As Standardbred Canada continues its nationwide spotlight on harness racing's unsung heroes in celebration of 2025 National Caretaker Appreciation Day, we turn our attention to Billy Windsor, a truly devoted groom who lives in Guelph, Ont.
Windsor shares his compelling story, offering a profound insight into his career in racing and the immeasurable impact the industry has had on his life. His narrative underscores the dedication, hard work and passion that define our caretakers -- the backbone of harness racing.
Longtime caretaker Billy Windsor developed a love for horses at a young age and never looked back.
"I got involved at a very young age," explained Windsor. "I started off with ponies and would drive them in races. From there, I just followed into Standardbreds. My first real job in the industry was when I was 16, working for Jean Poulin… I worked there for about two or three years and I’ve been in it ever since."
From there, Windsor eventually ventured to Windsor, Ont.
"I went to work for Greg Wright and then Bob McIntosh in Windsor. I also got to spend a summer on the Grand Circuit working for Doug Ackerman, looking after a New York-sired filly by Most Happy Fella. I did end up training my own stable for a bit, but then went to work for Duane Marfisi, Cal Campbell, Ron O’Neill and now Paul MacDonell."
While working for many different trainers over the years, Windsor has seen many different aspects of the industry. In his current role with MacDonell, he is able to focus on what he enjoys the most.
“My favourite part of the job, I would say, is working with and developing babies. I really enjoy bringing them along as they grow into racehorses. For example, this year we have Foxy Amee, who has been racing in the [Ontario Sires Stakes] Golds for us. My wife, Michelle, and I picked her up from the London sale and I’ve looked after her ever since. Breaking them, teaching them what they have to do, and seeing the maturity and growth, that's the part that I like the most. I also absolutely love racing because I love the competition.”
When looking back over the years, two unique horses stand out to Windsor.
“The one that really sticks with me, when I look back, was a mare Ron O’Neill trained named Mach You And Me. I remember the first time we were bringing her to Mohawk and I couldn’t get her on the trailer, so I had to call Ron, who was already at the track, and get him to rush back to the farm and help me. Once we got her to the track, she kicked over the shaft and ripped Ronnie for a piece, and then went out that night and won in 1:53.1. She was just very temperamental -- she knew what she had to do, she just wanted to make it difficult for those around her,” said Windsor, laughing.
“I would also like to mention Mappos Lion," he continued. "He was a sweet, class act and a beautiful horse. He was very easy to look after and it was a pleasure to do so as well. He was the type of horse that everyone should experience at least once in their life. When you put the harness on and sent him out for the post parade, you knew he was gonna give you 110 per cent, and that's all you can ask for.”
Windsor's family has also been involved in the industry in many different capacities.
“My wife was also involved in until nine years ago, she worked for Bob Young. My daughter is involved as well, she has owned and trained in the past and now works for Seelster Farms.”
When asked if he could give a younger person, just starting out, some advice, what it would be, Windsor replied: “Love horses and treat them with respect. Work hard -- you will get out of it what you deserve if you always put in an honest day's work.”
Join Standardbred Canada in showing appreciation for Billy Windsor and all of the unsung heroes of our industry as we celebrate National Caretaker Appreciation Day across our nation.
The remaining 2025 National Caretaker Appreciation Day event is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 10 at The Raceway at Western Fair District.
National Caretaker Appreciation Day was launched in 2017 to recognize and reward caretakers in the Standardbred industry across Canada.
(Standardbred Canada Press Release)