Nine racetracks nationwide are hosting National Caretaker Appreciation Day (NCAD) events this week. This will be the sixth year that caretakers' hard work will be celebrated. 

The racing industry relies on caretakers but their work behind the scenes can sometimes go unnoticed. Standardbred Canada is collaborating with Canadian racetracks, associations and industry partners to show our appreciation and gratitude for dedicated caretakers. 

Celebrations kick off on Tuesday, Aug. 29 at Woodbine Mohawk Park, with many other racetracks holding their events over the weekend. The following racetracks are hosting events the week of Monday, Aug. 28 through Sunday, Sept. 3: 

• Tuesday, Aug. 29: 
  • Woodbine Mohawk Park
• Saturday, Sept. 2: 
  • Hanover Raceway
  • Northside Downs
  • Red Shores Racetrack & Casino  
• Sunday, Sept. 3: 
  • Clinton Raceway
  • Flamboro Downs
  • Hippodrome 3R
  • The Track On 2
  • Truro Raceway

Truro Raceway will be featuring grooms on its video broadcast and will be hosting a mini horse race with all junior caretakers!

Other racetrack events include:

• Caretaker name announcements in the post parades and winner's circle
• Prize packages for caretakers of winning horses
• Complimentary win photos for caretakers
• Refreshments, draw prizes and more

Here are a few ideas on how owners, trainers and drivers can help show their appreciation to their caretakers, whether they are racing or working at the farm or training center:

• Enroll them as a Standardbred Canada licenced groom to ensure your caretakers are looked after
• Drop off doughnuts, muffins and coffee at the stable
• Host a Stable BBQ or contribute to a delivered catered lunch
• Give a day off with pay or a bonus
• Give them a thank you card along with a gift card
• Purchase a win photo for them or one of the horses they care for the next time they win

Standardbred Canada’s photo contest theme for NCAD this year is “Horses & Heart Set Us Apart” and we’re looking for photos that capture the special bond between humans and a horse. Click here for more information.  

Standardbred Canada would like to offer a special thank you to the caretakers who participated in the Faces of Racing series. Visit the links below for a first-hand look at what it means to be a caretaker: 

• Emma Christoforou
• Abby Clow
• Landon Campbell 

For more information, please contact Jade Regina, Standardbred Canada's Member & Stakeholder Relations Coordinator, at [email protected].