For the sixth consecutive year, the Central Ontario Standardbred Association (COSA) will support National Caretaker Appreciation Day at the racetracks across Ontario the weeks of Aug. 29 – Sept. 14. This year, COSA will sponsor National Caretaker Appreciation Day events with $100 VISA gift cards, a heartfelt gesture that celebrates the vital contribution of caretakers.

Standardbred Canada would like to thank COSA for its continued support. Year after year, COSA has continued to recognize the values of Standardbred caretakers by ensuring their endeavours and tireless efforts are met with recognition and respect. COSA's 2023 sponsorship of $100 VISA gift cards will not only provide caretakers with a tangible token of appreciation but also grant them the autonomy to use the reward in ways that best suit their needs.

Each $100 VISA gift card will be awarded to the winning caretaker of each race at each Ontario racetrack hosting a NCAD event. 

Ontario racetracks participating in NCAD:

• Woodbine Mohawk Park – Tuesday, Aug. 29
• Hanover Raceway – Saturday, Sept. 2
• Clinton Raceway – Sunday, Sept. 3
• Flamboro Downs – Sunday, Sept. 3
• Grand River Raceway – Wednesday, Sept. 6
• Rideau Carleton Raceway – Thursday, Sept. 7
• Kawartha Downs – Saturday, Sept. 9
• Hiawatha Horse Park – Saturday, Sept. 9
• Leamington Raceway – Sunday, Sept. 10

COSA represents the interests of horsepeople racing at Ontario racetracks and provides a Benefit program to its members. 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 (3) cancelled payroll cheques or,
• Three (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.