This year marks the eighth annual celebration of National Caretaker Appreciation Day (NCAD). This Standardbred Canada initiative pays tribute to the invaluable contributions of caretakers in the harness racing industry.
The 2025 festivities officially kicked off in July with the first event at Dresden Raceway and will continue at tracks across the country this weekend, through September and into November.
The full 2025 NCAD schedule, in order of events, is as follows:
- Dresden Raceway – Sunday, July 27
- Century Downs – Saturday, Aug. 30
- Hiawatha Horse Park - Saturday, Aug. 30
- Northside Downs – Saturday, Aug. 30
- Clinton Raceway – Sunday, Aug. 31
- Red Shores at Summerside Raceway – Monday, Sept. 1
- Woodbine Mohawk Park – Monday, Sept. 1
- Red Shores Racetrack & Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park – Saturday, Sept. 6
- Hippodrome 3R – Sunday, Sept. 7
- Grand River Raceway – Wednesday, Sept. 10
- Rideau Carleton Raceway – Wednesday, Sept. 10
- Truro Raceway – Friday, Sept. 12
- Hanover Raceway – Saturday, Sept. 13
- The Track On 2 – Saturday, Sept. 13
- The Loop – Saturday, Sept. 13
- Leamington Raceway – Sunday, Sept. 14
- Kawartha Downs – Saturday, Sept. 20
- The Raceway at Western Fair – Monday, Nov. 10
For the eighth consecutive year, the Central Ontario Standardbred Association (COSA) will support NCAD at racetracks across Ontario. This year, COSA's sponsorship will include $100 VISA gift cards, offering caretakers a meaningful token of appreciation and the flexibility to use the reward as they see fit.
Activities will take place at each participating racetrack to celebrate and recognize the vital role of caretakers. Beyond the track, owners, trainers, and drivers are encouraged to express their gratitude through simple yet meaningful gestures—such as bringing doughnuts, muffins, or coffee to the stable, hosting a BBQ or catered lunch, offering a paid day off or bonus, giving handwritten thank-you cards with gift cards, or enrolling juniors in a Standardbred Canada Junior Membership.
Standardbred Canada invites you to join in honouring the unsung heroes of our industry as we celebrate the eighth annual National Caretaker Appreciation Day.
(Standardbred Canada Press Release)