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Saturday’s Canadian Derby could be the last one at Northlands Park, and if that’s the case, then it’s an “absolute tragedy,” said Steve Hunt.

“It’s something I look forward to every year and now I won’t be able to come here anymore to enjoy it,” he said. “It’s just a great shame.”

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Northlands president Tim Reid has previously said Northlands intends to close the racetrack at the end of this year, although he recently told Postmedia the plan isn’t definite.

Hunt and his wife Carla moved to Edmonton from the United Kingdom nine years ago and they’ve attended the derby almost every year since.

“It’s sort of the jewel in the crown of racing,” said Carla.

On Saturday afternoon, hundreds of people filled the stands and lined the rail along the track to watch the races, place a few bets, and take in the excitement.

“It’s just such a shame that Edmonton is potentially going to lose it,” said Carla, who’s noticed more and more people coming out each year.