The I Love Canadian Harness Racing Fan Club would like to congratulate Kayla Chappell of Leduc, Alta., for winning the July Zoom Photography Challenge.

‘Groom With A View’ was the theme to celebrate National Caretaker Appreciation Day events which took place the weekend of July 20-22 and July 29.

Kayla’s winning photo is of caretaker Jessica Henriquez, who works for the Kelly Hoerdt stable, with one of her barn stars, Custardslaststand. The photo was taken at Century Downs Racetrack & Casino, just after the three-year-old colt finished second In a race on July 1.

“I had to capture the moment as it shows no matter where your horse finishes, as long as they try their hardest, grooms are happy with their horses,” Kayla explained. “Her smile and how his eye catches the camera really shows the mutual feeling and bond between horse and groom.”

Chappell has been involved with harness racing for her entire life. She and her husband, Doug Chappell currently own Wazzup Buttercup and Jedi Tricks who are stabled at Century Downs Racetrack. Her husband takes care of the training duties, while Kayla keeps herself busy working for the Alberta Standardbred Horse Association Social Media Team, along with grooming for Kelly Hoerdt at Bedrock Training Centre in Beaumont, Alta.

“I also really enjoy working for Kelly as I’m able to jog and train the horses that I take care of during the week. I really missed the feeling of training one, so being able to come to work and do that can’t be beat. I recently designed new racing colours and put my order in, hoping I can drive ‘Butters’ before the winter gets here. It would be great to get behind the gate with one again, I’m anxious just thinking about it!”

For winning, Kayla will receive a $50 Fan Club prize package and an official NCAD t-shirt and cap. Congrats! And thank you to our other finalists:

► Photo 1: Amy Henry of Fort Saskatchewan, Alta., for the photo of herself jogging two-year-old filly Itawtitawapuddytat

► Photo 2: Annie Cox of Odessa, Ont., for the photo of herself and her two-year-old trotter Stormont Onetime out for a jog!

► Photo 3: Cassie George of Windsor, Ont., for her photo of groom Hollie Hiser bathing open trotter Gloire Dream.

► Photo 4: Joey Poirier of Inverness, Nova Scotia, for his photo of Vital Art and groom Madison Poirier.