For the second consecutive year, National Caretaker Appreciation Day (NCAD) events were held across the country this past weekend (July 19-21) at racetracks, farms and training centres.
Left: Mike Salis at Georgian Downs (photo by Derek & Barb Rafuse) Right: Jacob Sweet at Red Shores Summerside (photo by Frankie Lund)
Fifteen racetracks, along with numerous farms and stables across Canada recognized and rewarded caretakers in many different ways.
SC checked in with some of the caretakers to see what they had to say about their track’s event.
∿ “At Century Downs, the track announcer recognized all the caretakers by name as each trainer/driver was announced during post parade. It felt good to be recognized for all our hard work. Our barn didn’t win any that day, but even the ones that didn’t win got acknowledged. The recognition made us feel like our work is worth something.” — Thalia Martin (Nathan Sobey Stable; Century Downs Racetrack & Casino)
Chris Currie and Comes Home First at Century Downs
∿ “A very well-planned event. Everyone felt appreciated beyond measure.” — Mitch Tierney (Richard Moreau Stable; Woodbine Mohawk Park)
∿ “It was great to see the amount of appreciation for our caretakers at Truro Raceway. Everyone enjoyed the event; the organizers did a great job putting the day together.” — Sarah White (Nick White Stable; Truro Raceway)
∿ “Caretakers were the highlight of the night at Truro Raceway. Having a video of Truro’s own caretakers played during our live racing card was a great touch for all race fans to see- it really put the spotlight on the behind the scenes action and the role of the caretaker.” — Nancy Laffin (Ernie Laffin Stable; Truro Raceway)
Margaret Hobson at Truro Raceway
∿ “Caretakers at 3R were all announced during post parade and again in the winner’s circle. The track management also gave us a free meal. They made sure we were appreciated on our special day.” — Isabelle Brière (Francis Richard Stable; Hippodrome 3R)
∿ “Seeing the smiles on the caretaker’s faces that were recognized at Clinton on Sunday made my day. Having a weekend to recognize the hard work and endless hours caretakers put in is great - they are the backbone of the industry.” — Teesha Symes (Symes Stable; Clinton Raceway)
∿ “Normally I race in PEI, but I was in Truro for NCAD because of stake races and the track was really open to appreciating all caretakers, not just the ones based in Truro. One thing that stuck out to me was seeing caretakers interviewed in the winner’s circle instead of the trainer or driver. It was awesome to hear a post race interview from this perspective.” — Ryan Wilkie (Marc Campbell Stable; Red Shores Racetrack & Casino at CDP)
∿ “I really believe this event is a significant addition to the list of things we celebrate throughout the year as horse people- I believe it will make grooms feel appreciated and in turn encourage my generation to appreciate the craft of being a caretaker.” — Jeff Baillargeon (Ben Baillargeon Stable; Woodbine Mohawk Park)
Kate Graham was the winning caretaker for Dreamy Fella in the eighth race at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Saturday night. The race was sponsored by System Equine.
“The reception and enthusiasm from tracks, stables and associations this year was even greater than last year,” commented Kathy Wade Vlaar, Manager of Member & Stakeholder Relations for Standardbred Canada. “This is a great initiative that the entire harness racing community can support and rally around. For the industry to grow and thrive, we need to focus on the role, value and contributions of caretakers along with providing support and programs in specific areas. This is the entry level position to the industry and without caretakers, we don’t have an industry.”
Sarah Lauren Scott, who worked with Standardbred Canada to get this initiative off the ground in 2018, was the primary organizer of the Woodbine Mohawk Park event. “I was so thankful for the support of the horseman. It truly brought everyone together, the evening at Mohawk was filled with a great energy. That in itself is a win,” said Scott. SSG Gloves and Omega Alpha were major sponsors for the Mohawk event and it also received major contributions from Michelle Crawford and Nick Surick.
“Social media exploded with posts from trainers and owners wishing all caretakers a happy national caretaker day. We did it, we have created a day for the hardworking men and woman of the racing industry. Those who give up so much and take care of the horses daily.”
And Scott is looking past the NCAD events. “It’s just the beginning to a much bigger dream, the whole point of this incentive goes beyond recognition and reward. I would like to see the caretakers receive support, guidance and education in other ways. The seed is planted, and it will take a good amount of focus and work; is it achievable? You bet it is. Caretakers outnumber the rest of us, so give them the tools they need and we will all succeed. Just remember – it's free to say you did a great job today, thank you.”
Tessa MacKinnon at Red Shores Summerside
Participating tracks this past weekend included: Century Downs Racetrack & Casino, Clinton Raceway, Dresden Raceway, Georgian Downs, Grand River Raceway, Hanover Raceway, Hiawatha Horse Park, Hippodrome 3R, Inverness Raceway, Kawartha Downs, Northside Downs, Red Shores – Charlottetown Driving Park & Summerside locations, Truro Raceway and Woodbine Mohawk Park. Several tracks that don’t operate in the summer are already in the planning stages for fall events.
TheStable.ca ran a GoFundMe campaign for its owners that resulted in a $230 tip per person, pizza lunch and swag for the crew of 30 full-time caretakers and riders.
Landmark Stable had a complimentary lunch for its crew at their stables at First Line and Lansdowne, and trainer Andrew McCabe gave his staff the day off.
Ontario Racing donated VISA gift cards for prize draws to all Ontario tracks and the Central Ontario Standardbred Association (COSA) had 10 prize draws for HPI cards at each of the Ontario tracks taking part in NCAD.
Standardbred Canada would like to extend sincere thanks and appreciation to all of the racetracks, associations, sponsors and partners who supported this initiative.
Lynn Cameron (blue shirt) with Real Willey, driver Louis-Philippe Roy & friends
Caretakers, we’d love to get your feedback if you were at an event. Click here to take a very short survey. We’ll have a draw for a $50 gift card from everyone who takes the survey by Monday, July 29.
Later this week, SC will be posting a video, featuring photos from events across the country, and additional photos will be in a special photo essay in the September issue of TROT Magazine.