Standardbred Canada (SC) is celebrating a successful 2026 Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), Canada’s national fair and the country’s largest agricultural fair, which annually welcomes more than 1.5 million visitors. SC’s expanded live horse exhibit introduced thousands of visitors to Standardbred horses and harness racing. 

Following the success of SC’s inaugural CNE presence in 2025, which featured only the SC virtual reality simulator, the organization returned to the Better Living Centre, also known as “The Farm,” for a second year with a significantly expanded presence supported by the Central Ontario Standardbred Association (COSA) and Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG).

From Aug. 21 to Sept. 7, thousands of CNE visitors stopped by the SC exhibit, many meeting a horse, let alone a Standardbred, and being introduced to harness racing for the first time.

“We couldn’t be happier with how everything came together,” said Darryl Kaplan, president and CEO of Standardbred Canada. “Our goal was to introduce new audiences to Standardbred horses, harness racing and the many ways people can become involved in our industry, and we saw that happen every day. The response from CNE visitors, families and the horse racing community was tremendous.”

SC presenters delivered four demonstrations each day, with Meet the Standardbred sessions at noon and 4 p.m. and the Junior Driving Experience at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. The presentations gave visitors a chance to learn what makes the Standardbred unique, learn about horse care and discover the many ways to get involved in the Standardbred industry.

The live horses were a major attraction throughout the 18-day exhibition. Five retired Standardbred breed ambassadors rotated through the exhibit during the CNE, providing visitors with an opportunity to meet the breed up close. For many visitors, their interactions with the retired Standardbreds were their first-ever experience meeting a horse. Families could ask questions, learn about the horses’ care and create lasting memories. 

SC extends its sincere thanks to New Start Standardbreds for helping make those experiences possible and for supplying five outstanding ambassadors for the Standardbred breed.

Another four-legged favourite at the exhibit was Quinton, the miniature horse who delighted hundreds of children through the Junior Driving Experience. SC thanks Quinton and his owner, Kenny Ellis, for joining the CNE team and helping introduce a new generation to horses and harness racing.

The live horses were complemented by a variety of interactive and educational attractions. Visitors could experience the thrill of driving a harness race with SC’s virtual reality simulator, which featured four unique races courtesy of Dead Heat Films. Equine Guelph provided interactive educational touch displays, including the popular braid board and leg wrap station.

The 2026 Win A Share contest, donated by Landmark Stables, gave visitors an opportunity to learn about racehorse ownership and consider becoming part of the sport. The winner will receive a percentage of five horses and will be determined on Sept. 26 at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

SC would like to thank OLG for its support of the CNE initiative. OLG’s on-site charging station provided CNE visitors with a place to take a break and recharge, offering free water, device charging stations and lounge seating. The space gave visitors an opportunity to relax while remaining surrounded by the sights and sounds of horse racing, with some even relaxing enough for an afternoon nap.

SC extends its appreciation to COSA and OLG for their support in helping bring the Standardbred industry to Canada’s largest fair.

SC’s CNE presence is part of the organization’s ongoing efforts to promote participation in harness racing and create opportunities for people to become involved in the industry.

As the 2026 CNE comes to a close, SC is proud of the memories created at the Better Living Centre and grateful to everyone who helped make the event a success.

Standardbred Canada looks forward to returning to the CNE in 2027 and continuing to share the Standardbred story with new audiences.

(Standardbred Canada Press Release)