For the fourth consecutive year, the Central Ontario Standardbred Association (COSA) will support National Caretaker Appreciation Day (NCAD) at racetracks across Ontario the week of September 20 – 26.

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

COSA is supporting the event again this year by sponsoring $100 HPI cards – one for a caretaker in each race at each Ontario racetrack hosting a NCAD event. Winning caretakers at all tracks except for Woodbine Mohawk Park will receive the HPI cards. At Mohawk there will be random draws for the HPI cards. The HPI cards can be used at any wagering terminals at HPI partner tracks across the country. The cards can also be used at Woodbine Mohawk Park and Woodbine Racetrack for food and beverages.

Ontario Racetracks participating in NCAD:

• Flamboro Downs – September 26
• Grand River Raceway – September 22
• Kawartha Downs – September 25
• Leamington Raceway – September 26
• Woodbine Mohawk Park – September 23

COSA represents 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
• Three cancelled payroll cheques or three 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.