The Jockey Club of Canada is proud to announce a new industry award which will be presented for the first time at the upcoming 51st annual Sovereign Awards ceremony. The Outstanding Western Canadian Backstretch Worker Award is a partner to the longstanding Outstanding Groom Award, which is given to a groom working in Ontario. This new award is open to backstretch workers who hold a valid thoroughbred license in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, and/or Manitoba.
Doug Anderson, Chief Steward of The Jockey Club of Canada, notes “Success and sustainability in thoroughbred racing is the result of a team effort centered on the best interests of the horse. This team effort includes the work of all backstretch workers – grooms, exercise riders, assistant trainers, and hot walkers. These dedicated professionals offer diligent and tireless care for our equine athletes and are rarely, if ever, in the spotlight. We’re proud at the Jockey Club of Canada to provide a significant opportunity to recognize these individuals for the work they do by inaugurating this award for the Outstanding Western Canadian Backstretch Worker. We look forward to submissions from across Canada, and particularly from Western Canada, for consideration by the selection committee.”
Nominations for the Outstanding Western Canadian Backstretch Worker Award can be submitted online at the Jockey Club of Canada website until Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Alternatively, you may email jockeyclubcanada@gmail.com or phone (416) 675-7756 to have a nomination form sent to you.
Nominations are now also open for the Outstanding Groom Award and Outstanding Off-track Worker Award. You can nominate a deserving groom or off-track worker at the Jockey Club of Canada website until Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Forms will also be available for pick-up at the Woodbine Race Office. Alternatively, you may email jockeyclubcanada@gmail.com or phone (416) 675-7756 to have a nomination form sent to you.
The Jockey Club of Canada will host the 51st annual Sovereign Awards ceremony to honour Canada’s champions of 2025 at Paramount Eventspace, located at 222 Rowntree Dairy Road, Woodbridge, Ontario. The celebration will take place Thursday, April 23, 2026. Tickets to the 51st annual Sovereign Awards ceremony are $250 each, with tables of ten discounted to $2,000. Early-bird tickets are also available for a discounted price of $225 until March 23, 2026.
Tickets will be available for purchase online HERE. Program advertisement space, sponsorships, and tickets can also be purchased by contacting The Jockey Club of Canada at (416) 675-7756 or by emailing jockeyclubcanada@gmail.com.
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The Jockey Club of Canada was founded in 1973 by E. P. Taylor to serve as the international representative of the Canadian Thoroughbred industry. The mission of The Jockey Club of Canada is to promote and maintain a high standard for Thoroughbred racing and breeding in Canada at a level which is recognized internationally for the benefit of all those interested in the sport, including the general public. This is achieved through operations and services such as, but not limited to: evaluating all Graded, Listed and Black-type races in Canada annually; conducting the annual Sovereign Awards for outstanding achievement in Thoroughbred racing and breeding in Canada; maintaining a field office in Canada for the Jockey Club of the United States and the Jockey Club Registry Service; and by representing Canada as a Member of the IFHA.
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