Celebrating the Unsung Heroes of Harness Racing

Every race horse has a caretaker behind it.

National Caretaker Appreciation Day (NCAD) is Standardbred Canada's nationwide initiative dedicated to recognizing the hardworking men and women who care for our racehorses each and every day. From the early mornings in the barn to the final race of the night, caretakers play an essential role in the health, wellbeing and success of our horses.

Now celebrating its ninth year, National Caretaker Appreciation Day brings together racetracks, racing associations and industry partners from across Canada to recognize these unsung heroes through appreciation events, giveaways, meals, prizes and community celebrations.

Throughout the campaign, Standardbred Canada will also continue its popular Faces of Racing series, sharing the stories of caretakers from across the country.

2026 NCAD Event Schedule

National Caretaker Appreciation Day celebrations will take place at racetracks across Canada throughout the 2026 racing season. 

• Dresden Raceway – Monday, Aug. 3, 2026
• Clinton Raceway – Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026
• Georgian Downs – Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026
• Century Downs Racetrack and Casino – Friday, Aug. 28, 2026
• Red Shores Charlottetown Driving Park – Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026
• Hippodrome 3R – Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026
• Red Shores Summerside Raceway – Monday, Sept. 7, 2026
• Grand River Raceway – Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026
• Hanover Raceway – Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026
• The Track On 2 – Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026
• Leamington Raceway – Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026
• Hiawatha Horse Park – Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026
• Woodbine Mohawk Park – Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026
• Kawartha Downs – Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026
• The Raceway at Western Fair District – Friday, Nov. 6, 2026

Participating Racing Associations

National Caretaker Appreciation Day is made possible through the support of racetracks, racing associations and industry partners across Canada.

These organizations will support 2026 National Caretaker Appreciation Day by providing meals, prizes, gift cards and giveaways for caretakers at participating racetracks, helping recognize their contributions to harness racing.

• Central Ontario Standardbred Association (COSA)
• Ontario Harness Horse Association (OHHA)
• Alberta Standardbred Horse Association (ASHA)
• Association Trot et Amble du Québec (ATAQ)
• Circuit Régional des Courses de Chevaux du Québec (CRCCQ)
• Prince Edward Island Standardbred Horse Owners Association (PEISHOA)
• Prince County Horsemen's Club (PCHC)

Faces of Racing

The Faces of Racing series continues in 2026, highlighting the people whose dedication makes harness racing possible.
Since the series began in 2018, 45 caretakers from across Canada have shared their stories through Standardbred Canada. Throughout the National Caretaker Appreciation Day campaign, new profiles will be published celebrating the passion, commitment and hard work of caretakers from coast to coast.

To read Faces of Racing features, click here.

Know someone who deserves to be recognized? Contact Jeff Hunt to nominate a caretaker for a future feature.

Ways to Celebrate

National Caretaker Appreciation Day isn't limited to official racetrack events. Owners, trainers and drivers are encouraged to recognize the caretakers in their stables throughout the season.

Here are a few meaningful ways to say thank you:

• Host a stable breakfast, lunch or barbecue.
• Provide coffee and treats for the barn.
• Give a thank-you card or gift card.
• Purchase a win photo of a horse they care for.
• Offer a paid day off.
• Simply take the time to express your appreciation.

Every gesture -big or small- helps recognize the work caretakers perform every day.

When sharing photos from NCAD events on social media, be sure to use #NCAD2026.

Get Involved

Interested in supporting National Caretaker Appreciation Day?

Individuals and organizations interested in contributing through sponsorship, prizes or donations are encouraged to contact Jeff Hunt.