For the third consecutive year, The Central Ontario Standardbred Association (COSA) has supported National Caretaker Appreciation Day (NCAD) events which took place this past weekend across the country.

Initiated by Standardbred Canada in 2018, NCAD’s objective is to recognize and reward caretakers in the harness racing industry.

Left: Justin Darling at Grand River Raceway (photo: Melissa Anderson)
Right: Gabby Sasso at Mohawk (photo: Kathy Wade Vlaar)

COSA participated in this year’s events by sponsoring $100 HPI cards -- one for a caretaker in each race at each Ontario racetrack hosting a NCAD event. Random prize draws were conducted after each race for the card winners. The HPI cards can be used at any wagering terminals at HPI partner tracks across the country.

Congratulations to all HPI card winners at the following racetracks:

• Clinton Raceway (hosted their event on August 30)

• Flamboro Downs

• Grand River Raceway

• Kawartha Downs

• Leamington Raceway

• Woodbine Mohawk Park

“National Caretaker Appreciation Day is a great initiative created by Standardbred Canada and supported by tracks, associations such as ours, and all facets of the industry. Supporting our caretakers is critical to the success of the industry and their role is often underestimated because for the most part they are in the background. Without caretakers, who are the foundation of our industry, we don’t have an industry,” said Bill O’Donnell, President of COSA.

Left: Justin Turcotte at Flamboro Downs (photo: Flamboro Downs)

Right: Abby Harper at Kawartha Downs (photo: Racehorsephoto.com)

For a complete list of the HPI Card winners, click here.

COSA respresents the interests of horsepeople racing at Ontario racetracks and provides a Benefit program to its members. Groom/caretaker benefits are provided at no cost to eligible members provided the member is employed full-time by a trainer who has a minimum of one start per year at any Standardbred racetrack in Ontario. Caretakers working at breeding farms are also eligible for benefits.

To be eligible to enroll in the COSA Benefits Program, you MUST have the following:

• OHIP card

• Valid Standardbred Canada license

• Valid AGCO license

In addition to the above requirements, Grooms/caretakers must provide one of the following when enrolling in the plan:

• T-4 from the previous year

• 3 cancelled payroll cheques or,

• 3 proof of e-transfer deposits to their bank account

Grooms/caretakers who are paid cash by their employers are not eligible for COSA paid benefits.