Early mornings, long, late nights….caretakers are the unsung heroes of harness racing. We task them with the responsibility of making sure the horses they care for are happy and healthy, physically and emotionally. They will work seven days a week, and sacrifice their holiday and family time to make sure the horses are properly cared for. A caretaker is the first and last person that the horse sees each day.
For the second consecutive year, Standardbred Canada, the national association for harness racing, is coordinating National Caretaker Appreciation Day events across the country, at tracks, farms and stables across the country the weekend of July 19-21.
The caretaker is the entry level position in the industry for anyone who wishes to become a professional harness racing trainer or driver.
This initiative was launched in 2018 to recognize and reward caretakers in the Standardbred industry. Last year 14 racetracks across the country hosted events the weekend of July 20 - 22 and in the fall four additional racetracks hosted events.
This year a total of 15 racetracks will host events this weekend, which are also supported by provincial and local horsemen’s groups. To broaden the scope for 2019, trainers and owners at farms and training centres were also encouraged to get involved, given that many caretakers don’t race horses, or might not be racing that weekend, or work on breeding farms.
Some of the features at racetrack events this year include:
- Having caretakers’ names announced in the post parades and winner’s circle.
- Awards for caretakers of winning horses
- Complimentary refreshments
- Complimentary win photos for winning caretakers
- Gifts for all caretakers racing on the card
- Draw prizes and more
In addition, some stables are having BBQs, pizza lunches, one stable is giving a day off with pay, and another stable is collecting honorariums from all of its owners to be shared among the team of caretakers.
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