On Thursday, Katie Graham was named Northlands' Miss Canadian Derby for 2010 after voting from a pageant at the River Cree Resort in Edmonton
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A groom in the harness racing business, Katie won by three percentage points over fellow standardbred groom Jodi Loftus.
"Once they called my name I was flabbergasted," Graham told Trot Insider, "honestly I didn't know what to do! I turned to Jodi and we just hugged each other. It would have been cool if there was a tie between us."
With racing in her blood, Katie will be front and centre at Northlands Park this weekend, with the Canadian Derby on Saturday afternoon in Edmonton. (11 a.m. first post, 3:45 p.m. Derby post, TSN, CHED)
"This Saturday at the Derby I will be in the Princess tent doing all the little girls make up and giving them a chance to see a real crown," said Graham. "Throughout the year I will be working with Northlands to promote horse racing, and as Miss Canadian Derby I won't let racing down!"
As part of Northlands' Canadian Derby Day, there will be a $1 million Pick 10 wager - the first time this wager has been offered in Canada. It's a straight $2 bet, with advance wagering open now.
(with files from thehorses.com)
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!! Ka
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!
Katie and Jodi
It's wonderful to see the breeds working together for the good of the industry. Two Standardbred girls with such deep roots in the industry, working hard to promote the entire industry.
Again, CONGRATULATIONS, from all of us. We KNOW you will do a wonderful job.
The Hainings