Chief of the Moosomin First Nation, expressed optimism about the new racetrack's potential. She emphasized that Moosomin Downs would not only revive horse racing in Saskatchewan but also provide economic opportunities for the Moosomin Nation and future generations. The initiative ensures that the experience and traditions of horse racing professionals in the province will be preserved, and spectators and sports fans will return to the stands.
Through the dedicated efforts of passionate individuals and communities, horse racing in Saskatchewan is poised for a revival, promising a bright future for the sport and its enthusiasts.