As part of the ongoing celebration of harness racing’s heroes leading up to the 2024 National Caretaker Appreciation Day, Standardbred Canada is proud to highlight Melissa MacRae.
Born and raised in Mount Stewart, P.E.I, MacRae grew up in a small village located 30 minutes east of Charlottetown. She lived there until the age of 23 before moving to Orwell, where she furthered her career in racing.
MacRae’s journey with horses began when her father-in-law, Donald MacRae, introduced her to the world of horse ownership. Her passion blossomed 14 years ago when Donald purchased Blue Star Outlaw.
"I instantly fell in love with him," recalled Melissa MacRae.
Inspired by this connection, she took the initiative to learn how to care for him, a commitment that has guided her ever since. Today, Blue Star Outlaw resides on her family farm, in her 14-acre backyard, alongside several other retired horses.
MacRae's connection to her father-in-law and his involvement in the industry naturally led her to the career she has today. She and her family became acquainted with Jennifer Doyle while being stabled in the same barn.
“I approached her [Jennifer] one summer because I work in the school system and had the summer off,” shared MacRae. “I remember asking if she needed any help in the barn. From then on, we clicked, and it has worked out really well.”
For the better part of the last three years, MacRae has been working for Jennifer Doyle, who manages a stable of 18 horses. In addition to racing, she devotes time to her small breeding operation.
The bulk of her work focuses on the racing side of the business, which includes organizing equipment, paddocking and bathing the horses afterward. In addition to that, MacRae assists with Doyle’s stable in the mornings, helping with tasks such as cleaning stalls, harnessing and jogging the horses.
What MacRae treasures most is the opportunity to pass on her passion for horses to her seven-year-old son, Denver. She finds immense joy in seeing how much the industry excites him and hopes that maybe one day he can become a horse trainer himself.
Denver already helps with race day preparations and is very attentive at the barn for Doyle. Not to be out done, he practices his jogging regiment with the miniature horses at the farm, in preparation for when he gets elevated to Standardbreds.
“Horse racing has really brought him out of his shell,” shared MacRae. “Being around all the [horse]people has really helped him. He has such a cute love for it, and that makes me admire the sport even more.”
In recent years, MacRae has found inspiration in following in the footsteps of trainer Jennifer Doyle. She admires Doyle’s deep care for each horse and the extensive knowledge she brings to her craft.
“It's amazing to witness and be part of her success,” shared MacRae.
Celebrating National Caretaker Appreciation Day holds special significance for MacRae because she understands the pride caretakers take in the quality of their care and how that translates into the horses' performance.
For MacRae, the most fulfilling part of being a horse caretaker is getting to know the horses and their unique quirks, which has led her to form special bonds with certain horses. She also cherishes the time spent at her uncle's farm, surrounded by broodmares and foals.
Join Standardbred Canada in showing appreciation for Melissa MacRae and all of the unsung heroes of our industry as we celebrate National Caretaker Appreciation Day across our nation.
2024 National Caretaker Appreciation Day Event Dates:
- Clinton Raceway – Sunday, Sept. 1
- Dresden Raceway – Sunday, July 7 (Completed)
- Fraser Downs Racetrack – Thursday, Sept. 12
- Grand River Raceway – Friday, Sept. 6
- Hanover Raceway – Saturday, Sept. 14
- Hippodrome 3R – Sunday, Sept. 15
- Kawartha Downs – Friday, Aug. 30
- Red Shores Racetrack & Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park – Thursday, Sept. 12
- Red Shores at Summerside Raceway – Tuesday, Sept. 10
- Rideau Carleton Raceway – Thursday, Sept. 12
- The Track On 2 – Saturday, Sept. 7
- Truro Raceway – Friday, Sept. 6
- Woodbine Mohawk Park – Friday, Sept. 6
- Leamington Raceway – Sunday, Sept. 8
National Caretaker Appreciation Day was launched in 2017 to recognize and reward caretakers in the Standardbred industry across Canada.
(Standardbred Canada)