Horse Racing Alberta (HRA) has approved its 2026 budget with a focus on fiscal discipline amid challenging economic conditions while continuing strong support for the province’s racing and breeding industries. The budget allocates $16 million for purse funding across Thoroughbred, Standardbred, and Quarter Horse racing, slightly down from 2025 but still among the strongest in Canada outside Ontario. Additionally, $5.05 million is dedicated to the Breed Improvement Program (BIP) to enhance Alberta’s racing population and breeding quality. HRA maintains a commitment to directing 93% of revenue to industry participants, with only 7% for administrative costs.
The budget also supports incentive programs aimed at increasing the horse population and race participation, including the Racehorse Procurement Incentive Program (RPIP) and the Racehorse Shipping Incentive Program (RSIP), with a combined budget of $600,000 despite some reductions in housing subsidies. HRA’s Board emphasizes a balanced approach to ensure both current stability and future growth opportunities for Alberta’s horse racing sector. All funding allocations and programs have been approved by the Board to sustain and strengthen the industry’s long-term health.
