As the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame proudly celebrates its 50th Anniversary, the Nomination and Legend Committees of the organization have determined the induction categories to be recognized in 2026, along with the finalists for each category as follows:
The Thoroughbred categories and finalists appearing on the 2026 Election Ballot include:
Thoroughbred Builder – John Burness, Dr. Robert McMartin, DVM, Stanley Sadinsky
Thoroughbred Communicator – Michael Burns Jr., Neil Campbell, Bill Tallon
Jockey – Richard Dos Ramos, George HoSang, Emile Ramsammy
Thoroughbred Trainer – Gerald Bennett, Dale Saunders, Laurie Silvera
Thoroughbred Female Horse – Careless Jewel, Hard Not To Like, One For Rose
Thoroughbred Male Horse – Joshua Tree, Rahy’s Attorney, Fatal Bullet
The Standardbred categories and finalists appearing on the 2026 Election Ballot include:
Standardbred Builder – Al Libfeld, Hugh Mitchell, Dr. Maurice Stewart
Driver – Mary Clare MacDonald, Roger Mayotte, Mike Saftic
Standardbred Trainer – Doug Arthur, Fred Grant, Rod Hennessy
Standardbred Female Horse – Emilie Cas El, Put On A Show, West Of LA
Standardbred Male Horse – Arch Madness, Majestic Son, Marion Marauder
Standardbred Veteran – Frank Daniels, James “Roach” MacGregor, Western Dreamer
Those in the Legend Category include horses and people whose impact on Canadian horse racing took place at least 50 years prior to induction, with a particular focus on individuals considered “Unsung Heroes” and “Trailblazers” whose contributions helped shape the sport in Canada.
Thoroughbred Legend Finalists – Alfred Tarn, Kathleen Taylor, Kemo Inamasu, Osborn Morton, Eva Ring
Standardbred Legend Finalists – Retta Harrington, Fred Hill, Georgette Plouffe, William Henry Riddell, Wayne Smith.
The individual receiving the most votes in each of the above categories will be named a 2026 Inductee. The fourteen individuals, people and horses, to be included in the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame, 50th Anniversary Class, will be announced April 8.
Biographical information about all finalists can be found here.
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