Five racetracks that have fall seasons will host National Caretaker Appreciation Day events in October to recognize caretakers racing at their tracks.
Caretakers are the foundation of the Standardbred breeding and racing industry. They are charged with the responsibility of making sure the horses they care for are happy and healthy, both physically and emotionally.
Five racetracks that have fall seasons will host National Caretaker Appreciation Day events in October to recognize caretakers racing at their tracks.
The Raceway at the Western Fair District will host their event on Friday, October 4 while Flamboro Downs, Leamington Raceway and Rideau Carleton Raceway will have their events on Sunday, October 6.
Ontario Racing has provided a $250 Visa Card for one lucky groom at each of these tracks and the Central Ontario Standardbred Association (COSA) is providing 10 HPI cards per track to be drawn for from all caretakers working that day.
Harness Racing BC in co-operation with Fraser Downs in Surrey, B.C. will be hosting their Caretaker Appreciation event on Friday, October 11.
Earlier this year, during the weekend of July 19-21, racetracks and associations across the country participated in the second consecutive edition of National Caretaker Appreciation Day.
Caretakers were recognized in different ways at all tracks that took part and many racetracks and associations added their own unique touches but most included having caretakers’ names announced in post parades and winner’s circle presentations, providing complimentary refreshments and awards for winning caretakers, draw prizes and more.
NCAD events give the harness racing industry an opportunity to say thank you to the women and men who keep our horses healthy and happy!
Leading up to the October events and the weekend in July, SC profiled caretakers from across the country in our Faces of Racing series. Click on the links below for the stories.