As Standardbred Canada continues to spotlight harness racing’s unsung heroes nationwide in celebration of 2024 National Caretaker Appreciation Day, Tanya Mitchell, a devoted groom from Rockwood, Ont., shares her story on her career in racing and the impact the industry has had on her life.

Born and raised in Montreal, Que., Tanya Mitchell developed an affinity for horses at the age of 10 through spending time at the farm with her father, Graeme Mitchell, who had been a passionate Standardbred owner for more than 50 years.  

Three decades later, Tanya is now working for conditioner Jean Tourigny, marking the 12th stable she’s been a part of throughout her career. Over the years, she’s found herself working for Ben Baillargeon, Rob Fellows and Casie Coleman.

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HP Mama B with Sylvio Ravary, Tanya Mitchell and Sylvain Filion

An early riser, Tanya is usually the first one to arrive at the barn to serve breakfast. In addition to that task, her daily routine includes getting the horses ready for turnout, cleaning stalls and equipment as well as harnessing, bathing and trucking horses. Last not but not least, her favourite task if you ask her, is putting the horses away at the end of the night.

Given her longevity in the industry, Tanya has her fair share of memories, but none greater than being able to take care of Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame pacer McWicked (1:46.2, $5,103,271) during his three-year-old campaign. The deep bond that she shared with the superstar colt really caught the eye of her father, reminding him of the compassion she displayed towards horses at such a young age. 

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Tanya Mitchell with McWicked

Fast forward to 2022, McWicked’s first crop was set to enter the sales ring, and Tanya's father was keen on leaving the London Classic Yearling Sale with an offspring from the sire his daughter had the time of her life taking care of. T H McMurry entered the ring as Hip #183, and $22,000 later, Graeme was the proud owner.

As a rookie, T H McMurry wasted no time making an impact, capturing an Ontario Sires Stakes Gold division in just his second lifetime start, in 1:51.4. The colt enjoyed success in the provincial program, winning three legs of the Grassroots, en route to a rookie campaign in which he earned $90,541. 

During T H McMurry’s rookie campaign, Graeme had an on-going battle with cancer, which he sadly succumbed to in October 2023. For Tanya, she found solace knowing their colt gave her father something to look forward to in the heat of fight, including some memorable performances as well.

Though being a groom is hard work, Tanya doesn’t take it for granted one bit. She knows the responsibility it entails and appreciates being relied upon.

“They put so much trust in me and I look after the horses just like they look after me," said Tanya. "If it wasn’t for [the horses], I don’t know where I’d be. They’re like my kids.

“There’s no better feeling than knowing that your horse gave 110 per cent. Whether they win or finish fourth, it doesn’t matter. It’s just about knowing they made it with your help.”

When describing what it’s like being a caretaker, Tanya stressed the expectations that come with the role and the mindset required to be successful in it.

“You can’t be in it for the money. Because if you’re in it for the money, you’re in the wrong business. You need to have a passion for it and you need to love the horses, whether they’re five claimers or top stake horses... you need the passion.”

Join Standardbred Canada in showing appreciation for Tanya Mitchell and all of the unsung heroes of our industry as we celebrate National Caretaker Appreciation Day across our nation.

2024 National Caretaker Appreciation Day Event Dates:

• Clinton Raceway – Sunday, Sept. 1
• Dresden Raceway – Sunday, July 7 (Completed)
• Fraser Downs Racetrack – Thursday, Sept. 12
• Grand River Raceway – Friday, Sept. 6
• Hanover Raceway – Saturday, Sept. 14
• Hippodrome 3R – Sunday, Sept. 15
• Kawartha Downs – Friday, Aug. 30
• Red Shores Racetrack & Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park – Thursday, Sept. 12
• Red Shores at Summerside Raceway – Tuesday, Sept. 10
• Rideau Carleton Raceway – Thursday, Sept. 12
• The Track On 2 – Saturday, Sept. 7
• Truro Raceway – Friday, Sept. 6
• Woodbine Mohawk Park – Friday, Sept. 6
• Leamington Raceway – Sunday, Sept. 8

National Caretaker Appreciation Day was launched in 2017 to recognize and reward caretakers in the Standardbred industry across Canada.

(Standardbred Canada)