The Central Ontario Standardbred Association (COSA) will once again support National Caretaker Appreciation Day (NCAD), for the eighth consecutive year, at the racetracks across Ontario the weeks of July 27 through Nov. 10. 

This year, COSA will sponsor National Caretaker Appreciation Day events with $100 VISA gift cards, a sincere expression that celebrates the vital contribution caretakers make everyday.

National Caretaker Appreciation Day was launched by Standardbred Canada in 2018. The objective is to recognize and reward the hardworking caretakers in the harness racing industry. 

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

The following Ontario racetracks are participating in NCAD:

• Clinton Raceway – Sunday, Aug. 31
• Dresden Raceway – Sunday, July 27
• Grand River Raceway – Wednesday, Sept. 10
• Hanover Raceway – Saturday, Sept. 13
• Hiawatha Horse Park – Saturday, Aug. 30
• Kawartha Downs – Saturday, Sept. 20
• Leamington Raceway – Sunday, Sept. 14
• Rideau Carleton Raceway – Wednesday, Sept. 10
• The Raceway at Western Fair District – Monday, Nov. 10
• Woodbine Mohawk Park – Monday, Sept. 1

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; and
• Valid Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (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.

Standardbred Canada would like to thank COSA for its continued commitment to Ontario’s hardworking caretakers.

(Standardbred Canada)