With National Caretaker Appreciation Day (NCAD) at Rideau Carleton Raceway this evening, the National Capital Region Harness Horse Association (NCRHHA) recognizes caretaker Brittany Smiley.

Brittany Smiley epitomizes everything that it means to be an exemplary groom for the horses in her care. She forms a passionate bond with each and every horse that comes under her care in the eastern division of the Victor Puddy Stable. Smiley takes immense pride in her role and is often seen beaming ear to ear in the Rideau Carleton winner's circle and around the stable where she dotes on each and every horse. Her ultimate focus is the care and happiness of the horse. Regardless of the finishing position of any one of her starters, after the race they get treated with the care, love and affection as if they have just won a stakes race!  
 
As a little girl and into her teenage years, Smiley was an accomplished and decorated dancer. The commitment, determination and discipline displayed in dance certainly followed her into horse racing. Smiley's late grandfather, Peter, owned the first horses that she worked on, gaining knowledge and experience alongside her mother, Jennifer, and aunt, Andrea. 

“This knowledge, her passion, dedication and her love for horses are the driving reasons for Brittany’s selection as the NCRHHA’s feature personality, representing all grooms at Rideau Carleton on National Caretaker Appreciation Day at Rideau, Sept. 7, 2023. On behalf of our entire racing community, congratulations Brittany!” said Gordon McDonald, President, NCRHHA, and John MacMillan, Executive Director, NCRHHA.

Rideau Carleton Raceway’s NCAD event will be held during tonight's card.

To view Thursday's harness racing entries, click the following link: Thursday Entries - Rideau Carleton Raceway.

(With files from NCRHHA)