The Raceway at Western Fair District hosted a Caretaker Appreciation event on Friday, October 9, as part of the 2020 National Caretaker Appreciation initiatives facilitated by Standardbred Canada.

The weekend of September 18 - 20, tracks, stables and training centres from across the country hosted events recognizing and rewarding caretakers in different ways, and the tracks that weren’t racing at that time had the option of hosting a fall event.

“This event has grown to be an industry favourite in my opinion. Caretakers play an integral role within the industry and it’s deeply important that we honour them,” said Greg Gangle, Raceway Manager.

“The event is becoming more popular and something that every caretaker looks forward to. Special thanks to Standardbred Canada, COSA, along with our paddock staff Leslie Jackson and Kim Bakker for making this happen at The Raceway. We look forward to hosting the event next season.”

The Central Ontario Standardbred Association (COSA) provided HPI cards for one winner from each race on the card, and Ontario Racing donated some Ontario Sires Stakes swag for draw prizes. The Raceway also provided swag bags for the groom of each winning horse with random prizing for various gift cards throughout the night.

“It’s great to see the Canadian harness racing community support this initiative year, after year, and especially this year, given the restrictions that racetracks are operating under from COVID. SC sincerely appreciates the efforts of the racetracks, associations, stables, sponsors and partners who supported NCAD this year,” said Kathy Wade Vlaar, SC’s Manager of Member and Stakeholder Relations. “Most importantly we’d like to thank the caretakers in our industry who put the horses first, keeping them healthy & happy, and for everything they do to keep the races going, especially during the unusual and challenging circumstances this year.”