The year 2016 will mark the 40th anniversary of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame, and to celebrate a calendar has been produced honouring many of the racing industry’s equine heroes.

From the moment Linda Rainey, the managing director of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame, read ‘So God Made a Racehorse’ she knew it was special. “The beautiful words written by Trot Magazine Editor Darryl Kaplan captured all the best qualities of our equine racing heroes and spoke directly to what the CHRHF represents.”

With Kaplan’s agreement, it was decided to create a calendar to celebrate the CHRHF’s 40th anniversary in 2016. Commenting on the project, Kaplan noted, "There are few athletes in this world more deserving of our admiration than the tremendous equine performers on our racetracks. 'So God Made a Racehorse' was written as a tribute to the horse‎ and it is an honour to have the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame use this piece in its 2016 calendar."

Kaplan’s powerful words are accompanied throughout the calendar with images of Hall of Fame horses from the files of award-winning photographer Dave Landry. “The horses brought me into photography at an early age,” said Landry, “Being involved with this project brought back cherished memories of racing and farm visits. I very much enjoy seeing the great ones honoured, as it serves to remind us how fortunate we are to have them in our lives. In recognizing their achievements, we ensure the traditions of horse racing remain a strong part of Canadian culture.”

Each page of the 12-month calendar features a stanza of ‘So God Made a Racehorse’ along with a beautiful Landry photo of either a Standardbred or Thoroughbred CHRHF member. Horses featured include Somebeachsomewhere, Jambalaya, Dance Smartly, Bettors Delight, Wando, Izvestia, Mystic Mistress, Dreamfair Eternal, Soaring Free, Kadabra, Rocknroll Hanover and Peteski.

The full colour calendars measure 12.5”x9.5”(opening to 12.5”x 19”) and can be purchased for $15.00 each + HST through the CHRHF online gift shop.

The calendars will also be on sale November 28 and 29 in the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame and on the second floor at Woodbine during both Thoroughbred and Standardbred race cards. Additional racetrack locations and dates, as well as information on retail sales locations to be announced shortly.

(CHRHF)