Standardbred Canada (SC), in collaboration with racetracks, racing associations and industry partners across the country, is pleased to announce the return of National Caretaker Appreciation Day (NCAD) for its ninth annual celebration.
Since its inception in 2018, NCAD has celebrated the dedicated caretakers who work tirelessly to ensure the health, well-being and success of our racehorses. Throughout the 2026 season, participating racetracks across the country will host special events to recognize and thank the unsung heroes of harness racing.
The following racetracks have confirmed their participation in 2026 National Caretaker Appreciation Day celebrations:
- Dresden Raceway – Monday, Aug. 3, 2026
- Clinton Raceway – Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026
- Georgian Downs – Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026
- Century Downs Racetrack and Casino – Friday, Aug. 28, 2026
- Red Shores Charlottetown Driving Park – Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026
- Hippodrome 3R – Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026
- Red Shores Summerside Raceway – Monday, Sept. 7, 2026
- Grand River Raceway – Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026
- Hanover Raceway – Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026
- The Track On 2 – Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026
- Leamington Raceway – Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026
- Hiawatha Horse Park – Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026
- Woodbine Mohawk Park – Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026
- Kawartha Downs – Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026
- The Raceway at Western Fair District – Friday, Nov. 6, 2026
National Caretaker Appreciation Day continues to be made possible through the hard work and dedication of track officials and generous support of racing associations and industry partners from across Canada. The Central Ontario Standardbred Association (COSA), Ontario Harness Horse Association (OHHA), Alberta Standardbred Horse Association (ASHA), Association Trot et Amble du Québec (ATAQ), Circuit Régional des Courses de Chevaux du Québec (CRCCQ), Prince Edward Island Standardbred Horse Owners Association (PEISHOA) and Prince County Horsemen's Club (PCHC) will all join the efforts by providing meals, prizes and giveaways for caretakers at select participating racetracks, helping to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of caretakers within their respective racing communities.
While NCAD celebrations provide a special opportunity to recognize caretakers, owners, trainers and drivers are encouraged to show their appreciation in their own stables throughout the season. Simple gestures such as providing breakfast or lunch, hosting a barbecue, giving a thank-you card or gift card, purchasing a win photo or offering a paid day off are meaningful ways to acknowledge the dedication and hard work caretakers demonstrate every day.
If you're interested in supporting this program through sponsorship or donations, please contact your local participating racetrack or contact Standardbred Canada.
The Faces of Racing series will continue this year. Since its inception in 2018, this series has highlighted the stories of 45 caretakers from across the country. If you have a caretaker you’d like to see featured, contact Standardbred Canada's Industry Development department.
When sharing photos or content for NCAD on social media, please remember to use the event hashtag #NCAD2026.
For all inquiries on National Caretaker Appreciation Day, please contact Jessica Street.
(Standardbred Canada Press Release)