The Raceway at Western Fair District held the final National Caretaker Appreciation Day (NCAD) celebration of 2026 on Friday, Nov. 6. Standardbred Canada (SC) extends a sincere thank-you to the caretakers, racetracks, associations and industry partners who made this year’s celebrations possible.
Now in its ninth year, NCAD has brought racing communities across Canada together to recognize the efforts of caretakers through meals, gifts, prizes and moments of recognition. At the centre of every celebration were the caretakers themselves.
Behind these moments are people who know their horses, recognize when something is wrong and provide the day-to-day care each horse needs. To caretakers across Canada: thank you. Your work deserves recognition throughout the year.
SC’s Faces of Racing series once again offered a closer look at three dedicated caretakers:
- James Johnston, Ontario
- Mona Legge, Nova Scotia
- Maia Howald, British Columbia
NCAD celebrations also reflect the work of track staff. From arranging meals to organizing winner’s circle gifts, prizes and presentations, their efforts make appreciation possible. SC thanks the 15 participating racetracks:
- Dresden Raceway
- Clinton Raceway
- Georgian Downs
- Century Downs Racetrack and Casino
- Red Shores Charlottetown Driving Park
- Hippodrome 3R
- Red Shores Summerside Raceway
- Grand River Raceway
- Hanover Raceway
- The Track On 2
- Leamington Raceway
- Hiawatha Horse Park
- Woodbine Mohawk Park
- Kawartha Downs
- The Raceway at Western Fair District
SC also thanks the associations whose support helped provide meals, prizes, gift cards and giveaways:
- Central Ontario Standardbred Association (COSA)
- Ontario Harness Horse Association (OHHA)
- Alberta Standardbred Horse Association (ASHA)
- Association Trot et Amble du Québec (ATAQ)
- Circuit Régional des Courses de Chevaux du Québec (CRCCQ)
- Prince Edward Island Standardbred Horse Owners Association (PEISHOA)
- Prince County Horsemen’s Club (PCHC)
Thank you as well to the individual sponsors, donors and industry partners who supported local events, and to the tracks and contributors who shared photos of the celebrations.
The early mornings and long days continue well beyond the NCAD season. SC encourages owners, trainers, drivers and racing fans to carry that appreciation forward. A simple thank-you, a coffee, a gift card or a well-earned day off can make a difference at any time of year.
(Standardbred Canada Press Release; photo credits from left to right by row, from top row to bottom: Jocelyn Giesbrecht, Dawn MacInnis, Cam Sinasac, Amy O'Toole, Jessica Carnochan, James Woods, New Image Media, Sylvain Gagnon and Dawn MacInnis)