The C Cup Classic is part of the On Track to Beat Cancer initiative. This initiative was created in 2017 with the goal of supporting cancer research with a fundraising horse race and other activities with a day designated as “On Track to Beat Cancer.” This annual race and event day involves amateur jockeys raising funds for cancer research through pledges.
In 2018 all funds raised will go to the Calgary Prostate Cancer Centre.
The first C Cup Classic took place on October 15, 2017 at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino and raised $15,900 benefiting CRINA (Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta) and breast cancer research.
Stephan Heiler, our Clerk of Scales here at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino, has been working on the amateur jockey race for The C Cup Classic since January.
The amateur race has been approved by the HRA and will be a betting race. “It’s not a new idea, but it has been 30 years since we had the last actual amateur jockey race here in Canada,” Heiler explained.
“We do have a few ex-riders participating to help the field size out and to help out the more inexperienced riders we have in the race.”
Stephan Heiler used to be a professional rider and hasn’t ridden in six years. Since then, he has been an outspoken advocate for riders and has been very busy with helping young riders and trying to do the same thing for amateurs. He will also be participating in the amateur jockey race.
Kaylea Hepburn, who participated in and won the Pace Under Saddle race for the last two years, used to be a rider. When asked what this opportunity means to her, Hepburn said, “Any excuse to get back in the irons, I’m there. I miss it a lot.”
Men aged 40 – 80 will have the opportunity to get checked for prostate cancer on October 6 at the MAN VAN™. “Absolutely no excuses. It seems like everyone is affected in some shape or form from cancer, so it’s a good thing that the MAN VAN™ will be here.” Heiler said.
There is a group for The C Cup Classic on Facebook where you can log in and pledge to the cause or you can pledge at the races for each of the amateur riders. The link for donations can be found here: http://bit.ly/ccupclassic
We would like to thank Heiler and Hepburn for all of their dedication and hard work that they’ve been putting towards the amateur jockey race. For more details on Stephan Heiler, Kaylea Hepburn and The C Cup Classic, head on over to Century Downs’ YouTube channel or Facebook page (@CenturyDowns) for the full video on this story.
COMING UP AT CENTURY DOWNS
Join us for our 10 Days of Turkey hot seat draw. Win a free turkey on the hour, every hour, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. from September 28 to October 7!
Join us for a Thanksgiving Dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on October 7 and 8! Enjoy a hearty three-course Thanksgiving Dinner special in the Mid City Grill and Lounge for only $25! The menu includes Crème of roasted butternut squash soup with honey and coconut milk, Turkey with all the fixings, chestnut stuffing, cranberry sauce, turkey gravy, duchess potato, bacon-rolled green beans and roasted root vegetables, and pumpkin cheesecake!
Join us for our Autumn Carnival! Dress derby style for this high stakes race day featuring The Harvest Plate on October 8!
Join us for our Spooktacular Events on the last day of Thoroughbred racing on October 28 for a spectacular family fun-filled day! We’ll be having spooky special guests, face painters, a candy scramble, a pumpkin carving contest and a pick-a-pumpkin pumpkin patch (first come, first served by donation to Prairie Sky, Equine Assisted Therapy.)
See you at Century Downs!