Dwane Graham, of Caledonia, Ont., worked in the Standardbred industry for most of his life. In addition to being a trainer himself, he had worked as a caretaker for a number of other horsemen including Donnie Graham, Bill Robinson, Brett Robinson and Harold Stead. On Friday, March 17 of this year, Dwane passed away following a massive heart attack. He was 62 years old.
Over the years, Dwane looked after horses like Holborn Hanover and Rare Jewel, and at the time of passing he owned and trained Burn Em Up Burr.
At Woodbine Mohawk Park’s National Caretaker Appreciation Day event on Saturday, July 21, the Dwane Graham Achievement Award was presented to two outstanding caretakers who possessed some of the same qualities that made Dwane Graham the remarkable caretaker that he was - compassion, dedication, care and sportsmanship.
This award is sponsored by Adriano Sorella, and initiated by Sarah Lauren Scott who was a very close personal friend of Dwane’s. A group of trainers, owners and vets selected the first two recipients of what is hoped to be an annual award: John Mallia and Lynn Cameron.
Lasting impressions and memories are what we tend to hold onto, we do so even tighter when our loved ones leave us.
Those who knew Dwane Graham cherish their memories, and also remember him for the kindness he had towards his horses as much as anything else. In the early planning of the Caretaker Appreciation Day event, I kept thinking what makes a great caretaker? What qualities and skills does it take to be an all-around great horseman? I found the answer by remembering a dear friend, and fellow colleague.
Bea Graham, Dwane’s partner, may have said it best, “he cared for each and every horse as if they were the best. Dwane had a way with the horses, he spoke to them, he was there for them, and no matter how sick he was, he never missed a single day’s work.” He was committed and made it his priority to ensure the horses under his wing received his attention and personal care as required. “If a horse raced average, or was not 100% Dwane was on it – looking for reasons and taking ownership for the horse not performing at their best, he took his role as caretaker very seriously,” Bea said filled with emotions.
Not all of us can say they owned and trained a winner, but Dwane Graham certainly can. One of Dwane’s favourites was a horse by the name of Lost In The West, better known as Gunnie. Owner Ed Galanski remembers the day they decided to bring him 'home'. “Dwane loved the horse. I remember seeing him in the paddock at London, walking over to Gunnie, petting and kissing him. I thought, well we have an empty stall at home, why not. So we claimed him and he was returned into Dwane’s care. He belonged to Dwane and myself; this was the first horse Dwane owned and trained. We were thrilled to have a win together with him, memories that will last a lifetime. When it was time for Gunnie to retire, Dwane couldn’t be happier that he had found a home with a young girl who would love and adore him. He was lucky and found the perfect home for life.
“It didn’t matter if the horse was a four claimer or Holborn Hanover – he took care of them the same, the horse’s value was of no consideration to him, they simply were all treated the same, treated very well,” said Ed.
True sportsmanship is a quality that is shared and if you ever raced with or against Dwane, and you happened to beat his horse, he would most likely be the first to congratulate you and truthfully he would be congratulating your horse. Dwane wanted to make sure the horses got all the glory. In his words, “It wasn’t me that won, it was the horse,” said the incredibly humble man with a gentle touch.
Owner Adriano Sorella wanted to do something special for caretakers, and has generously provided the gifts for the two recipients of the Dwane Graham Achievement Award which was presented on Saturday night at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
“The industry has so many great caretakers for these animals,” said Sorella. “You have to remember that for these horses a groom is the first and last person they see each day. There has to be a bond there. Sometimes our sport is so fast-paced that everyone is too busy thanking the breeders, trainers and owners, that we forget the day-to-day commitment from caretakers.
“Early days, long nights. It doesn’t stop for many grooms. It’s a constant go, go, go, and most times through different weather conditions. As humans we spend most our life trying to find the right partner, imagine being one of these equine animals. They put their trust in their caretaker, and a caretaker puts trust in the animal.”
Dwane was a "fantastic" caretaker, and an even better person, recalls trainer-driver Keith Oliver, who was thankful he had spent the last five years in the same barn as Dwane. “He truly was happiest when he was with his horses. Those who knew him appreciated his witty sense of humour, he made work fun. If you love what you do, you will never have to work a day in your life.” Oliver believes that statement is all Dwane. Those who knew him couldn’t agree more.
In Memory of Dwane Graham. Please remember to be kind to your horses, give them the time and understanding they need, they trust us, we need to be their support, we as caretakers are their voice.
(Submitted by Sarah Lauren Scott)
COSA Award Winners
The Central Ontario Standardbred Association also recognized two caretakers with their Outstanding Caretaker of the Year Award on Saturday night (July 21) at Woodbine Mohawk Park. The recipients were Krystel Simard and June Durand.
Krystel’s all-time favourite racehorse is Emerald Lexus, who is now retired from racing. She found his big heart and love for racing made her fall for him, and according to Krystel he gave his all every time he set foot on the racetrack. Krystel has been a full-time caretaker for ten years and loves spending time with the horses.
June Durand has dedicated herself to her horses since 1981. Her most cherished horse is millionaire trotter, Whiskey Tax. June can be found jogging, training, riding and taking care of him daily. June feels as caretakers you need to learn how to read and understand your horses. They are talking to us all the time, you just need to listen.
Bill O’Donnell, president of COSA, and Paul MacDonell, a director for COSA, made the presentations to Krystel and June.