Charities To Benefit From NDC Challenge

Not only is the 2014 National Driving Championship at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at Charlottetown Driving Park title on the line later this month, but also a cheque for $1,000 for one of the country’s provincial Standardbred retirement associations.

On Tuesday, August 26, eight Canadian drivers will compete in the 2014 NDC for the honour of representing Canada in the 2015 World Driving Championship. Jackson Wittup, SC active director for the Western Region and Harness Racing BC’s Executive Director, has issued a challenge: the SC Directors Challenge. Each participating SC Director will put forward $100, and the Directors will donate their contribution to the Standardbred retirement association in the province of the winning NDC driver. Three horsemen’s associations are also taking part.

Standardbred retirement associations are near and dear to the hearts of those in the industry and one of those associations will receive a $1,000 donation to assist in their much valued work.

“I thought we could do something to benefit the retirement associations and tie it in with the NDC. Because it’s a National event, it gives all of our Directors a chance to get involved in a friendly little competition for a good cause,” explained Wittup.

Here’s a look at the provincial retirement associations:

Greener Pastures, based in British Columbia, is a registered non-profit charitable organization. Established in 2003, the horses are donated by racing owners who wish to have them placed in caring, recreational homes. Greener Pastures is dedicated to changing the lives of horses, retraining them before finding loving homes for the racing retirees. They have managed to adopt out over 50 horses per year in their eleven years of operation. The folks at Greener Pastures will be cheering on Jim Marino.

Performance Standardbreds was established in 1990 in Calgary, Alberta. Standardbred enthusiasts realized the potential these horses had as saddle horses. This organization promotes the breed in a new and positive light, recognizing and showcasing their incredible versatility. A placement program for horses retiring from the track was implemented in 1992, ensuring new careers. Horses are both purchased by and donated to the program, to assist in the transition from trackside life to suitable homes. If Brandon Campbell wins, Performance Standardbreds will benefit from the challenge.

The Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society (OSAS), founded in 1996, is an approved charitable organization. Designed to assist in the adoption and relocation of retired and non-racing Standardbred horses within Ontario, it is operated by the OSAS Board of Directors. OSAS is committed to finding a match made in heaven, comparing the desires and abilities of the adoptive family with the horse. They also have follow-ups with each horse after adoption to ensure success. OSAS has two chances of winning with Ontario reps Billy Davis Jr. and Jody Jamieson.

Galahad is an organization based in Quebec, devoted to the mission of helping Standardbreds in need. They provide a network of shelters for horses as a temporary or permanent refuge, reducing slaughter and euthanasia. Galahad works with horse owners who can no longer bear the costs for various reasons, as well as neglected or abandoned horses. Travelling throughout the province, the group promotes the safety and well-being of horses with educational activities, information and inspection. Galahad also has two opportunities to benefit from the Challenge with drivers Guy Gagnon and Sylvain LaCaille.

Starting as the P.E.I. Equine Retirement Society in 1996, the registered charity Sadie’s Place was renamed in 2008 in honour of an equine resident. Sadie’s Place is focused on helping retired, unwanted or neglected horses in Atlantic Canada find new, loving homes. While the organization is an all-breed rescue, they are predominantly involved with Standardbreds. Thanks to their hard work and dedication, many horses have gone on to new careers in dressage, reining, jumping, pleasure and trail riding. Should Marc Campbell or Ryan Ellis take the NDC title, Sadie’s Place will receive the $1,000 cheque.