What would it be like to own a Standardbred racehorse? To visit the barn, watch them race, and — hopefully — join them in the winner’s circle?

Last fall, Shannon Henderson was the winning entrant in the 2019 ‘Win a Share in a Racehorse’ contest sponsored by the Ontario Sires Stakes (OSS) and Standardbred Canada, and so far the Newmarket, Ont., resident has been able to experience the first two, with hopes of the third before the year is over.

“I have been able to follow along and watch all of the races through HPI, which is exciting, but it would be better if we could go watch in person,” said Henderson, who won a share in the Landmark 13 fractional ownership group. “Over the last couple of weeks, it appears COVID restrictions are being loosened at some tracks, so hopefully soon.”

Shannon Henderson (second from left) was the 2019 'Win a Share in a Racehorse' contest winner.

The Landmark 13 Stable acquired six horses at the 2019 yearling sales: Muscle Mass trotting fillies Great Dane and Whole Lotta Lovin, Angus Hall trotting colt A Star Galaxy, Sunshine Beach pacing filly OK Moxie, and Bettors Delight pacing filly Katys Delight and pacing colt Take A Gamble. To date, all but Take A Gamble have made their racing debuts, but none have cracked the winner’s circle.

“Great Dane debuted in the Sires Stakes program and finished second. Her second race, she finished fourth. We were hopeful that she would be a good one, then we received news that she injured herself and will likely be out for the balance of the year, so that was kind of disappointing,” said Henderson. “That being said, I have been around horses since I was a kid and deal with horse claims as a part of my daily job as an insurance broker, so the good news is I know this isn’t career-ending.

“My personal favourite is Whole Lotta Lovin. Prior to COVID, I was able to go to the Open House and visit another time in the winter. Both times, this horse’s demeanour was just so kind, and who can’t love her big ears.”

The 2020 ‘Win a Share in a Racehorse’ contest is currently underway. Residents of Ontario who have never owned a racehorse are eligible to enter the contest by completing an online ballot before Thursday (Sept. 10) at midnight.

From all of the online ballots received, 10 entrants will be drawn at random during the week of Sept. 14. Those finalists will be matched with a starter in one of the Oct. 10 Grassroots Championship races. The finalist whose horse wins the designated Grassroots Championship race will win a share in the Landmark 14 Stable and have an opportunity to experience all of the highs and lows Henderson has been treated to in her first year as a Standardbred owner.

“I would absolutely encourage everyone who is eligible to enter,” said Henderson. “This was the first contest I have ever won in my life, and I am glad that I get to be a part of the Landmark 13 group.”

Find the online ballot and full details about the ‘Win a Share in a Racehorse’ contest here.

(Ontario Racing)