Our entire nation will be celebrating 150 years of confederation in 2017, but for Canada’s horse racing industry, 2017 represents another significant anniversary, the 250th Anniversary of our great sport in this
great land. From that time onward, horses played an important role in the
settlement and creation of our country, as a means of transportation and as work animals to clear the
land. In tim
e, the use of horses also turned to sport with records of a race meet held on what is today known
as Canadian soil, being held on July 1st, 1767….exactly 100 years before Confederation. It all started in Quebec, on the Plains of Abraham. The race was announced in the Gazette de Quebec on June 27 of
that year and reported on July 9, as follows: “The horse race for a purse of forty dollars was held on Wednesday, first of the month, on the Hill of Abraham. It was easily won by Captain Prescott’s mare Modesty, much to the discomfiture of those who, purporting to know about such things, had wagered against her and were thereby parted from their money.”
The Celebration
From that day forward horse racing has been part of the fabric of our country. From coast to coast, generation after generation, people from all walks of life have participated in and enjoyed our sport.
2017 provides a tremendous opportunity for everyone connected to horse racing to tell our story, celebrate our history and honour those who have preceded us. It is an opportunity for us to share our passion for horse racing and celebrate the presence of our sport from coast to coast. Over the past several months, the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame, Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society – National Office and Standardbred Canada have been working together to create a plan for the
celebration of the 250th Anniversary of horse racing in Canada. The Plan
The plan that will be overseen by the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame, Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society – National Office and Standardbred Canada, while providing opportunities for regional
organizations, local racetracks, agricultural societies, and horse racing enthusiasts to participate, celebrating the rich heritage of horse racing over the past 250 years. There are thousands of stories
waiting to be told from all parts of the country. The 250th Anniversary provides a great opportunity to bring these stories to the attention of Canadians from all walks of life, allowing us to reach beyond our
current racing industry and enthusiasts. It also offers the opportunity for all aspects of horse racing to work together with one common message, and one common purpose.
