This year marks the seventh annual celebration of National Caretaker Appreciation Day (NCAD), a significant event that pays tribute to the contributions of caretakers in the harness racing industry.
The festivities are set to begin on Friday, Aug. 30 and will continue over the following two weeks.
The 2024 NCAD schedule in order of events is as follows:
- Kawartha Downs – Friday, Aug. 30
- Clinton Raceway – Sunday, Sept. 1
- Grand River Raceway – Friday, Sept. 6
- Truro Raceway – Friday, Sept. 6
- Woodbine Mohawk Park – Friday, Sept. 6
- The Track On 2 – Saturday, Sept. 7
- Leamington Raceway – Sunday, Sept. 8
- Summerside Raceway – Tuesday, Sept. 10
- Fraser Downs - Thursday, Sept. 12
- Charlottetown Driving Park – Thursday, Sept. 12
- Rideau Carleton Raceway – Thursday, Sept. 12
- Hanover Raceway – Saturday, Sept. 14
- Hippodrome 3R – Sunday, Sept. 15
- The Raceway at Western Fair District – Friday, Nov. 1
For the seventh 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 be held at each participating racetrack to celebrate and honour caretakers.
Fraser Downs is set to kick off its Fall Meet with a special NCAD event on Sept. 12. This event will honour the dedication and hard work of caretakers with gift bags filled with generous donations from local businesses. There will also be a variety of wraps, goodies and beverages for caretakers to enjoy.
Grand River Raceway will join the NCAD celebrations on Sept. 6. Its event will feature a special gift for each caretaker, a complimentary dinner provided by COSA and a gift for the winning caretaker of each race, courtesy of Wilson’s Tack. Additionally, a lucky caretaker will be drawn per race to win a gift card, sponsored by COSA, and the day will also include a prize for the best-groomed horse.
On Sept. 14, Hanover Raceway will continue the celebrations for NCAD on its final race day of the year. The event will feature a range of prizes to honour caretakers’ commitment and a picture display board in the grandstand area will showcase their vital contributions to the industry. Caretakers will also enjoy a complimentary lunch and receive gift cards from COSA.
Beyond the racetrack, owners, trainers and drivers are encouraged to show appreciation through gestures of kindness. Such as providing doughnuts, muffins and coffee at the stable, hosting a BBQ or catered lunch, offering a paid day off or bonus, presenting 'thank you' cards with gift cards or enrolling caretakers as licensed grooms with Standardbred Canada to ensure they receive insurance and benefits.
Standardbred Canada would like to thank the following individuals for contributing to the 2024 Faces of Racing series. These individuals represent the heart and soul of harness racing, and their stories offer a glimpse into the dedication and passion that define this industry. To learn more, visit the profiles of:
Together, with Standardbred Canada, you are invited to show your appreciation for all the unsung heroes in our industry as we celebrate the seventh edition of National Caretaker Appreciation Day.
(Standardbred Canada)