From Aug. 29 to Sept. 5, the Canadian harness racing industry will be partnering with racetracks, associations and industry partners across the country in honour of celebrating Standardbred Canada's fifth consecutive National Caretaker Appreciation Day (NCAD)!
Join us in celebrating NCAD events hosted at the following racetracks:
- Wednesday, Aug. 31:
- Grand River Raceway
- Red Shores at Summerside Raceway
- Thursday, Sept. 1:
- Rideau Carleton Raceway
- Woodbine Mohawk Park
- Friday, Sept. 2:
- Truro Raceway
- Saturday, Sept. 3:
- Hanover Raceway
- Century Downs Racetrack & Casino
- Kawartha Downs
- Sunday, Sept. 4:
- Clinton Raceway
- Flamboro Downs
- Hippodrome 3R
- Monday, Sept. 5:
- Red Shores Racetrack & Casino the at Charlottetown Driving Park
We dedicate this event to recognize and show our appreciation for the caretakers of our industry who are responsible for all of this being possible. From daily tasks that keep the horses happy and healthy to being a companion to the horse, caretakers are endlessly providing for the horses and supporting the industry in any way that they can.
Some of the events taking place at this year’s participating tracks are:
- Caretaker appreciation announcements during post parades and winner’s circle presentations
- Prize packages for caretakers of winning horses
- Complimentary win photos for caretakers
- Refreshments for caretakers
- Draw prizes and more
Whether they are racing, working at the farm or at a training centre, here are a few ways that you as an owner, trainer and/or driver can say ‘thank you” to your caretakers:
- Refreshments – drop off donuts or muffins and coffee to the stable
- Host a stable BBQ or contribute to a delivered catered lunch
- Give them a day off with pay or a bonus
- Give them a thank you card along with a gift card
- Purchase a win photo for them of one of the horses they care for the next time it wins
If you are posting any photos, etc. for Caretaker Appreciation, please use the hashtags #NCAD22 and #thehorsecomesfirst.
If you would like to submit/share any photos and/or videos for our Caretaker Appreciation wrap up, you can email [email protected].
SC would like to thank everyone that makes this event possible and the caretakers that were willing to be profiled for our Faces of Racing features. Make sure to check out the features already posted and stay tuned for more to come throughout the first week of September!